Neil Armstrong's boyhood home in Wapakoneta, Ohio, has been listed for sale for the first time in nearly 40 years. The two-story house, where the Apollo 11 commander lived as a teenager, is owned by a retired history teacher dedicated to preserving its historical character.
During his time in the home at 601 W. Benton St., Armstrong developed his passion for aviation. He built model airplanes in the dining room and tested them using a basement wind tunnel. He also took flying lessons at a local airstrip, earning his pilot's license at age 16. The Armstrong family purchased the house in 1944. It is one of many reminders of the astronaut's legacy in his hometown.
The current owner, Karen Mikesell, purchased the home in 1988 and learned of its famous former resident shortly after. As a history teacher, she felt a responsibility to maintain the house as the Armstrongs had left it. Over the years, Mikesell has hosted several astronauts, including Buzz Aldrin, who flew to the moon with Armstrong and Michael Collins in 1969. Aldrin reportedly became emotional during a visit to Armstrong's former bedroom, recalling shared experiences.
Mikesell has received unique mementos from visitors, including a moon rock and a piece of gold foil from the Apollo 11 command module, gifted by one of the Navy frogmen involved in the mission's recovery. Autographed photos from visiting astronauts, often bearing personal messages thanking Mikesell for caring for Armstrong's home, are also displayed.
While the exterior of the house has changed little since the Armstrong family lived there, the interior has been updated. The garage, built by Armstrong and his father from scrap lumber, still stands in the backyard. Armstrong's former bedroom is now decorated with images related to the moon landing and a model of the Wright brothers' first production airplane, an early inspiration for Armstrong.
Mikesell, 82, hopes the next owner will respect the home's historical significance. She expressed a wish that someone might purchase it and donate it to the Armstrong Air and Space Museum, though the museum currently lacks the funds to acquire the property. The home is listed for $430,000. Mikesell stated, "It's time to let someone else have the opportunity to be as blessed as I've been, and to take care of it and keep it as a part of history."