 The Mighty Eighth
Air Force Museum
175 Bourne Ave.
Pooler, GA. 31322
912.748.8888
|
|
| December 2008 |
Vol 1, Issue 1 |
|
Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum Newsletter |
|
|
|
|
| Greetings! |
Welcome to the first edition of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum's online newsletter. We are very excited to present all the Museum's great news and exciting activities to you electronically. This newsletter is designed to keep you informed of all the events, activities, new exhibits, programs, and sales the Museum has to offer. |
| 2008 Honor Tree
|
Each year, the
Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum displays the "Honor Tree" in the Museum's
Rotunda.
The giant lighted tree is filled with photographs of Veterans and Active Duty Military. To honor your loved one who is currently serving in the military or
is a veteran, send us a picture by email marketing@mightyeighth.org or mail a
copy of the photo (the photograph will not be returned) to the Museum: 175 Bourne Ave,
Pooler GA 31322 ATTN: Honor Tree. Be
sure to include the name of the soldier.
The Honor Tree will be on display November 22, 2008 through January 10, 2009.
|
| What was Christmas like during World War II? |
|
Christmas on the Homefront is a fun and educational hands-on activity about the holiday season during wartime. The Homefront activities are FREE and will focus on the way families and 8th Air Force troops celebrated Christmas during World War II. Christmas on the Homefront is great for kids ages 3 - 13 and will be ongoing between 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2008 and Saturday December 13, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Activities include:
- Creating Christmas Cards. Construction paper, old greeting cards, and fun. Scissors will be provided for the activity.
- Stringing popcorn and cranberries to decorate a tree.
- Cookie decorating with an emphasis on rationing during WWII and learning about the kinds of treats eaten during the war.
- Decorating salt dough ornaments to take home.
- Learning how the men of the 8th AF helped English children celebrate Christmas.
(Appointments for Christmas on the Homefront are also available for any group now though December 13. Call Heather Thies, Education Director, 912.748.8888 ext 106)
Book reading and signing with Annette Laing
On December 6, 2008 from 10 a.m.- 10:45 a.m., Annette Laing will be at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum to entertain children about Chirstmas during WWII. This free program, entitled "Christmas on the BRITISH Home Front" will teach kids how British kids enjoyed Christmas during World War Two without toys and with strict wartime food rations. She will show how American soldiers livened up Christmas for English kids separated from their families, and what exactly the Brits mean by "pantomime" and "Christmas cracker." Historian Dr. Annette Laing, author of the exciting and educational novel Don't Know Where, Don't Know When, about three Georgia kids who time-travel to World War II England,gives a fun interactive presentation that will have kids leaving singing. This event is held in conjunction with the Museum's "Christmas on the Homefront" activities.
|
| Warbirds Ball 2008 |
Attendees at the 2008 Warbirds Ball
The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum's annual Warbirds Ball was November 7, 2008 at the Museum. The theme, "Are the Stars Out Tonight?", featured many "stars" of the United States Military.
"This event is not just about the Museum. We have added a new level to the sponsorships which gives corporations and individuals the opportunity to share the evening with our courageous military. In addition to the sponsor's table of ten guests, the sponsorship will also provide a table for our active duty military to enjoy the evening. This is a great way to say 'thank you' to the men and women who sacrifice for the United States everyday" says Dr. Walt Brown, Museum President and CEO.
The enchanted evening began at 6:30p.m. with a reception and silent auction, followed by dinner from Chef Matt Cohen and music from the incredible Jeremy Davis and the Equinox Jazz Orchestra. Mike Manhatton, of the award winning WTOC11, was this year's emcee.
All proceeds from the gala help to support the Museum and its mission. The evening was a great success thanks to the sponsors and guests. Mark your calendars for the next Warbirds Ball to take place on November 6 2009!
| |
 |
| New Board of Trustees Members |
The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is pleased to have added new members to its distinguished Board of Trustees.
Yvonne Brusselmans-Daley Dunedin, FL
Eugene H. Buttle
Savannah, GA
Rose Cunningham
Atlanta, GA
Paul Grassey
Savannah, GA
David Leslie
Savannah, GA
John A. Lewis
Savannah, GA
Bill Shira
Savannah, GA
George Starks
Winter Springs, FL
John Telgener
Savannah, GA
Pat Ward
Pooler, GA
|
| Artifact Donations |
The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets artifacts related to the American Air Power, dating from World War II to present day operations. Our collection contains thousands of objects ranging from personal gear to aircraft and weaponry. Utilized for both exhibition and research purposes, these items serve as visual reminders of historic events and personal sacrifice. Highlights of the Artifact collection include hand-painted bomber jackets, POW material, aircraft and Medals of Honor.
Donations
Artifacts, archival materials and books may be added to the Museum's collections by means of gift, bequest, purchase, or exchange with other non-profit museums. Individual parties wishing to make a donation are requested to contact the Museum's Registrar at 912.748.8888, prior to sending or delivering material to the Museum.
| |
|
Great Gift Ideas from the Museum Gift Store
|
 The Museum Gift Store is the perfect place for all your Holiday shopping needs. We have great gift items for everyone on your list. From kid's t-shirts and bomber jackets, to beautiful jewelry for the ladies, to real leather A-2 Jackets for your guys. Not sure what to get? Tameka Ford can be your personal shopper to help you find a great gift for anyone on your list. Just give her a call 912.748.8888 ext 101 or email her at shopping@mightyeighth.org. Your perfect gift is just a click away. The store is open everyday during regular Museum hours, and 24-hours a day online.
The A-2 Leather Jacket (pictured right) is a classic WWII style jacket. The outer shell is made of goatskin, it's lining of 100% cotton and 100% wool knit cuffs and waistband is also true to the original.
|
|
B-17 On Its Way to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum
|
 After years of effort by many dedicated people associated with the Museum, the Smithsonian has agreed to transfer a B-17 Flying Fortress to our Museum. On November 18, Dr. Brown received an email from Dik Daso, the Smithsonian Curator. In short, this notes states "It is my privilege to
inform you that the deaccession and transfer of the Air and Space Museum's B-17G to the Mighty Eighth Air
Force Museum has been approved by the Regents.
Congratulations! When can you come pick her up?"
Dr. Brown and other Museum staff have met with those who will be responsible for moving the aircraft. As would be anticipated, a great deal of preparatory work must be accomplished in a very short perios of time in order to receive the plane. Given the current timeline, it is expected that the B-17 will begin its trek to Pooler by early January. We will keep you posted on the progress.
|
Host Your Next Event at the Museum
|
Looking for a unique location for your next reunion? Have a family member who is recently engaged and needs an enchanting spot for the wedding? Consider the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. We provide an entertaining and inspirational choice of venues for meeting events. Our facility is designed to accommodate meetings and events, large receptions, seated dinners, weddings, as well as business presentations and corporate hospitality. The Museum offers a wide range of additional services such as decor, audio/visual, entertainment, and also has wireless Internet connections in the meeting rooms. Our exclusive caterer, Chef Matt Cohen, can help you customize the perfect menu. From corporate catering and receptions to black tie affairs, allow the professional staff at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum to make your event truly memorable! For reservations or further information, please contact the Events Department, 912.748.8888 ext. 124 or by email events@mightyeighth.org |
Museum visited by UK Travel Agents
|
 On October 16, 2008, the Museum was visited by British Tour Agents. The group was visiting coastal Georgia as part of a tour to increase British vacations to our area. One of the stops during their visit was a trip to the Museum. The group loved the Museum and their experience. Some of the comments made by our British guests were "The Mighty 8th Museum was a really emotional experience that would be a must-see for anybody from this country," and "I really enjoyed the museum - it is excellent and I found it very moving."
|
Preserving the Victory
|
The Museum is proud to announce the "Behind the Scenes" tour of it's Collections. Located upstairs behind the library, the collections include priceless works of art, military artifacts, and personal accounts of the men who served in the Eighth during World War II. Many of these items will not be seen by the general public. Tours will be conducted Monday - Friday and must be reserved in advance as space is limited.
Highlights of the archival collection include personal diaries, original flight logs, technical manuals, military orders, target and personal photographs, and publications from World War II. All materials are carefully stored in a climate-controlled environment that actively protects and conserves the collection. The staff dedicates itself to preserving the items in an effort to reduce deterioration.
Museum and Archive Tour combo is only $15.00, and the Archive Tour alone $10.00. Call today to schedule your group's Archive Tour. 912.748.8888 |
Columbarium Update
|
 Construction has begun on the Eighth Air Force Museum's "Garden of Folded Wings" Columbarium. This magnificent Columbarium will be located directly behind the Museum's Chapel. In addition to beautiful granite surfaces, the Columbarium will feature the original terrazzo floor from the flight operations building at Hunter Army Air Field in Savannah.
This is the same floor that more than 70,000 crewman walked across boarding airplanes bound for England in WWII. For more information on the Columbarium, please call Henry Skipper at 912.748.8888 ext 123.
| |
|
We hope you've enjoyed reading the Museum's online newsletter. If you have any story ideas you think are a good fit for next month's edition please email Allison Stelljes-James or Tameka Ford.
Activated in 1942 in Savannah, GA the Eighth Air Force was an important strike element in World War II and remains an active force today. The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum honors the Mighty Eighth's proud legacy by preserving the stories of courage, character and patriotism displayed by the men and women of the Eighth Air Force from World War II to the present.
The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is open daily from 9AM until 5PM except New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The Museum is located just minutes from downtown Savannah in Pooler at 175 Bourne Avenue off I-95, exit 102. For more information, please visit call 912-748-8888.
Sincerely,
Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum
|
|
|
|
|
|
