The 5K run/walk is to benefit the restoration of the Museum's B-17 the "City of Savannah". Runners will begin the 5K course at the Museum and wind their way through the sprawling campus of fellow neighbor JCB, ending back at the Museum. Registration is $25!

Register Online!

Come remember those who served our country. All veterans will be recognized. Veterans will receive a special admission rate of $5 to the Museum

The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum was proud to host the World Premiere of the History Channel's "World War II in HD - The Air War" on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the Lucas Theatre. "World War II in HD - The Air War" tells the untold story of the American 8th Air Force's bloody battle to defeat the German Luftwaffle in the months leading up to D-Day. This program will air on the History Channel on Wednesday, November 10th at 9 pm.

Children's Model Building Class

November 20, 2010

Children's Model Airplane Building Classes will be held at 10 am, 1 pm & 3 pm. The class is free & child's admission is included with the purchase of a model airplane. World War II model airplanes will be on sale in the Museum's Gift Store for $12. Unique model airplanes from the Museum's archive collection wiill be on display!

You might consider this a bit early to start your Christmas plans, but the Events Department is already full of activity with December bookings.  And what a super event they have lined up for anyone who wishes to join us! 

After last year's success, the "Biggest Little Christmas Party" is in high demand by our local businesses.  It is a fun, economical and effortless solution to celebrate with co-workers and mingle with other area businesses.  Tables of ten (10) include DJ, dinner in our magnificently decorated Rotunda and a cash bar.  Come rock around our Christmas tree - - last year, over 250 people did!

For more information call the events department 912.748.8888

Pictured: CEO Henry Skipper accepts the donation of the benches from the Eighth Air Force Historical Society.

The Eighth Air Force Historical Society along with the Sun City Woodworkers and Modelmakers Guild has built eight maple benches and donated them to the Museum. The benches represent about 140 man-hours of generous service by members of the Guild. The benches will be distributed around the museum to provide welcome resting places for visitors.

This month we will gather with our family and friends and give thanks for all of our many blessings.  So at this time we would like to thank all of you for your support of our online store and our Museum store. 

To show our appreciation we will be discounting our New 8^th Logo Jackets, Sweat Shirts and Explorer Jackets by 15% through Thanksgiving, November 25th.   For the youngster we will discount our Youth Aviator and Youth Bomber Jackets by 10%.  Remember to order by November 25^th to receive the discount.

Cyber Monday November 29^th, FREE Ground Shipping!

The Visitors' Services Staff wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

Robert Waldrop was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and joined the Army Air Corps in 1942.  He was assigned to the 367thSQ of the 306thBG of the 8thAF in Bedford, England.  He flew in B-17's as left waist gunner.  On a mission to Frankfurt on February 4, 1944, the Germans shot down Bob's plane.  It was only his fifth mission.  German soldiers caught him after his entire crew bailed out.  Bob was lying on the ground unable to walk from the pain of a broken ankle and bootless from his boots flying off from the force of the wind from bailing out when one of the soldiers tried to pull off his helmet and goggles as a souvenir without undoing the chin strap. The Germans threw him in a truck and he spent about eight months in Stalag Luft VI near Silute in East Prussia.  As the Russian Army advanced toward the area the POW's were moved first in the cargo hold of coal ships and then by land.   Inside the ship hold they were shackled together with no food or water and only buckets for relief.  The smell was overwhelming and many were sea sick as well.  Their journey ended at Stalag Luft IV in Tychowo, Poland where Bob spent another six months until they were forced to move again. 

Prelude to War

Upon entering the exhibit area of the museum from the Rotunda, visitors first encounter the Prelude to War exhibit.  This exhibit explains how Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany and later came to control much of mainland Europe.  The exhibit features a time line that outlines the November 1918 armistice ending the bloody trench warfare of WWI, the Treaty of Versailles signed five months later, and its harsh terms that created conditions in Germany leading to the rise of Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers [Nazi] Party. The peace treaty that the newly formed Weimar Republic was forced to sign placed sole blame for starting the war, as well as an acknowledgement of defeat on Germany - both arguable points to most Germans.  The treaty further stipulated that Germany be stripped of territory, disarmed and prohibited from rebuilding its military, and forced to pay huge reparations (essentially to repay the victorious Allied powers for their costs of the war).

The time line features significant dates and events during the turbulent 1920's and early 30's in Germany when economic and social chaos caused by high unemployment and inflation became the breeding ground for many opposition political parties struggling to overthrow the ineffective Weimar government.  Public demonstrations, extremist oratory, street violence, and intimidation were commonplace.  Hitler and his Nazi storm troopers excelled at these tactics as they promoted an agenda that included rejection of the Versailles treaty; demand for expansion territory; restoration of German military power and national pride; and placing blame for Germany's problems on Jews, Communists, and other targeted "Weimar traitors".  Hitler's popularity continued to grow throughout the early 1930's as the indoctrination of the German public continued through Hitler's powerful oratory skills, relentless party propaganda, and the distinctive visual impact of the Nazi blood banner and swastika symbol which seemed to appear everywhere.  Success was achieved in 1933 when Hitler was named Chancellor of Germany by the President Paul Von Hindenburg, and later given "emergency powers" by an intimidated Reichstag.  Upon Hindenburg's death the following year, Hitler abolished the office of President and simply appointed himself sole head of state, as "der Fuhrer" (the Leader).

I am pleased to report that the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum was named as a beneficiary in the estate of John T. Butterwick, PH.D. This bequest will help provide the funding necessary for the expansion of important Museum programs and provide a foundation for our long range planning.  

Dr. Butterwick served with distinction in World War II. His work in indoctrinating combat air crews in escape and evasion, "Lessons in Escape", was credited with saving countless lives. He received the Bronze Star for this service. In Germany, after the war, as chief of the Reports Branch, Control Office of Military Government, he edited all of the military government reports. During the extremely crucial period of the East-West conflict and the Berlin Blockade, he prepared the secret daily situation report on Berlin to the Department of the Army for the Secretary of Defense and top level officials. Later he served with the United Nations in Korea where he earned his Black Belt in Tang Soo Do (Karate). Upon completion of his Military Career Lt. Col. Butterwick was awarded the "Award of the Joint Service Commendation Medal" for his work in intelligence.

Dr. Butterwick had a great love for the Museum and it's Mission. The Museum is grateful to Dr. Butterwick for this bequest and is honored to be associated with his legacy.