You have seen some pictures of the progress as volunteers worked diligently to build the first phase of the Museum.  After a grand event to celebrate their efforts and formally open the Museum facilities, the public will have the opportunity to visit the National Museum of World War II Aviation this Saturday, October 27th, for the first time.  Docent led tours will be given sharing the importance of the Homefront effort in the United States and explaining the artifacts and aircraft on display.

 

  This is the only museum in the nation exclusively dedicated to telling the story of the remarkable effort to design, build, deploy and continually update the most powerful air force the world has ever seen.  The museum's scope is from the immediate pre-war period, when America's airpower was out of date and inadequate for the conflict at hand, to the end of World War II when America and its Allies controlled the skies of the European and Pacific theaters of war.

 

This docent led tour, which will take approximately two hours, will also give the visitor a view of future plans for the 20 acre complex including the building of two hangars with high technology computer interactive displays detailing the war effort in the United States.  The three existing Museum owned hangars have not only display areas for our visitors, but also work areas for volunteers to create new interactive displays such as gun turrets, working cockpit controls, a full Link trainer, and other World War II era displays.  The Museum today encompasses approximately 44,000 square feet of museum and volunteer work space.

 

    The reunion of the 39th Fighter Squadron Association which was held in conjunction with the grand opening brought some of our World War II veterans together where we were able to hear their comments and see their excitement around this National museum. The visiting veterans included pilots and ground personnel, Women Airforce Service Pilots, Tuskegee Airmen, and folks who worked the war effort in factories throughout the United States.

  

   As a part of the docent led tour, visitors will also be able to see actual World War II aircraft under intensive restoration to flying condition.  The Colorado Springs airport is becoming a place where flying World War II aircraft are a part of our aviation experience.  We look forward to seeing you on Saturday or in the very near future.  Share our community excitement and learn the details of this national museum development.  This is truly an educational facility so bring the entire family. 

 

Our website www.worldwariiaviation.org has been configured so visitors can purchase their ticket for the museum tour prior to their visit.  Dates, times, and fees are clearly posted as well as directions to the museum at the Colorado Springs airport.  Please take a moment to visit our updated website and plan on spending a few hours with our staff on this Saturday.  The Museum is a living work in progress thanks to our great volunteers and I know you will be excited about our efforts to reach this Phase One opening.  We are planning and fundraising toward the two hangar educational facility which is our next major phase in this museum development project.

 

Visit us this Saturday.  You may decide you want to be a part of the volunteer team.  Perhaps a financial donation is your best way to support the build out of this museum.  We would love your ideas, comments, and support.  Our veterans deserve to have their story survive.  All those on the Homefront have longed for their story to be told.  Our youth deserve relevant and challenging educational experiences around science, technology, engineering, and math.  Visit your National Museum of World War II Aviation at the Colorado Springs airport.