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14 Things to Know About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

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Located in Pooler, a suburb of Savannah, The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force aims to preserve 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. At the museum, you’ll hear the unforgettable stories of bravery, experience a bomber mission and briefing, and see the ongoing restoration of the World War II B-17 Flying Fortress. The museum offers large group tours for people of all ages, and tours are often conducted by WWII Veterans.

  1. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to telling the stories of the Eighth Air Force, which was activated in 1942.
  2. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is home to “Mission Experience” – a video series that allows guests to experience a bombing mission.
  3. Thinking of bringing the entire classroom to the museum? Not a problem! The museum welcomes student groups of all sizes and ages. Over 20,000 students visit the museum every year, and many visit include overnight stays!
  4. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is home to five static aircrafts, including hundreds of model airplanes. One aircraft, a B-17 named “The City of Savannah”, is dedicated to and named after the 5,000th plane to leave Hunter Army Airfield during WWII. 
  5. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force has a large volunteer group, including several WWII 8th Air Force Veterans.
  6. The museum is a nonprofit 501 organization, so it receives no government support. They are funded solely by donations and grants.
  7. If you love to read about history, you’ll definitely want to experience the museum’s research center, which is center is home to over 10,000 books, diaries and historical documents.
  8. Inside the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is Miss Sophie’s, a delightful restaurant serving lunch items like deli sandwiches, wraps and fresh salads. The restaurant is open for lunch during the week, and is also available for event catering.
  9. The museum has a private art collection permanently on display in the Colonial Group, Inc. Art Gallery.
  10. The museum has an exhibit dedicated to the Girl Scouts in WWII and has a “Women through Time” badge available for Girl Scouts.
  11. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force has a full event staff, available to help plan events from small business gatherings to large, formal weddings. In fact, the museum’s English chapel hosts weddings and memorials year-round.
  12. The beautifully manicured Memorial Garden is perfect for a peaceful walk. There are many beautiful memorials throughout the garden on both sides of the reflective pool. All the memorials in the Garden have been purchased by Eighth Air Force veterans or by their families.
  13. The museum’s powerful and interactive P.O.W. exhibit tells the personal stories of several WWII prisoners of war.
  14. The museum doesn’t just honor the 8th Air Force – it’s also home to exhibits honoring the famed Tuskeegee Airmen, WASPs, and Women on the Homefront.
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