I have driven past this museum on several occasions and on spotting the B47 parked outside the building thought that I should go there one day. This was the day and I am so pleased we made the time. It is quite extraordinary. As a person of British origin but now a US citizen, this relates to both "my" pasts and brings them together to tell a story of extraordinary heroism, sacrifice and achievement. I used to fly in the UK and often would fly above the remnants of old WW2 airfields, both British and US, made plain by the standard triangle of runways or at least their remnants in fields that have been reclaimed by nature or farmers. Just as when one flies in that corner of South East England that is the hallowed airspace where the Battle of Britain was fought, so as you pass over these fields or visit them to see little memorials on the ground, there is a feeling that brave men did great deeds which we still benefit from. There is part of one of the displays that lights up to show where all the Eighth Airforce related establishments were. You can see why they needed so many of them as the Eighth grew from nine officers to over three hundred thousand officers and enlisted men. This museum tells their stories. It speaks to both the glory and tragedy that comes from modern warfare and clearly details how the Mighty Eighth contributed to the downfall of the Axis powers in Europe. It tells the story on both a grand and a personal scale. For me the succession of A2 aircrew jackets with artwork on the back in so many display cases feel like something I could relate to easily. I bought one back in the 80s, a very good one made to exactly the same specification as those in WW2 and they are a very personal garment. Each of those was worn by a very brave man, many of whom would have to conquer their fears anew each time as they got into their planes for the long ride ahead into some of the most tenaciously defended airspace in the world. They would have to do these twenty-five to thirty times before they could go back home and those first few missions had appalling odds of survival.
Please go to this museum, it is an essential part of US and free world history. It is worth stopping at and not driving by and I for one am so pleased...
Read moreNestled in the charming city of Savannah, Georgia, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force stands as a testament to courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the men and women who served during World War II. From the moment you enter, you are immersed in the rich history and stirring stories of the Eighth Air Force.
The museum’s exhibits are meticulously curated, offering a comprehensive look at the role of the Eighth Air Force in shaping the outcome of the war. From interactive displays detailing the harrowing missions flown by bomber crews to poignant artifacts honoring the bravery of those who served, every corner of the museum is filled with fascinating insights and powerful reminders of the sacrifices made for freedom.
One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of aircraft, including iconic planes like the B-17 Flying Fortress and the P-51 Mustang. Visitors have the opportunity to get up close to these historic aircraft, marveling at their engineering prowess and imagining the courage it took to fly them into battle.
But perhaps the most moving aspect of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is its dedication to honoring the individuals who served. Through personal stories, photographs, and memorabilia, the museum brings to life the experiences of the men and women who fought and sometimes made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Beyond its educational value, the museum also serves as a place of reflection and remembrance. Its serene surroundings and thoughtful exhibits invite visitors to pause and contemplate the profound impact of war on both a global and personal scale.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a military buff, or simply someone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the past, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is an absolute must-visit. With its engaging exhibits, impressive collection, and heartfelt tribute to the heroes of the Eighth Air Force, it offers an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on...
Read more(This review is in regards to the event planning and coordination. The museum and volunteers are 5 stars and worth a a visit)
We recently had a wedding at the air force museum, and it was an experience. The venue and chapel are gorgeous and an excellent canvas for a wedding.
However, I would not recommend the Air-force museum because of the event planning team. From the start, they were near impossible to get ahold of, and this stayed true the entire wedding process.
It was literally impossible to contact the event planner through a phone call. Through 6 months of wedding planning, they were never in the office to answer the phone, even when they were scheduled. They never returned a voicemail. The only ways to get a response was to go to the museum and hope they were there, or we had to send an email. The emails received few responses, but at there was occasionally a response.
The nail in the coffin for me was the week before the wedding. There was crucial information we needed to know about setting up the museum. My wife, my mother in law, and I called her every day before the wedding. We got no response at all.
Since we could not speak with the wedding planning team beforehand, the rehearsal was disorganized. The event planner attempted to direct us instead of working with us. This could have been avoided with any communication before hand. On the wedding day, the planner was almost completely absent. Things went smoothly, other than the sound system.
In reflection, the reason this is a 1 star review is because the greatest stressor for the wedding was the venue. If the event planner had a clear line of communication, the stress on us would go from a 8/10 to a 2/10. Even 2-3 answered calls could have made our venue concerns stress free.
Since I don’t like everything being negative, here are some photos from our wedding. Most of the work being done by the wedding party and the...
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