Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
The next artifact is an accordion contained in a glass exhibit case. This artifact introduces us to the Kindertransport, a program created in 1938 that allowed 10,000 predominantly Jewish children from Nazi Germany, Austria and Poland to flee to the United Kingdom. Those children were placed in foster homes, hostels and schools. They were often the only members of their families to survive the......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
Move to the grouping of photos on the left side of this exhibit. These buildings and places represent “Places of Ha’Shoah” – places where the events of the Holocaust took place. Tucson photographer Cy Lehrer used heavy black borders and film base to enhance the dramatic effect of his imagery. This technique encourages the viewer to experience the starkness of the photo and suggests an......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
One may say there are really no bad ideas when it comes to research and development of aircraft. Ideas that do not necessarily come to fruition for one project may work out wonderfully for the next. The museum’s Research & Development Gallery honors the pioneering spirit of air power visionaries who have sought through the decades to achieve greater possibilities. Take, for example, the......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
Probably no other gallery holds more history than the museum’s Presidential Gallery. Nine aircraft that supported presidents, diplomats, visiting heads of state and other dignitaries are spread throughout this exhibit area. The crown jewel of the gallery is a Boeing VC-137C commonly referred to as SAM 26000 [pronounced Sam two-six-thousand]. This was the first jet made specifically for use......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
On a nice day, step back in history when you visit the outdoor area of the museum. The Eighth Air Force Control Tower, a representation of a World War Two-era control tower in Great Britain, is one of the first things you see as you enter the main drive. Just beside it are the Nissen Huts. These – more or less — temporary structures are examples of where airmen lived, worked and played.......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
Dominating the Missile & Space Gallery are missiles and a space launch vehicle standing upright in the silo-like facility. The gallery is designed to give visitors a slight feeling of being in an underground silo. The vehicles represent American airmen's proud heritage of nuclear deterrence and the Air Force’s leadership in space. Since 1959, U.S. Air Force strategic nuclear-armed missiles......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
Since the beginning of space travel, the U.S. Air Force has been an integral player in research and development, as well as a vital partner with NASA. The Missile & Space Gallery guides you through the history of the U.S. Air Force involvement with space through manned-spaceflight, missiles, mice and even monkeys. The first thing you see when entering the gallery is the Apollo 15 command......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
So where is the United States Air Force headed? Aircraft in the Cold War Gallery give a picture as to what the future of the Air Force will look like. The B-2, although it has been around for several years, represents how precision, stealth aircraft is being efficiently used today. The museum’s B-2 is the world’s only permanent public display of this type of aircraft. The bomber on display......
