National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force - Spring Tour 2024
2024-04-04 - 2024-04-14 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
Visit the airbases of the Eighth Air Force in England to gain a deeper understanding of their bravery and dedication.

Airbase GA Open House
2024-06-22 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia, 1200 Echo Ct, Peachtree City, GA, 30269, United States

Author Talk with the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
2024-08-25 14:00 - 15:00 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s monthly Author Talk series is proud to host the United States debut of Brian E. Krapf’s new book A Churchill Treasury | Sir Winston’s Public Service Through Memorabilia on August 25th at 2:00 pm.
This event is free to the public, but registration is required: Register here
About the Book
A Churchill Treasury fulfills a market need for publishing a new book documenting memorabilia from Sir Winston Churchill’s decades of public service. Globally called Churchilliana, these items encompass over 60 years of materials, including badges, ribbons, textiles, porcelain, glassware and ephemera with the last Churchilliana book being published over 20 years ago as a collectors’ guide. A Churchill Treasury will be enjoyed by collectors as well as readers interested in history since it uses period items to portray and explain Sir Winston’s public service, starting with his father and chief inspiration, Lord Randolph and ending with retirement after his second premiership.
A Churchill Treasury includes many rare items and pieces seen by the public for the very first time. Readers of all ages will enjoy learning about Sir Winston as they discover and appreciate the period pieces shown here.
About the Author
Besides being an accomplished civil trial lawyer in Savannah, Georgia, Brian E. Krapf has avidly collected period Churchilliana for over thirty-five years. According to fellow collectors, he has assembled the premier collection of Winston Churchill memorabilia in the United States. He is an active member of the International Churchill Society and has published a monthly Churchilliana column in the organization’s Chartwell Bulletin for the past six years. Likewise, items from the Krapf collection have been reproduced several times as cover illustrations for ICS’s Finest Hour quarterly journal. Additionally, Mr. Krapf is an avid collector and conservator of American presidential campaign memorabilia. He formerly served seven years as the national President of the American Political Items Collectors. He has been honored with APIC’s highest award, induction into the organization’s Hall of Fame. He is also a published political historian, and has been a guest on CNN, MSNBC and NPR. American items from the Krapf collection have been featured in History Channel documentaries and also in major printed media publications. Additionally, Mr. Krapf served as an advisor to Congress on proposed amendments to the Hobby Protection Act.

Sky Legends Motorcoach Tour
2024-08-27 08:00 - 17:00 | GA
Embark on a memorable one-day journey between two trail partners, from the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force to the Museum of Aviation near Warner Robins Air Force Base. Home to a stunning collection of vintage aircraft, this museum offers a captivating experience for aviation enthusiasts.

This VIP tour provides a chance to get up close to their newly restored Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress. Opt for a guided tour with one of the museum’s knowledgeable volunteers or explore the impressive exhibits on your own.

Enjoy a catered lunch from Warner Robins’ favorite, The Butcher Shop, as you delve into the rich aviation history on display. This is a day of discovery, inspiration, and exceptional cuisine that you won’t want to miss. Reserve your spot today!

Don’t miss this opportunity on Sunday, September 15th!

Secure your spot for just $99 per person.

For more information, or to register, click here.

Cadet Park and Charles Loring Memorial Groundbreaking
2024-09-09 10:00 - 11:00 | WWII Flight Training Base Douglas, GA, 1 Airport Circle, DOUGLAS, GA, 31533, United States
The City of Douglas and the WWII Flight Training Museum are excited to announce the groundbreaking for the Charles Loring Memorial at the newly named Cadet Park on the historic WWII Flight Training Base in Douglas. Rescheduled due to Hurricane Deby, the Groundbreaking will now be Monday September 9, 2024, 10a at 1 Airport Circle. Cadet Park aims to honor the aviation cadets who underwent primary flying training in Douglas and Major Charles J. Loring, Jr., Class 1943-B and Medal of Honor recipient.
The Airbase, home of the WWII Flight Training Museum, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearly 10,000 aviation cadets were here to learn to fly. Charles Loring was a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot and POW during WWII. In Korea, he led four P-80 Shooting Star jets against enemy gun emplacements. Hit by ground fire, Loring dove his cripple jet into the enemy position. With the guns silenced, the other three aircraft safely returned to base. For his actions, he posthumously received our Nation’s highest honor for valor. On July 27, 2024, the Republic of Korea bestowed their Nation’s highest honor to Major Loring for his bravery and sacrifice.
If you can’t attend the groundbreaking, stop by the Museum, and watch the progress as this project becomes a reality.

Author Talk with The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
2024-09-12 18:30 - 19:30 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s monthly Author Talk series is proud to present Howard Mansfield, who will discuss his book I Will Tell No War Stories: What Our Fathers Left Unsaid about World War II. This program presented by the museum will take place on September 12th at 6:30 pm at the Skidaway Island Community Church, 50 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, Ga 31411.
The event is free to the public, but registration is required: Register here
About the Book
When Howard Mansfield grew up, World War II was omnipresent and hidden. This was also true of his father’s time in the Air Force. Like most of his generation, it was a rule not to talk about what he’d experienced in war. “You’re not getting any war stories from me,” he’d say. Cleaning up the old family house the year before his father’s death, Mansfield was surprised to find a short diary of the bombing missions he had flown. Some of the missions were harrowing. Mansfield began to fill in the details, and to be surprised again, this time by a history he thought he knew.
I Will Tell No War Stories is about undoing the forgetting in a family and in a society that has hidden the horrors and cataclysm of a world at war. Some part of that forgetting was necessary for the veterans, otherwise how could they come home, how could they find peace?
About the Author
Howard Mansfield is the author of 13 books, including The Sam Ax, Twice, In the Memory House, Turn and Jump, Chasing Eden, and, most recently, I Will Tell No War Stories. In 2023, his books were honored with the Ruth & James Ewing Arts Awards for Literary Arts.
Masfield’s work has been honored with a Gold Medal for Commentary for City and Regional Magazines, a Silver medal from the Independent Publisher Book Awards, and as a Feature Story Finalist in the National City and Regional Magazine Awards. He received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Franklin Pierce University.

Wick Searcy Memorial Clay Shoot
2024-09-20 12:30 - 21:30 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
Shotguns, sport shooting and the Eighth Air Force may not seem to have much in common; however, gunners often developed and honed their skills by shooting skeet. In fact, one of the artifacts in the Mighty Eighth Museum’s vast objects collection is Captain Leo H. Kerns’ (20 th FG/77 th FS) Squadron Skeet Team medal.

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s annual Wick Searcy Memorial Clay Shoot honors the memory of our past Chairman of the Board, Major General William N. (Wick) Searcy, USAF, Ret., who passed away unexpectedly in late 2018. Proceeds from this event are invested in the history and STEM education programs for the thousands of schoolchildren and their teachers who avail themselves of these resources each year, both at the museum and through outreach programs.

Register here

Sorry, We're Closed
2024-09-26 11:00 - 2024-09-27 16:00 | GA
The National Hurricane Center has issued Hurricane Watches and Warnings across South Georgia. For your safety, the WWII Flight Training Museum will be closed Thursday, September 26 and Friday September 27. Stay safe during the storm.

Currahee Military Weekend
2024-10-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-04 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Currahee Military Museum, Toccoa, ga, 30577, United States
In July 1942, 5,000 men arrived at the remote training camp 5 miles outside of Toccoa, Georgia at Currahee Mountain for training as a new type of soldier – a paratrooper. Over the next few years 17,000 soldiers from 501st, 506th, 511th, and 517th Parachute Infantry Division (PID) trained at Camp Toccoa in preparation to defend the free world from the German offensive that was World War II.
Plan your trip now for the Currahee Military Weekend Experience! You will not regret it!
Allied/Axis Encampments will be set up on the lawn of the Stephens County Courthouse as well as the Welcome Center Parking Lot on Friday and Saturday. Toccoa Army-Navy Store will be open all weekend!

2024 Currahee Challenge Run
2024-10-05 08:00 - 12:00 | Currahee Military Museum, Toccoa, ga, 30577, United States
The Currahee Challenge takes place from the base of Currahee Mountain on the Colonel Robert Sink Trail, the training site of the 501st, 506th, 511th and 517th Parachute Infantry Regiments seen in Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan & The Dirty Dozen. Come and join us for an excellent and challenging 5K run/walk or 10K hill run. PLEASE NOTE: the finish line will remain open until 11:30 am.
Online Registration

The Girl Who Wore Freedom Documentary Film Screening with Director Christian Taylor
2024-10-23 11:00 - 12:00 | GA
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force invites the public to a special screening of the documentary film, The Girl Who Wore Freedom, with Director Christian Taylor on Wednesday, October 23rd 2024 at 11:00am.
The event is free to the public, but registration is required: https://forms.gle/HNeZejvWfXNQJBf97
About the Documentary
The Girl Who Wore Freedom, an evocative documentary, brings viewers to the historic shores of Normandy, France, a region forever marked by the harrowing events of World War II. Through the eyes of French survivors and American veterans, the film recounts the stories of liberation, gratitude, and enduring bonds forged during the Allied invasion on June 6, 1944.
Featuring emotional interviews with individuals like Dany Patrix, Maurice Lecoueur, and Henri-Jean Renaud, the documentary delves into the journey from German occupation to freedom, exploring themes of forgiveness and pride. Highlights include visits to Brecourt Manor, a critical battle site for Easy Company – the famed “Band of Brothers” – and personal accounts from children of D-Day, who were cared for by American soldiers after losing their families.
The film also follows Flo Plana on his mission to preserve the stories of World War II veterans for the Utah Beach D-Day Museum, introducing viewers to heroes such as Ceo Bauer, Charles Shay, and Bob DeVinney. Their reflections, alongside the stories of French civilians, paint a vivid portrait of a generation’s resilience.
Today, Normandy stands as a living war museum, a testament to the sacrifices made for freedom. The documentary concludes with contemporary celebrations of D-Day, where the French continue to honor the American soldiers who helped free their land.
The Girl Who Wore Freedom is a moving reminder that freedom comes at a cost, and those who defended it will never be forgotten.
About the Director
Christian Taylor’s 35-year entertainment industry career spans stage, screen, and sound booth, as she has been talent, producer, director, casting director, and coach. Christian began her career in the entertainment industry interviewing Senators on Capitol Hill with the TV/Radio department of the Senate, The Senate Republican Conference. She received her BA in Theater and Broadcasting from The Catholic University while working in radio and TV on The Hill.

Guest Speaker at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
2024-11-09 11:00 - 12:30 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s Author Talk series is proud to present Jeff Duford, who will be discussing Eighth Air Force Technology | WWII to the Cold War. This program will take place on Saturday, November 9th at 11:00 am at the museum.
Duford will explore the critical role of technological advancement in shaping American air and space power. Discover how the Air Force’s labs have been instrumental in developing essential capabilities throughout history, from the technologies that enabled the strategic bombing campaigns of World War II to Cold War innovations that countered communist numerical superiority, such as stealth, laser-guided bombs, and GPS.
The presentation will delve into the significant contributions of early pioneers like Sanford Moss and Sam Heron at McCook Field in the 1920s, as well as the Aeromedical Research Laboratory under Harry Armstrong’s leadership in the 1930s. Through these stories, we’ll uncover how key technologies like radial engines, turbosuperchargers, the Norden bombsight/autopilot system, and aircraft pressurization were developed to support the USAAF’s efforts against Germany and Japan.
The event is free to the public, but registration is required: https://forms.gle/PMzuvcumGSZehUXZ7
About the Speaker: Jeff Duford is a seasoned history and museum professional, dedicated to excellence and integrity. He has a proven track record of planning, leading, and developing award-winning projects and exhibits that communicate complex historical narratives with precision, sensitivity, and an acute awareness of diverse audiences. Jeff’s expertise extends to public speaking, with extensive experience in interviews with local, national, and international media, bringing history to life.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force:
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include a fully restored B-17 “Flying Fortress” and the multimedia “Mission Experience,” an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.

Upson Historical Society's Veterans Day Program.
2024-11-09 11:00 - 14:00 | GA
The Upson Historical Society is having their Veterans Day Program – 11AM-2PM – on Saturday, November 9th at the Pettigrew-White-Stamps House, 800 South Church Street, Thomaston, GA 30286.
The guest speaker will be Dan Brue, Colonel U.S. Army (retired). Following the program, refreshments and tours of the WWII exhibits, “Thomaston Goes to War” in the PWS House Museum, partner of the GA World War II Heritage Trail.
The public is cordially invited to attend.
If the weather is inclement, the program will be held at the pavilion in the Greatest Generation Memorial Park. For more information: Call 706-601-3610 or email upsonhistoricalsociety1968@gmail.com

Airbase GA Veterans Day Open House
2024-11-10 12:00 - 16:00 | Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia, 1200 Echo Ct, Peachtree City, GA, 30269, United States

National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force to open on Veterans Day
2024-11-11 10:00 - 17:00 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
In tribute to our nation’s heroes, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force will open its doors on Monday, November 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for Veterans Day, welcoming veterans with free admission as a token of gratitude for their service.
A special “Ringing of the Bells” ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the museum’s Memorial Garden near the Chapel, an annual tradition to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. This solemn event commemorates the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, with each bell toll symbolizing peace, remembrance, and the courage of all who have served.
The museum’s exhibits and historical artifacts offer visitors an immersive experience into the stories of the Eighth Air Force, known as the ‘Mighty Eighth,’ whose members courageously defended the skies over Europe during World War II. The public is welcome to explore these powerful displays and reflect on the significance of Veterans Day.

Veterans Day Bells of Peace
2024-11-11 11:00 - 11:30 | WWII Flight Training Base Douglas, GA, 1 Airport Circle, DOUGLAS, GA, 31533, United States
The WWII Flight Training Museum in conjunction with the Douglas Coffee County Veterans Park Committee and South Georgia State College plans to broadcast the Bells of Peace over the college giant voice alert system. With the destruction from Hurricane Helene to the college campus, this may not be possible. We ask that you access the Bells of Peace webapp on your smartphone or computer at https://2023.bellsofpeace.org/index.php/your-bells-webapp.
The Bells of Peace marks a National U.S. remembrance initiated in 2018, to honor the WWI Armistice on its 100th anniversary. Ever since, the Doughboy Foundation has promoted the annual remembrance with tens of thousands having rung the Bells of Peace at 11am on Veterans Day, to salute all Americans who served their nation in both conflict and times of peace.
The event includes countdown to Bells of Peace, the tolling of the bells 21 times, followed by a moment of reflection, selection of readings, then the playing of Taps. We asked everyone to toll the bells on Veterans Day. It is our hope that this becomes an annual event for you to honor all who served in our Nation’s military. Will you toll the bells?

Author Talk at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
2024-11-13 11:00 - 12:30 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s Author Talk series is proud to present John Patrick Murphy, who will read and discuss his collection of poetry, World War II in Simple Poetry. This program will take place on Wednesday, November 13th, at 11:00 a.m. at the museum.
World War II in Simple Poetry offers a unique glimpse into the heart of history through accessible, evocative verses. With each poem, readers are taken back to pivotal moments and daily realities faced by those who served during WWII. This brief yet impactful collection connects readers to the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the men who fought for victory, making it an ideal introduction for those looking to understand the war’s essence in a simpler, poetic form.
The program is free to the public, but registration is required: https://forms.gle/HRPg3iLoPtJm8e1P8
About the Author:
John Patrick Murphy, a devoted WWII enthusiast, has spent years studying and preserving the stories of the Greatest Generation. Living in Marietta with his wife, he dedicates much of his time to exploring the history of WWII and sharing his insights with fellow history buffs.

Author Talk at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
2024-11-20 11:00 - 12:30 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s Author Talk series is proud to present Karen Hoaglund & Donna Burgard, who discuss the story of Lt. John R. “Bob” Hanzlik in Memoir of a World War II B-24 Pilot | The Story in His Own Words. This program will take place on Wednesday, November 20th, at 11:00 a.m. at the museum.
This program is free to the public, but registration is requested at https://forms.gle/9qhHn4zb4cejJDo57
About the Book:
This powerful story brings WWII history to life through the vivid, unfiltered letters of a young aviator. In his own words, readers witness his journey from a fresh-faced recruit to a battle-hardened combat pilot and, ultimately, a prisoner of war—all within three transformative years. Through his candid letters to his mother and father, we see a rare, intimate view of his daily experiences, capturing moments of humor, resilience, and raw honesty. Rediscovered decades later, these letters are a poignant gift, offering an authentic glimpse into one man’s personal wartime journey and his unwavering connection with family.

Cadet Park and Charles Loring Memorial Dedication
2024-11-22 10:00 - 11:00 | WWII Flight Training Base Douglas, GA, 1 Airport Circle, DOUGLAS, GA, 31533, United States

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day & Ceremony at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
2024-12-01 14:00 - 15:00 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States

Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Day
2024-12-06 10:00 - 11:00 | WWII Flight Training Base Douglas, GA, 1 Airport Circle, DOUGLAS, GA, 31533, United States
The WWII Flight Training Museum in collaboration with the Douglas Coffee County Veterans Park Committee will host the Annual Pearl Habor Remembrance Day Event at the WWII Flight Training Base in Douglas, Georgia. The event is on Friday December 6th at 10a.
Class 1942-D, the first class of aviation cadets arrived at the 63rd Flying Training Detachment (Primary) in Douglas, Georgia on October 5, 1941. They completed their training here on December 12, 1941, before they went on to further training. These young men arrived to learn to fly and left to prepare for combat. So, it is fitting this year’s Pearl Harbor Day event be held on the historic WWII Flight Training Base and newly dedicated Cadet Park.
The program includes a welcome by the Mayor of Douglas, presentation of the Colors by Coffee High JNROTC cadets, the pledge of allegiance and singing of our National Anthem by students from Citizens Christian Academy students, local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars essay winners, and flyover by a PT-17 Stearman. WWII reenactors plan to be present with special displays. The Museum will also be open for tours.
Come join us as we “Remember Pearl Harbor” and what this day means to our Nation’s history. Will we see you there?

Author Talk at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
2024-12-07 11:00 - 12:30 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s Author Talk series is proud to present Carole Engle Avriett, who will read and discuss her book, Midnight in Ironbottom Sound: The Harrowing Story of Heroism in the Shark-Infested Waters of the Guadalcanal with a special introduction by Rear Admiral Cedric Pringle. This program will take place on Saturday, December 7h, at 11:00 a.m. at the museum.
The program is free to the public, but registration is requested https://forms.gle/75rsYoGWCsNSMzem9
About the Book:
In Midnight in Ironbottom Sound, Carole Engle Avriett brings to light the heroic yet overlooked story of the USS Gregory, a “minor” vessel in World War II that played a crucial role in the Pacific. Focusing on Lt. Commander Harry F. Bauer and Mess Attendant Charles J. French—two men from opposite ranks—Avriett captures their courage and resilience as they faced unrelenting battles to transport Marine Raiders. Through vivid storytelling, this book honors the ship’s brave crew and reminds us that valor knows no rank or color, only dedication and courage.
About the Author:
Carole Engle Avriett is a the nationally known speaker and author of the bestselling Coffin Corner Boys: One Bomber, Ten Men, and their Harrowing Escape from Nazi-Occupied France. Currently, she invests her skills full time in writing Christian books and military history memoirs, as well as hosting a weekly Bible study and leading women’s conferences—often sharing her powerful testimony of personal struggle until Christ came into her life at the age of thirty. She and her husband live in central Florida.
About the Admiral:
Rear Admiral Cedric E. Pringle, the 31st Commandant of the National War College in Washington, D.C., oversees academic policies, curriculum, and classroom excellence. A University of South Carolina graduate, he holds master’s degrees in Financial Management and National Security Strategy. His distinguished sea service includes engineering roles on the USS Ranger and USS Portland, command of USS Whidbey Island during Hurricane Katrina relief, and leadership of the Navy’s first hybrid propulsion ship, USS Makin Island. Ashore, he has served in strategic roles, including Navy Senate Liaison and Joint Task Force Matthew commander. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Navy’s Stars and Stripes Award.

H+STEM Day at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
2025-01-18 10:00 - 15:00 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force will be hosting a student educational day event on Saturday, January 18. The focus is SPACE Exploration from WWII to the present. Hands on activities are included! 10am-3pm
Admission is $6.00 for students/adults! Children under 6, WWII veterans and members are always free!

Eighth Air Force's 83rd Anniversary
2025-01-28 10:00 - 17:00 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is excited to invite you to the museum on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, to celebrate the 83rd anniversary of the creation of the Eighth Air Force.
On January 28, 1942, the charter for the Eighth Air Force was created in a former National Guard Armory in Savannah, Georgia. The Eighth Air Force played a crucial role in the Allied victory during World War II and continues to serve as a vital part of our nation’s defense.
To honor this historic occasion, we are offering discounted admission for only $8. This is a great opportunity to explore the exhibits and learn more about the history of the Eighth Air Force. We hope to see you!

Author Talk at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
2025-02-01 11:00 - 13:00 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s monthly Author Talk series is proud to present Kaitlin Oster, who will be discussing her grandparents love story in Letters to Loretta: The World War II Love Letter Story of Harold & Loretta Schwerdt. This event will take place on February 1st at 11:00 am at the museum.
The event is free to the public, but registration is required. Please register here.

Optional Lunch: Join us for an optional lunch afterwards. $12cash/credit for members or $15 cash/credit for non-members.

About the PresenterKaitlin Oster is the creator of The Letters to Loretta Series and currently a professor of English and American Cinema Genres based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Prior to earning her Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting from the David Lynch School of Cinematic Arts, she spent much her childhood in the company of her grandparents, Harold and Loretta, at their small creekfront house on Long Island. After Loretta’s passing in 2007, Harold gifted Kaitlin a small box stuffed with around 120 letters, and she read and transcribed them all to both work through her own grief and preserve her grandparents’ story. After losing Harold in 2019, Kaitlin found herself on a years-long deep-dive into the stark conditions of Stalag XVII-B prison camp, since most of the letters were written on German prison parchment. The Letters to Loretta Series was created to show not only the atrocities of war, but the power of the human will—and with the support of award-winning journalist Alex Hollings—Kaitlin was given a 35-week platform on Sandboxx News to share this story. Throughout the five years that she worked on this project, Kaitlin’s message has always been clear—love is the greatest weapon of all—and she is honored to share her grandparents’ journey to the public with the support of the Museum of the Mighty 8th.

2025 Super Museum Sunday
2025-02-09 12:00 - 16:00 | GA
Explore history, arts, and culture in communities throughout Georgia as over 100 museums and historic sites across the state open to the public for free during this popular event organized as part of the annual Georgia History Festival. Check out our Partners on the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail.

Author Talk at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
2025-02-20 11:00 - 13:00 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA, 31322, United States
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s monthly Author Talk series is proud to present author & astronaut Jan Davis, PhD., who will be discussing how her father spent his time as a POW during World War II in Air Born: Artistic Musings of a WWII Pilot & POW. This event will take place on February 20th at 11:00 am at the museum.

Optional Lunch: Join us for an optional lunch afterwards. $10/12 cash/credit for members or $15/17cash/credit for non-members.

The program is free to the public, but registration is required: https://forms.gle/n6WXLfiYKyjUQkPq7

About the BookWhen lifelong artist and World War II B-17 pilot Ben Smotherman was shot down over Holland in July 1943, he was soon captured and interrogated by the Luftwaffe at Dulag Luft. Upon being transferred to the Luftwaffe camp Stalag Luft III, he found himself a prisoner of war (POW), held captive with countless other men who ached for a connection home and freedom.
During his time in captivity, Ben kept his Wartime Log to chronicle his daily life – with the unique inclusion of beautiful watercolor paintings and pencil drawings. In addition, he applied his talents to create PENNY, an engaging and well-loved comic strip following a female war correspondent of the same name. This comic strip not only entertained and enthralled his audiences with each new issue – it gave them hope.
Ben Smotherman’s experiences and artistic renderings are masterfully captured in Jan Davis’ Air Born: Artistic Musings of a WWII Pilot & POW. In this companion piece to Air Born: Two Generations in Flight, readers will get an inside look at what it felt like to be a POW during WWII. Although Ben couldn’t freely describe what he and his fellow POWs endured while in captivity due to censoring, this book paints a comprehensive picture with his Wartime Log paired with Jan’s contextual explanations. Further, it depicts each of the ninety-six PENNY comic strips that Ben developed and illustrated himself. Without a doubt, this second Air Born volume is a don’t-miss read for anyone interested in the history of WWII.

About the AuthorBorn at Patrick Air Force Base and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, Jan Davis has been surrounded by aviation and space her entire life. She followed up her biomedical engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology with a mechanical engineering degree from Auburn University and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. During her career, she worked as an engineer for Texaco and for NASA before being selected as an astronaut in 1987. Davis flew on three Space Shuttle missions as an astronaut mission specialist and continued her NASA career in the Senior Executive Service. After her retirement from NASA, she went on to become an industry executive and subsequently published her debut book, Air Born: Two Generations in Flight, in 2025. Now a consultant and speaker, she also enjoys traveling, quilting, exploring the outdoors, and working with her non-profit organization, AstraFemina, to encourage girls to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math careers. Jan also currently serves on the Board at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
