Discover the history of America’s “greatest air armada of all time,” United States Eighth Air Force, at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
The United States Eighth Air Force Division was activated in Savannah on January 2nd, 1942, 53 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. One of its first missions was to stop the German war machine, gain control of Europe’s skies, and pave the way for an Allied land invasion.
The Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress” was the division’s main tool for this task. The runs were done during daylight hours and against heavy anti-aircraft fire and the deadly fighters of the German Luftwaffe. As you can imagine, the odds were terrible. The 8th suffered an estimated 26,000 combat fatalities in WWII – yet still they flew.
This is just the first chapter in the ongoing saga of the Untied States’ Eighth Air Force. Imagine what more you’ll discover with a visit to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum.
Visiting The Museum
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located in Pooler, GA, less than a half-hour’s drive from our Savannah bed and breakfast. Fans of aircraft, history, or the military will find plenty to fascinate them at the museum.
The 90,000 square foot space includes interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, aviation art, a Memorial Garden, and much more.
One of the museum’s biggest attractions, both figuratively and literally, is “The City of Savannah,” a restored B-17 bomber. It is named after the 5,000th plane to leave Hunter Army Airfield during WWII and is the only publicly accessible “Flying Fortress” in the world.
Other aircraft on display at the museum include a PT-17 Kaydet, an F-4C Phantom, a MiG-17A, and a B-47 Stratojet. A nose piece from a “Fightin’ Sam” B-24 Liberator is also on display, along with numerous, highly detailed aircraft models.
Another popular attraction is the “Mission Experience” exhibit that visually simulates a WWII bombing mission. Other exhibits focus on WWII Prisoners of War, Tuskeegee Airmen, WASPs, and V-E Day.
The museum’s research center is home to over 10,000 books, diaries, and other historical documents. Outside, the Memorial Garden contains many beautiful memorials arranged around a peaceful, reflective pool.
Hungry? Stop by Miss Sophie’s, the museum restaurant for sandwiches, wraps, fresh salads, and more.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA
Open 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week
Two-hour, docent-led, guided tours of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force are available. Learn more with a visit to the museum website. You can also follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Savannah Lodging
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