Category: Aviation Museums

Millville Army Air Field Museum 1 Leddon Street Millville Airport Millville, NJ 08832

Millville Army Air Field Museum

1 Leddon Street

Millville Airport

Millville, NJ 08832

(856) 327-2347

Museum

Open: Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm/Monday By Appointment Only/Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

Admission: Donation Suggested Adults $10.00/Children 5.00

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46627-d2647289-r971146426-Millville_Army_Airfield_Museum-Millville_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

The Millville Army Air Field Museum at 1 Leddon Street

The entrance to the museum

The history of the Millville Army Field Museum:

(from the museum website)

The roots of the Millville Army Air Field Museum go back to the early 1970s. Millville Airport manager Lewis B. Finch had just completed eliminating the last apartments in former base buildings and looked forward to major industrial development at the airport. Most people in the community were aware the airport had been an army base, but knew no details of its history. This was Millville Airport when teenager Michael T. Stowe learned of some underground bunkers just south of the airport.

Museum founder, Michael T. Stowe and Frances Burt, examine her father’s leather “A-2” flying jacket. Her father, Second Lieutenant Lee L. Pryor Jr, died in an P-47 accident near Cedarville on May 2, 1945.

Stowe explored those bunkers and surrounding areas and later began to find related artifacts. For nearly ten years, he continued to collect artifacts and information, and in 1983 he approached city officials about a permanent place at the Millville Airport to display his collection. Stowe’s original collection of artifacts and airfield data remains the cornerstone of the Millville Army Air Field Museum (museum website).

The museum’s collection has grown through donations of time, effort, and artifacts from surrounding community and the community of veterans who served at the Millville Army Air Field. Today, both the museum and Millville Airport continue to grow and prosper through the Delaware River & Bay Authority’s management of the airport and the museum gaining recognition as a leader in World War II and post war aviation history.

The main gallery of the front part of the museum

Models of all the aircraft during the wars

The fire department brigade that protected the airport

Uniform gallery and objects from modern warfare

Artifacts from the beginning of WWII

Navajo Code Talkers: no one could break the code during WWII

The Radio Headquarters during WWII

The Philadelphia Seaplane Base/U.S. Army Signal Corps. Display

Artifacts from the Philadelphia Seaplane Base

Uniforms and plane display

The second gallery was broken down into themes and each display told its own story.

The 9/11 display dedicated to the events on September 11th, 2001 in New York City

This display also contains artifacts from the Towers on that tragic day.

The displays contain propaganda and spoils of war from both the Japanese and the Germans. These donations remind us of a time not too long ago when our now Allies were our enemies.

Display on German memorabilia during WWII

Display of Japanese memorabilia during WWII

The back gallery on Veterans backgrounds and personal life

The POW display

War Marriages displays

During and after the WWII, the number of marriages that took place started the “Baby Boom” Men and women waited for one another. The family unit was tight because emotions still rung high after the war years. People were eager to start their families.

The War Marriages

Toys of the war years

The last gallery was dedicated to each of the wars after WWII from Korea, to Vietnam, to Desert Storm, to Middle East Crisis each having their own display and artifacts showing that the tactics of war may change as well as the equipment.

The gallery dedicated to those who have served in the various wars

Women pilots

Behind the scenes and in front of them women played a big role in the war effort as pilots, engineers, teachers, factory workers, nurses and doctors and in all aspects of business for making the system work. This is their story.

Communications in the war

Military nurses display

Every war effort has been given a display in the museum with artifacts and spoils of war to represent that time. In each display, it tells another story in the protection of the country. We thank all those military personal, men and women, who helped in the war efforts to protect our country.

History of the wars

Army display

Vietnam War display

The Iraq War/Middle East conflict

Desert Storm Conflict

Vietnam War

Gunning/Sharp shooter display

The museum continues outside with all sorts of interest equipment on display. Take time walk around the property and look at the displays.

The Creation of the museum:

(from the Millville Army Air Field Museum website):

The Millville Airport was dedicated “America’s First Defense Airport” on August 2, 1941 by local, state, and federal officials. In less than a year, construction of military base facilities began, and in January 1943, the Millville Army Air Field opened as a gunnery school for fighter pilots. Gunnery training began with Curtiss P-40F “Warhawk” aircraft, but after a few weeks, the P-40s were gone, and the Republic P-47 “Thunderbolt” ruled the skies over Cumberland County. During its three year existence, thousands of soldiers and civilians served here, with about 1,500 pilots receiving advanced fighter training in the Thunderbolt.

Following the War, the airfield was declared excess to the governments needs, and returned to the City of Millville. Most of the airport buildings were converted to apartments for the many veterans returning from the war. The last of the apartments vanished in the early 1970s, and the airport soon became a hub of industry and aviation for Southern New Jersey (from the museum website).

Military equipment on display

Military equipment on display

The outside of the museum

Forgotten Warriors Vietnam Museum Cape May Airport 529 Forrestal Road Rio Grande, NJ 08204

Forgotten Warriors Vietnam Museum

Cape May Airport

529 Forrestal Road

Rio Grande, NJ 08204

(609) 374-2987

https://forgottenwarriorsvietnammuseum.com/

Admission: Free but Donations are accepted

Open: Please see website as the museum is closing for the season. By Appointment

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46775-d1170025-r971025114-Forgotten_Warriors-Rio_Grande_Cape_May_County_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

The front of the Forgotten Warriors Vietnam Museum at 529 Forrestal Road

The entrance to the museum

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial outside the museum has the names of those who fought in the war

The museum’s Chapel dedicated to the Veterans

The Chapel is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War and is a very emotional display of the value of a soldier during the war years.

The History of the museum:

The museum was created in 2008 by the late Vietnam Veteran Thomas E. Collins. His committed passion for over 15 years to create a unique, realistic, educational experience to live on the memory of the men and women who fought in the war.

The museum honors and protects the thousands of men and women’s legacies and artifacts on the museum that will not be forgotten. The museum continues to preserve and welcome home veterans, their families and educate future generations.

This one room museum is packed with information and memorabilia from the war years.

The display in honor of Thomas R. Collins

The main gallery of the museum

In Memory of Thomas E. Collins

Very touching memory to the founder of the museum, Thomas E . Collins.

The map of North and South Vietnam at the time of the war

The equipment and artifacts from the Vietnam War

One of the small tanks inside the museum

The outfits warn in Vietnam during the war by the natives and the nurses

Various weapons and uniforms on display

Array of uniforms that had been used in the war

The gift shop by the entrance of the museum has some interesting gift items.

This museum is a very touching memorial to all those who have served during the war in Vietnam and some fascinating items in the collection to see and observe.

The Jimmy Stewart Museum 835 Philadelphia Street Indiana, PA 15701

The Jimmy Stewart Museum

835 Philadelphia Street

Indiana, PA 15701

(724) 349-6112

Home

Open: Sunday 12:00pm-4:00pm/Monday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

Admission: Adults $12.00/Seniors $11.00/Children 7-17 $9.00/Children Under 7 and members Free

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g52878-d102764-r937551648-The_Jimmy_Stewart_Museum-Indiana_Pennsylvania.html?m=19905

The entrance to The Jimmy Stewart Museum

The historic marker in front of the museum.

The entrance to the museum.

The Jimmy Stewart Museum is part of the Indiana Library. The museum is located on the second floor of the building.

The entrance to the museum:

The museum is a chronological story of not just Jimmy Stewart’s life and legacy but the contributions of his family going back almost five generations on both sides of his family.

The Stewart family on both his mother and father’s sides have been part of this part of Pennsylvania since the area was opened up during colonial times.

The Indiana Gallery:

The Indiana Gallery highlights the history of Jimmy Stewart’s hometown, Indiana, Pennsylvania along with Stewart’s early ancestors, a look at his early childhood, and his schooling through Princeton University. Highlights include a recreation of Stewart’s father Alex’s local hardware store, Jimmy’s Princeton jacket, and a life-size replica of the Jimmy Stewart statue (Museum website).

Both sides of the family participated in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Mexican-American conflict and WWI and WWII including Jimmy Stewart’s contribution as a Navy pilot. His father and grandfather had been part of the business community owning a hardware business that spanned three generations until it closed in the 1960’s.

The family’s contribution to the Indiana business community was well noted. The Stewart’s “Big Warehouse” hardware store was prominent in Indiana for many years.

Jimmy Stewart’s Bedroom:

This gallery is a recreation of Jimmy’s boyhood bedroom from his home in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Jimmy’s boyhood bed is showcased along with family photos and his history with the Boy Scout of America. Another feature highlights Jimmy’s childhood hero, Charles Lindbergh, and his historic flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Highlights include his childhood bed, the Silver Buffalo Award from the BSA and an original painting of his childhood home (from the Museum website).

Jimmy Stewart’s boyhood bedroom.

The story of Jimmy Stewart starts here with his grandparents on both sides and their shaping of his future life. The museum continues with his life at Princeton University after his schooling in high school in Indiana, PA.

Jimmy Stewart’s college years at Princeton.

Being recognized by the local fire department.

Jimmy Stewart’s college and post graduate years.

His Military Career:

The Military Gallery shines a light on the history of aviation and Jimmy’s early interest in flying. It continues with Stewart’s enlistment in WWII and showcases his highly decorated military career. There is also a special tribute to Stewart’s stepson who died in Vietnam. Highlights include 4 of his military uniforms, his military medals (including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Croix de Guerre)(The Museum website).

Jimmy Stewart continued the long line of military service his family had served since the Revolutionary War and his step-son continued until his death in Vietnam.

The Military Gallery with many of Jimmy Stewart’s uniforms and awards and accolades.

Jimmy Stewart’s WWII uniforms

Awards and Military films that he was in plus pictures of his time in the armed forces.

The Hollywood Gallery:

The Hollywood Gallery wraps around our theatre and takes you through Stewart’s film career of over 80 films (1935-1991). Original movie posters, still pictures, costumes, props, movie summaries, and stories behind the scenes take you on a journey through the Golden Age of Hollywood and beyond. We shine the light on Stewarts’ collaborations with Frank Capra, Alfred Hitchcock, and westerns with Anthony Mann. The exhibit wraps up with a section featuring Stewart’s awards and accolades. Highlights include a western uniform and rifle from Winchester ’73, Stewart’s cowboy hat he wore in most of his westerns, the hat he wore in the movie Harvey and a plane propeller signed by the cast of Flight of the Phoenix and much more! (From the Museum website).

I had read on one of the signs that his family was not too sure what the Academy Award was and asked him to send it home so that he could display it in the store window which he promptly did. It was nice to see that he was humble enough to share this win with the community.

His booth at Chazen’s where he courted his wife and they frequently went to dinner.

The gallery of much deserved awards and accolades.

Movie posters of all of his films.

His Academy Award that he presented to his father who put it proudly in the family business window.

The display on the movie “Harvey”.

The trailer for “Harvey”.

Jimmy Stewart’s Office in California:

This gallery is a recreation of Jimmy Stewart’s office from his home in California. It includes Jimmy Stewart’s desk, grandfather clock, his tweed hat, office memorabilia, and family photos. Highlights include letters from Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, a personal letter from Frank Capra and his Autopen machine (from the Museum website).

Recreation of Jimmy Stewart’s office in California.

In the middle of the museum is a movie theater showing Mr. Stewart’s films during the day. When I was there they were showing “Dear Brigette”:

It was a fun film.

The Movie Theater:

The museum has a 50-seat vintage theater that shows a matinee movie every day at 1:00 pm. The movie that’s shown changes each week and showcases the over 80 films that Jimmy Stewart starred in. More classic movie posters adorn the walls of the theater and Jimmy Stewart biographies are available to be viewed upon request. Highlights include the screening of It’s A Wonderful Life from mid-November through December and the showing of all 4 Alfred Hitchcock/Jimmy Stewart films throughout the month of October (from the Museum website).

The museum is a tribute not just to a movie star but to someone who lived a life well lived. Jimmy Stewart’s contributions were more than just movies. It was a citizen who got involved and tried to make things better. The museum takes us through his world. It may have not been perfect but it was a life that many of us would like to live.

It gives a glimpse into his world.

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum 500 Forrestal Road Cape May Airport, Rio Grande, NJ 08242

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

500 Forrestal Road

Cape May Airport

Rio Grande, NJ 08242

(609) 886-8787

Open: Sunday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

Take Flight

https://www.facebook.com/aviationmuseum/

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46341-d1881607-Reviews-Naval_Air_Station_Wildwood_Aviation_Museum-Cape_May_Cape_May_County_New_Jersey.html

The front of the museum

The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is located at the back of the Cape May Airport. Just follow the road to the back of the airport at 500 Forrestal Road in Hangar #1.

The front of the museum

This interesting museum is a treasure trove of artifacts from WWII to today from jeeps to cars and trucks to airplanes. Some of the vehicles you can step into and see what it was like to ride these pieces of aviation history.

The main gallery of the Aviation Museum

There are several airplanes that with the assistance of the staff you can enter and see what air travel was like for these pilots. All the planes have been carefully restored and displayed for viewing and use by tourists. There is even a air traffic control tower you can enter and see how thing the functioning of the tower was done. These displays were interactive from the perspective of the people who once worked there.

The Hanger with plane displays

In the front of the museum as you enter, along the ways there is a display of the history of the Naval Hangar and how it developed and became part of the community. There were pictures of members walking the boardwalk in Wildwood and having a good time. There were stories of many interactions between the sailors and the locals and what an exciting time it was for everyone.

The history of the time as Wildwood Training Facility

Many local heroes stories were told all over the building of Navy personal from the area and the part that they played in the war years and when they returned. Each story board told of their early lives, how they got involved in the war, the roles that played and jobs that were accomplished and what their lives were like when they returned. The mindset of this generation is very different than from today.

The Coast Guard display

What I really enjoyed was the documentary “Boatlift”, the story of the 9/11 rescue of thousands of people off Manhattan island on 9/11 (it was around the 20th Anniversary of the event when I toured the museum) and the bravery and involvement of boaters and sailors all over the New York maritime region. Hundreds of boats were involved in getting people to safety to New Jersey and other parts of the NYC. It was a lesson in selflessness and involvement in one of the darkest days of American history.

The main gallery of the museum

Outside the hangar, there are more planes to tour and equipment that is used. Each display is carefully explained of its role in the armed forces so take the time to read the plaques as well.

The outside of the hanger of the museum

Inside the building towards the back, there is a display of commercial establishments and even the role of Coca Cola during the war and it being used in the ration boxes of the men and women fighting for our country. There were pictures of USO dances and get togethers and parties for the enlisted men.

The Coca Cola display during WWII

There is even a space shuttle piece to explore and admire showing our progression into different types of transportation over time. The museum has carefully displayed items so that there is an order to follow around the room to admire each piece. Take the time to look them over and read about them.

The MASH helicopter on display

This museum is an interesting step back in time to show the role New Jersey and Cape May County played during the war years and then going forward.

The main gallery of the Aviation Museum

The Mission of the Museum:

Restoring Hangar #1, educating the public on Cape May Country’s history during WWII and memorializing the 42 naval aviators who were training at the Naval Air Station Wildwood.

WWII Ends display

WWII Propaganda Posters

The History of the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum:

(Taken from the Museum website)

WWII:

Following the outbreak of World War II, this all wood double wide aircraft hangar was assembled by the U.S. Navy in 1942 from a kit delivered via railroad. On April 1st, 1943, NAS Wildwood was commissioned as a training facility for dive bomber squadrons that would go on to fight in the Pacific. Between 1943 and 1945, activities included night flying and target practice over the Delaware Bay, reaching a peak of almost 17.000 takeoffs and landings in the month of October 1944. Before NAS Wildwood was decommissioned, 129 crashes occurred and 42 airmen died in training exercises.

The Memorial from the WWII

Following World War II, United States Overseas Airlines was operated out of Hangar #1, offering both national and international charter flights. The airline was owned by Dr. Ralph Cox, a dentist and U.S. navy pilot during WWII. Cox also used the hanger to display his collection of early automobiles and other transportation memorabilia including a steam locomotive.

1970-1990:

Southern Jersey Airways operated a commuter airline known as the Allegheny Commuter out of the Cape May Airport. The service was started by Captain Curt Young, ho was a bomber pilot during WWII. The Allegheny Commuter offered twenty-two daily flights between Atlantic City and Philadelphia as well as eight round trips out of Cape May.

1997-Present:

After many years of neglect, Hangar #1 was rediscovered by Dr. Joseph Salvatore and his wife, Patricia Anne, who acquired the building from Cape May County for $1.00. Listed on both the state and national registers of historic places, Hangar #1 is an exhibit in and of itself. Since 1997, the Salvatore’s and the NASW Foundation have worked hard to restore the hangar to its original condition. Today, Hangar #1 is open to the public as part of the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum.

The main gallery at the museum

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