Huge crowd turns out for Night at the Air Force Museum

  • Published
  • By Lauren Karch
  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
DAYTON, Ohio (AFNS) --  More than 10,000 visitors came face-to-face with aviation history May 15 during a Night at the Air Force Museum at the National Museum of the United States Air Force here.

The sizeable crowd had the opportunity to look into the cockpits of aircraft such as the B-24D Liberator and SR-71A Blackbird and enjoyed free IMAX films and other aviation exhibits.

The museum came to life as more than 40 actors told the stories of men and women who impacted the history of flight and the United States Air Force, from a World War I flyboy to an Apollo astronaut. Visitors from as far away as Texas, Alabama and even South Africa learned that even farther-flung travelers from "outer space" were behind all the action.

Several guests said the Night at the Air Force Museum was a first visit; one family claimed it was their seventh in three months. Newcomers and museum veterans alike enjoyed the unique skits and activities presented during this first after-hours event of this kind.

Parents took advantage of the evening hours and free family-friendly activities. Visitors of all ages enjoyed camouflage face paintings, writing postcards to overseas troops and attempting to fly a Wright B simulator. The most popular activities included seven cockpit look-ins and more than 20 vignettes, featuring characters ranging from the Wright brothers to Uncle Sam.

Bill Sowers, a retired Airman, said that he and his wife, Sandy, have seen the museum evolve since their first visit 30 years ago, but the displays of planes he worked in and around during his time in the Air Force is the experience truly drawing him back.

"We really enjoy visiting; it takes me back to my days in the service," he said.

Members of Girl Scout Troop Brownie 30466 attended Night at the Air Force Museum to earn a Brownie badge relating to aerospace technology, said troop leader Tricia Roberts. The troop was one of 66 groups that chose to pre-register for the event.

Planning for Night at the Air Force Museum began last fall. The success of the event would not have been possible without the dedication of 87 volunteers and staff members working with the project. Actors from area universities, and high schools and media personalities, in addition to volunteers and staff, brought life to the event.

Museum curator Brett Stolle played a Russian guard at the Berlin Airlift exhibit.

"I had a great time," he said. "It was fun to bring the story of the exhibit alive for visitors, and the crowd really seemed to enjoy the skits."

Sarah Swan, an event committee member, said the staff was very pleased with the success of the event.

"These several months of planning definitely paid off," she said. "The volunteers and staff did a great job, and we're now exploring the possibility of doing the event again."