Many things to look forward to in 2017.

Greetings from the Collings Foundation! The Collings Foundation's history education programs, living history events and restoration projects are off to a great start in 2017. The 28th national Wings of Freedom tour has never been stronger. (A big kudos to our fantastic flight crew) As of February 17th, we have made 3,161 stops. The B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-25 Mitchell and P-51 Mustang are on a short maintenance break and then back out on national tour with the first stop in Pensacola, Florida, March 3rd to 5th. If you have never seen these aircraft up close - it is time! We love these amazing fully restored WWII bomber and fighter aircraft. Think of this tour as an interactive flying memorial for our WWII Veterans. Come out and tour though the aircraft - and for the truly memorable experience go for a flight! For those of you who have not seen the new TF-51D Mustang "Toulouse Nuts" she is out on tour through the year.

The Foundation's restoration projects are in full swing. We are continuing the work on the F6F-3N Hellcat, Fw190F-8 and Russian IS-2 tank. The most recent restoration project is the Tuskegee PT-19 trainer. This is the world's last remaining PT-19 that was used to train the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII. Once complete, this aircraft will fly in honor of our Tuskegee Airmen for years to come. We need your help! See article below.

Our 2017 Stow, MA living history events start off with the American Elegance / CF Museum Open House, June 17th / 18th. We will then host Race of the Century, July 29th / 30th. Our last 2017 Stow event will the WWII re-enactment Battle for the Airfield, October 7th / 8th. For details click here.

It is easy to go on and on! - (Dont want to make the February introduction too long)
There are many topics and programs we will be discussing in the months to come. I will be sending out another eNews next month with some exciting news about the Spitfire, American Heritage Museum and more. We look forward to seeing you soon! Any questions please send an email to Hunter Chaney: hchaney@collingsfoundation.org. He tries to reply to each inquiry.
[See the 2016 - 2017 Collings Magazine Here]

Collings Foundation takes on the Tuskegee PT-19A restoration project.

The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African-Americans who served in the 447th bomber group and the 332nd Fighter Group of the United States Army Air Force during WWII. These young men included pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support staff, instructors, and all the personnel who kept the planes in the air. They were named after the location where they trained, Tuskegee Airfield near Tuskegee, Alabama.

The Tuskegee Airmen were subjected to racial discrimination, both within and outside the Army. They were denied military leadership roles and skilled training because many believed they lacked qualifications for combat duty. Before 1940, African-Americans were barred from flying for the U.S. military. Civil rights organizations and the press exerted pressure that resulted in the formation of the all African-American pursuit squadron. The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice. They became one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II.

Recently, the Collings Foundation acquired the last known remaining PT-19A used to train Tuskegee pilots (Serial number 9504AE, 43-31512) and will restore it to flying condition. It appears, from the records, that this aircraft was manufactured by Aeronca, Middletown OH and delivered to the USAAF on February 6th, 1944. It was assigned to the Primary Pilot Training School, Tuskegee AAF AL on February 12th, 1944. The restoration project is from nose to tail including meticulous work on the fuselage, engine, panels, trim tabs, brakes, accessories, oil tanks, beams and on.

Restoring such an important aircraft as this is very expensive.  The only way we can accomplish such a task is through your support and donations. All the aircraft we restore and operate in honor of our history and veterans are made possible by contributions, flying with us, membership and sponsorships. We hope you will pitch in! To make a $100 donation (and up) click here or call us at 800-568-8924 with any amount or questions. We have also created a GoFundMe campaign. To make a donation through this click here.

Wings Of Freedom Schedule.

The 2017 national Wings of Freedom Tour is underway.  There are MANY more weekday and weekend events to be confirmed and posted for the 2017 tour. Check the schedule on our web site as dates and locations can change as we confirm stops. Volunteer at your local stop! Email Hunter Chaney for more information: hchaney@collingsfoundation.org Make sure to bookmark and visit the
Wings of Freedom Tour schedule on our website

Piece of the Berlin Wall comes to the Collings Foundation

An important piece of history from the aftermath of WWII into the Cold War. The Berlin Wall was a barrier that divided Berlin from 1961to 1989. Often referred to as the "Anti-fascist Protective Wall" by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) authorities. The implication was that all NATO countries were equal to Fascist and not wanted in East Germany. Of course, the wall was built to keep people (particularly young skilled working age) from escaping the oppressive government of East Germany for a better world outside of "The Iron Curtain." 

This segment of wall will be featured in the Collings Foundation's American Heritage museum once built. Picture top left is the wall on its side. Pictures top right are photos of where we think this segment came from on the East German side (top in the 1960s, bottom current).