Education at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

09/02/2026

NEW T-SHIRT ALERT | Bride of Mars

History from the collection meets a brand-new look!

Inspired by the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force's Starcer Collection, the new Bride of Mars T-shirt was created in partnership with Nine Line Apparel, bringing a piece of Mighty Eighth history to life in a whole new way.

Add this one to your collection and wear a story inspired by the museum's archives.

🛍️ Available now in the Museum Store and online at shop.mightyeighth.org

08/29/2026

08/26/2026

🐶 Happy National Dog Day!

To celebrate, we're sharing another favorite from the museum's archives.

This curious canine was photographed by T/Sgt. Albert E. Blackburn, an operations clerk with the 379th Bomb Group, hard at work...

Or, as Blackburn described it:

"A little dog posing for a photo while inspecting very important paperwork."

Whether he was conducting an official inspection or simply looking for treats, we'll let you decide. One thing is certain: dogs were a familiar and welcome part of life on many wartime airfields, providing companionship and moments of levity for the men serving far from home.

Today, we celebrate all the loyal companions, past and present, who have a way of lifting spirits when they're needed most.

Happy National Dog Day from the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force!

Albert E. Blackburn Collection | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

08/25/2026

🐾 Dog Days of Summer | From the Museum Vault

Meet Blackie, photographed with Edward N. York, a gunnery instructor with the 401st Bomb Group, 613th Bomb Squadron.

While the aircraft and missions often take center stage, photographs like this remind us that the airmen also found companionship and comfort in the dogs they met along the way. These loyal friends brought a welcome sense of normalcy during extraordinary times.

As we celebrate the Dog Days of Summer, we're proud to share another glimpse into the everyday lives of the men who served with the Mighty Eighth.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting more four-legged friends from the museum's collections throughout the week!

Edward N. York Collection | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

08/25/2026

🐾 Dog Days of Summer | From the Museum Vault

The Dog Days of Summer have arrived, and we're celebrating with a week of photographs highlighting some of the museum collection's most loyal four-legged companions.

Our first stop introduces Lucky, photographed in the cockpit of a P-51 Mustang with Lt. Roger E. Pagels, a fighter pilot with the 357th Fighter Group, 363rd Fighter Squadron.

While the aircraft became symbols of courage and determination, it was companions like Lucky who brought moments of comfort, friendship, and normalcy to life on wartime airfields.

Throughout the week, we'll continue sharing these special photographs from the museum's archives, celebrating the dogs who became beloved members of the Mighty Eighth family.

Lt. Roger E. Pagels Collection | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

08/24/2026