ASHLAND, NEB. (August 9, 2012)–The Strategic Air & Space Museum is proud to unveil one of the world’s last surviving Boeing B-29 Super Fortresses on Saturday, September 22, in commemoration of its first flight 70 years ago on September 21, 1942. The meticulous restoration of this incredible aircraft began in February of 2006. The Strategic Air & Space Museum’s restoration crew of three staff members and several dozen volunteers have devoted over 23,000 hours across the years to sanding, painting,and welding the WWII-era bomber’s gleaming airframe, which houses the painstakingly restored flight deck, crew areas, bombbays, and tailgunner station.

The B-29 is not only significant in world history, but also to our Nebraska history as well. The former Martin Bomber Plant of Bellevue, Nebraska was one of only four facilities to build the B-29 during the WWII era. The most famous B-29 airplane to come from that plant, the Enola Gay, dropped the atomic bomb that ended WWII in 1945.The Enola Gay is on display at the Smithsonian Institution’s Udvar Hazy Center near Washington, DC. Guests are not allowed near the aircraft, which is displayed above the museum floor on pedestals. By contrast, the Strategic Air & Space is committed to sharing the power and beauty of the B-29 with museum guests by allowing them to not only get close to the massive airplane, but also allowing them to access the interior and gain a unique appreciation for the experiences of the brave men who flew the Super Fortress in defense of our nation.

“We are thrilled to unveil the newly restored B-29 to the public and place this incredible artifact on display in one of the world’s finest collections of military aircraft,” said Scott Tarry, Strategic Air & Space Museum Executive Director. Finishing the B-29 gives us the opportunity to turn our attention and the energy of our extraordinarily talented restoration staff and volunteers to new projects, which we will announce at the unveiling. We’re excited about involving the community in our next projects since there aren’t many better ways for young people and not so young people to learn about history and technological innovation than to get involved in the hands-on and richly rewarding work of restoring and preserving these special airplanes for future generations.” Tarry explained.

Please join us as we celebrate this amazing accomplishment and thank those who made it possible.

Saturday, September 22

6:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour

6:45 p.m. B-29 Unveiling

7:00 p.m. Buffet dinner by Parker’s followed by remarks

Reservations

$75 ($67 tax-deductible) per person

$600 ($536 tax-deductible) for a table of eight

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