The Millville, N.J., Army Air Field Museum will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2013 with a commemorative fundraising event, “WWII Day in Millville,” from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at The Levoy Theatre, 126-130 N. High St.
The event will include film presentations and an hors d’oeuvres reception with beer, wine and desserts. It and will honor the many volunteers and community supporters who have contributed to the museum’s founding and growth since its incorporation in 1988.
“We invite everyone to come and help us recognize the great work of the Millville Army Air Field Museum, a local treasure,” said Chuck Wyble, museum president. “As we celebrate the silver anniversary of the museum, we will recognize the inspiration of its founders, the hard work of countless volunteers and the support of a caring community.”
Since 1988, the museum has honored, preserved and promoted the history of the Millville Army Air Field, which was dedicated by the U.S. War Department in 1941 as “America’s First Defense Airport” to protect the East Coast from foreign invasion during World War II.
“In the very beginning, the museum gathered artifacts and commemorated the lives of the 14 pilots who died while training at Millville during World War II,” Wyble said. “From there, the mission grew to recognize the important aviation history that took place here and its impact on the successful outcome of the war, and to preserve and promote this history for future generations.
“Our goals grew even more with an effort to preserve the historic buildings located at Millville Airport. We can now proudly say that we are a New Jersey Historic Landmark.
The museum has embraced a broader mission and “continues to honor veterans, and educate and entertain a community through exhibits, WWII warbird displays, exciting air shows, and so much more,” Wyble said. “The heritage of Millville is infused with aviation history worthy of promotion for generations to come.”
The fundraising event at the Levoy will include the presentation of two films: “Thunderbolts of Millville,” an NJN film produced in 2004 by Lou Presti; and the public premiere of “What We Live By,” a film written by Stephanie Terista of Vineland and produced by Darrell Martinelli of Code 3 Films of Absecon.
Tickets are $75. For tickets, sponsorship or information, call museum Executive Director Lisa Jester at 856-327-2347, email ljester@p47millville.org or click here.
By TheDailyJournal.com
