National Museum of The Mighty Eighth Air Force to Remove Parachute From Rotunda

PRESS RELEASE

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force announces that the parachute in the museum’s iconic Major General Lewis E. Lyle Rotunda will be temporarily removed. The decision to remove the item comes as part of an ongoing effort to preserve the integrity of historic materials and ensure the safety of museum visitors. The parachute, a symbolic centerpiece within the museum, has been displayed for several years, offering visitors a glimpse into the experiences of airmen during World War II. However, due to concerns about the preservation of the fabric and the need to perform structural evaluations, the museum’s curatorial team has made the difficult decision to take it down for the foreseeable future.

“The parachute is an object that reflects the bravery of the men who served in the Eighth Air Force during the war,” said Dawn Brosnan, Director of Communications and Marketing for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. “We are committed to protecting and preserving our collection, and sometimes that means removing exbibit items from display to extend their longevity.”

Museum officials are assessing the next steps, including potential restoration or alternative display options. While the parachute will be missed by visitors, the museum continues to offer a rich and immersive experience through its many other exhibits. Updates on the status of the parachute and other ongoing preservation efforts will be provided as they become available.

About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.

Moreno Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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