The National WASP WWII Museum, Sweetwater, Texas, will host its annual WASP Homecoming on April 17 and 18 at Avenger Field, with a two-day program of commemorative events, historical presentations, and flight activities. Events begin Friday, April 17, with a free day at the museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving visitors access to exhibits, warbirds, and general aviation aircraft on display at Avenger Field. Archive tours will also be offered in the morning, with limited access to the museum’s archival collections.
A WASP Film Festival will run from noon to 5 p.m. in Hangar 1, featuring three films focused on the lives and service of WASP pilots: The Courageous Life of Cornelia Fort, Taking Flight: Nadine Ramsey Story, and The Flight of Jackie Cochran. Each screening will be followed by a virtual Q&A session with filmmakers. An annual Wishing Well group photo is scheduled for 5 p.m., bringing together WASP families, legacy pilots, and supporters. The evening will conclude with “The Rendezvous,” a ticketed event from 6 to 9 p.m.
Activities continue Saturday, April 18, with the museum open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A full lineup of historic aircraft will be on display, along with multiple opportunities for visitors to take part in flight experiences. These include discovery flights, AT-6 Texan rides operated by the WASP Squadron, and C-47 rides provided by The Greatest Generation Aircraft. Aircraft will also be available for static viewing, with food vendors on site throughout the day. Additional programming includes guided tours led by reenactors portraying WASP members, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the museum and its history. A Cadet Zone will run throughout the day, featuring hands-on STEM activities, flight simulations, and educational exhibits aimed at younger visitors.
A WASP Celebration Brunch will take place Saturday, April 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the TSTC Gym and is a ticketed event. Later in the day, a memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the museum’s Memorial Garden, where the ashes of two WASP will be laid to rest at Avenger Field. Organizers note the service is intended to be a solemn occasion. The schedule also includes a panel discussion at 1 p.m. titled “WASP in the Spotlight,” featuring family members of former WASP pilots sharing personal perspectives on their legacy. Some events during the weekend require tickets, including the film festival, The Rendezvous, and the Saturday brunch, while general admission to the museum is free during scheduled hours. You can book tickets online from HERE. For more information and to support the National WASP WWII Museum, click on this link: waspmuseum.org.
