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FEATURE EXHIBIT
About the Exhibit | Photo Gallery | 99th Pursuit at Chanute
The Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum, a non-profit institution
dedicated to the preservation of Chanute Field's legacy and the
history of aviation, is proud to have developed the 99th Pursuit
Squadron exhibit.
The objective was to preserve and interpret the story of the 99th
Pursuit Squadron, from its beginnings at Chanute Field through its
service in World War II Italy and beyond.
The 99th Pursuit Squadron is an important part of our history, and
we hope this exhibit will help illuminate the struggles and
triumphs of these men.
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
In the beginning...There were only six their
country did not want.
At the end of World War II...
There were more than 10,000 like them their country may not have
survived without.
Today...
Their sacrifice, courage, and triumph over
adversity are a timeless legacy for all Americans.
Prelude...
An important part of the mission at Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum
is the telling of the story of the 99th Pursuit Squadron and its
role in the famed accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The 99th Pursuit Squadron was activated on March 19, 1941, at
Chanute Field on the east central Illinois prairie. There, the core
officers of the 99th began their technical training, and embarked
on an odyssey which would forge a timeless legacy for all
Americans.
The Objective...
The project's objective is to preserve and interpret the story of
the 99th Pursuit Squadron, the core of the first Tuskegee Airmen,
from its beginnings at Chanute Field through its service in World
War II Italy and beyond in the context of the cultural crucible of
segregation, race relations, and the experiences of William R.
Thompson and his fellow ground crewmen.
The Exhibit...
Over 1,000 square feet of exhibit space engages visitors with
artifacts, photographs, and an inviting design. The exhibit includes two model dioramas and integrated artwork.
Photo Gallery
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