City: Pooler, GA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (912) 748-8888

Address: 175 Bourne Ave.

Description: It’s not unusual for veterans of World War II aerial combat to leave this museum’s Mission Experience exhibit with tears in their eyes. This re-creation of an Eighth Air Force bombing mission brings back vivid memories to those who flew over Europe—recollections of heavily defended targets, stricken aircraft, and fallen comrades. The panoramic, eight-screen theater and its B-17 flight are a featured part of the 90,000-square-foot museum in Pooler near the intersection of I-95 and US 80 (exit 102 from I-95).Besides the Mission Experience, the museum’s exhibit area contains presentations featuring more than 15 units that were part of the Eighth; a mural and a scale model depicting a World War II bomber base in England; areas dealing with escape and evasion, prisoners of war, and the contributions of African-American airmen; a diorama portraying the raids on the Ploesti oil fields; a PT-17 Stearman trainer and a Messerschmitt Komet rocket plane on static display; and several other theaters. There’s also a research library stocked with books pertaining to aviation and air warfare, an art gallery, Memorial Gardens, a chapel, store, and restaurant. The museum is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily except for New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Admission to the exhibit area is $10 for adults and teens and $6 for children ages 6 to 12, with those younger than age 6 admitted free. There are discounts for members of the military, senior citizens, and groups of 20 or more. The library is open from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. Mon through Fri.