Share Us

• Home
• Flights and Reservations
• Airport Info
• Traveler Info

For Immediate Release:

Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau Helping Sponsor Wings of Freedom Tour Event at Hagerstown Regional Airport

Hagerstown Aircraft Services and Hagerstown Aviation Museum Hosting Visit by World War Two Warbirds; Planes from Hagerstown Aviation Museum To Also Be On Display

Hunter Chaney
Director of Marketing
hchaney@collingsfoundation.org

The Collings Foundation
Wings of Freedom Tour                                  
Phone 978-562-9182
Fax 978-568-8231
www.collingsfoundation.org

(HAGERSTOWN, MD — July 29, 2009) — Participating in the Collings Foundation’s WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR, the Boeing B–17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine” WWII Heavy Bomber, Consolidated B–24 Liberator “Witchcraft” WWII Heavy Bomber and P–51 Mustang, will fly into Hagerstown Regional Airport–Richard A Henson Field in Hagerstown, MD for a visit from August 19 to August 21.

This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history. The B–17 is one of only 9 in flying condition in the United States, the B–24J and Dual Control P–51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the World. Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out ($12 donation for adults and $6 donation for children under 12 is requested for access to up–close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft), and World War Two veterans are invited to tour the aircraft at no cost.

Visitors may also experience the once–in–a–lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30–minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flight experiences are a tax–deductible donation. Flights on either the B–17 or B–24 are $425 per person. Get some “stick time” in the world’s greatest fighter! P–51 flights are $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800–568–8924.

WHERE:

The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will be on display at Hagerstown Regional Airport, Richard A Henson Field in Hagerstown, located at Hagerstown Aircraft Services, 14235 Oak Springs Rd.

WHEN:

The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will arrive at Hagerstown Regional Airport, Richard A Henson Field at 2:00 PM on August 19 and will be on display at Hagerstown Aircraft Services at Hagerstown Regional Airport, Richard A Henson Field until the aircraft departs August 21 at 12:00 PM.

Hours of ground tours and display are:

• 2:00 PM through 5:00 PM on Wednesday, August 19;
• 9:30 AM through 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 20;
• 9:30 AM through 12:00 PM on Friday, August 21.

The 30–minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above.

WHO:

The Collings Foundation is a 501c3 non–profit educational foundation devoted to organizing “living history” events that allows people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation. The Nationwide WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR is in its 20th year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B–17, B–24 & P–51 display at locations everywhere. The WINGS OF FREEDOM tour is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind.

WHY:

The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR travels the nation a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained them, the workers who built them, the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect; and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve.

The B–17 & B–24 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the risks of anti–aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters, and the harrowing environment of sub–zero temperatures, many B–17s and B–24s safely brought their crews home. The P–51 Mustang was affectionately known as the bombers “Little Friend,” saving countless crews from attacking axis fighters.

After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in post–war prosperity and therefore very few were spared. The rarity of the B–17, B–24 & P–51, and their importance to telling the story of WWII is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide.

At each location we encourage local veterans and their families to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public. For aviation enthusiasts, the tour provides opportunity for the museum to come to the visitor and not the other way around! Visitors can find out more by visiting our website at www.collingsfoundation.org.

The display will be on the east side of the airport at Hagerstown Aircraft Services behind Tony’s Pizza. Signs will be posted along Route 11. For the latest update on this event call 301–733–8717 or visit www.hagerstownaviationmuseum.org.

Visit http://www.collingsfoundation.org/media for further detailed information on the aircraft, Collings Foundation, and the tour as well as high–resolution photos for download.

The Hagerstown Aviation Museum is a member of the Hagerstown–Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Hagerstown Aviation Museum has the largest collection of museum–owned aircraft of any Maryland aviation museum. The Hagerstown Aviation Museum has an extensive exhibit and display at the Discovery Station Museum in Downtown Hagerstown, located at 101 West Washington Street. At the Discovery Station exhibit, visitors can explore a collection of artifacts, memorabilia, exhibits and displays depicting the aviation heritage of the Hagerstown area, which for more than 70 years was the nation's leading center of aircraft manufacturing. Pioneers in the design, testing and manufacturing of well known aircraft plied their trade in Hagerstown, and the first aircraft manufactured in Maryland, was made in Hagerstown

Washington County is part of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area.