National WASP WWII Museum

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
2024-07-22 08:00 - 2024-07-28 17:00 (America/Chicago)
See you at EAA AirVenture 2024!! Make sure you stop by our booth and see our aircraft in War Bird Alley. Event details coming soon.

Midland Airsho
2024-09-07 09:00 - 2024-09-08 17:00 | Midland International Air & Space Port, 9600 Wright Dr, Midland, Texas, 79706, United States
Come see us at the Midland Airsho presented by the High Sky Wing CAF on September 7 – 8, 2024.

We will bring two of our vintage warbirds to the Midland International Air & Space Port! The AT-6 and UC-78 will be available for viewing. Check out exclusive aviation toys and goodies from our WASP Museum booth. See you there!

We’re bringing three of our historic warbirds! We will see you at the Midland International Air & Space Port!

WASP Legacy Ride Celebration
2024-09-28 12:00 - 14:00
Celebrate Museum Ambassador Larry Ritland as he completes his 26-day cycling tour from his home state of Iowa to Sweetwater, TX, all in honor of the WASP.

Local cyclists are encouraged to meet Larry in Anson the morning of September 28 and ride the last 48 miles with him.

We will be serving sliders and hotdogs! Bring your bike and come out to play games and experience our obstacle course. This is a family friendly FREE event, but registration is required.

Registration Closed

National WASP WWII Museum Press Release, August 8, 2024

WASP Legacy Ride, September 3 – 28, 2024

Sweetwater, TX – Iowa veteran and avid cyclist Larry Ritland continues to take on physical challenges while raising awareness of important veteran groups and individuals. Ritland, a Vietnam Veteran and 42-year member of the American Legion, will cycle a route from Iowa to Texas this September in honor of the Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Ritland will arrive at the National WASP WWII Museum at 1 pm on Saturday, September 28 flanked by local cyclists who will join him for the last 40 miles of the trip. The public is invited to a free celebration in honor of Ritland’s accomplishment. The Texas State Technical College culinary team will supply food and the Museum will host family-fun games. Students are encouraged to bring their bicycles to complete an obstacle course and enjoy face-painting and cornhole.

About Larry Ritland

“Growing up in rural Story County, Iowa, I always had the greatest respect for my older relatives, especially my uncles,” remembers Ritland. “I had five uncles who saw plenty of action during World War II, one didn’t come home. So, every Memorial Day my dad would make us stop what we were doing on the farm, load up the family car, and travel the dusty gravel roads two and a half miles into little Roland, Iowa, for the annual Memorial Day Parade.

It made me so proud to see my uncles in their military uniforms marching with at least 100 other local veterans, all men, down Main Street,” Ritland explains. “At that age it never occurred to me that women had any impact on World War II.”

Nearly four years ago, when the daily mail arrived, there was one piece of mail that caught Ritland’s attention. It was a promotional piece that mentioned a museum in Texas called the National WASP World War II Museum.

“That piece of mail went into a brief history of a program called the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a group of women who flew military aircraft in the states during World War II. Their service would then make more male pilots available to fly combat missions overseas. While I thought I knew a lot about WWII history, I had never heard about the WASP program and had no idea a museum was created to remember their legacy”, Ritland continues.

Ritland and his wife visited the WASP Museum in November of 2022, where he first learned about the 38 women who died. “During the WASP Program nearly 25,000 women applied, only 1,102 would receive their wings,” Ritland said. They were the only World War II unit that flew every type of military aircraft – from bombers like the B-24 Liberator to the latest WWII fighters like the P-51 Mustang – delivered 12,650 aircraft, flying over 60 million miles.”

“Two were from Iowa and I had never heard of them,” said Ritland. Because the government continued to classify the women as civilians the military would not pay for their expenses when one of the women was killed doing their job. Their fellow WASP would often have to take up a collection to return the body home.

“This is what really motivated me to do something to remember these women,” continued Ritland. “I have three daughters and five granddaughters. Their futures have no doubt been brighter, with more opportunities because of the sacrifices these incredible, pioneering women made.”

Ritland’s contribution to the legacy of two fallen Iowans who served in the WASP program, will be to “ride my bicycle, beginning at the grave of Gleanna Roberts (1919 – 1944), Welsh Cemetery, Sharon Center, Iowa, to the grave of Beverly Jean Moses (1922 – 1944), Oakwood Cemetery, Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Even though it has been 80 years ago since they were laid to rest, I want to honor these two women and continue the legacy of all the Women Airforce Service Pilots who served our country.”

Ritland said he plans to leave Welsh Cemetery on his bicycle, Tuesday morning, September 3rd, 2024, spend the night in Montezuma, Iowa, and arrive at the grave of Beverly Jean Moses by late afternoon, the following day.

After spending the night in Des Moines, Ritland will continue his WASP Legacy Ride through southwest Iowa, across the southeast corner of Nebraska, southwest through Kansas and Oklahoma, arriving at the National WASP World War II Museum at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas on Saturday, September 28th.

In Oklahoma, Ritland’s route will take him through the tiny town of Wakita, Oklahoma, where WASP Paula Loop is buried. Paula is one of the 38 women who died while serving with the WASP program in World War II. In July 1944 she was alone, piloting a BT-13 enroute from Enid, Oklahoma to Seattle when she crashed near Medford, Oregon. (Side note: If you are a fan of the original “Twister” movie, starring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, many of the scenes were filmed in Wakita. The Twister Museum is located in Wakita as well.)

Ritland plans to finish the ride in 26 days, allowing for a rest day every five days. “Each morning, I will do 19 push-ups and 19 more each evening as a symbolic salute to honor the 38 women who died serving our country. I hope to do the push-ups at a school, city hall, library, or police station in the overnight towns and ask people to join me in the commemoration,” said Ritland.

On his legacy journey Ritland says he will be funding the trip entirely on his own. He is not asking for any donations or sponsors. “While I bicycle from Iowa to Texas, engaging with people about the Women Airforce Service Pilots along the way, my only wish is that patriotic Americans will want to learn more about these amazing women by going to the WASP website at www.waspmuseum.org. Better yet, take a road trip through west Texas and visit the museum. It is easy to reach, just off of I-20, west of Abilene, Texas.”

To join Ritland on any part of his journey contact him at:

Larry Ritland

515 460 3661

larry.ritland@gmail.com

FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/theoldcyclingveteran

You can follow Ritland on his WASP Legacy Ride by going to www.facebook.com/theoldcyclingveteran. Ritland has previously led historical rides on the Alaskan Highway, coast to coast in 2019 to celebrate the American Legion’s 100th birthday, a remembrance ride to salute the Buffalo Soldiers, participated in a ride from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama to remember the Civil Rights movement, and most recently a 99-mile ride to pay tribute to the 99 sailors lost onboard the USS Scorpion in 1968.

Warbirds Over South Texas Fly-In
2024-11-15 00:00 - 2024-11-17 14:00 | Aransas County Airport (KRKP), 421 John D Wendell Rd, Rockport, Texas, 78382, United States
Make sure you get ready to come see us at the Warbirds Over South Texas Fly-In in Rockport, Texas! Our historic aircraft will be present for this exciting event. See you there!

Jolly Jamboree featuring Santa Claus
2024-12-07 13:00 - 15:00 | National WASP WWII Museum – Avenger Field, 210 Avenger Field Rd, Sweetwater, Texas, 79556, United States
Jolly Jamboree

Join us in welcoming Santa Claus to Avenger Field! Look to the skies for Santa arriving in a vintage World War II aircraft. While waiting to chat with Santa, spend time munching on some goodies and decorating your gingerbread house. Bring an assembled, undecorated gingerbread house to decorate with our provided icing and candy. This is a free event, but spots are limited for entry.

Registration is closed, however the museum will be open & FREE to the community. Please come out to enjoy hot chocolate & popcorn, while touring the museum decorated with Christmas trees from local businesses.

Jolly Open House
2024-12-07 13:00 - 15:00 | National WASP WWII Museum – Avenger Field, 210 Avenger Field Rd, Sweetwater, Texas, 79556, United States
Free Jolly Open House

On December 7th, The Museum will be open to the public with no admission fee. Come out and enjoy hot chocolate & popcorn while touring the museum with Christmas trees decorated by local businesses. We will operate at normal hours, serving hot chocolate and popcorn during our Jolly Jamboree, 1 – 3 pm. Our Jolly Jamboree is an pre-register event with people decorating their assembled gingerbread house. Registration for this event is closed, however, the public is still welcome to tour The Museum for free during this event.

This will be the perfect time to visit the museum if you haven’t visited before or “if it’s been awhile,” looking for something to do on a weekend, or just wanting to enjoy some Christmas decor.

Homecoming Tickets & Pre-Order Book LIVE
2025-01-01 00:00 - 2025-04-14 17:00
To kick off the new year, purchase your tickets for The 2025 WASP Homecoming; Celebration Brunch, The Rendezvous, register for the annual Wishing Well Photo, and pre-order your copy of the long awaited WASP Story & Recipe Book!Tickets are required for the Celebration Brunch and The Rendezvous. The prices are as followed. Celebration Brunch:• $45 Per Ticket (A ticket is required for all people attending)

The Rendezvous: • Individual Ticket – $125 (These tickets will NOT be assigned) • Silver Table – $950 (Sits 6 People at assigned table) • Gold Table – $1,250 (Sits 8 people at assigned table) Pre-Order The WASP Story & Recipe Book: $50 per copy Books will be available for pickup at Homecoming to avoid extra shipping costs. *Please note, if you are not able to pick up your copy at Homecoming, we can ship your order with additional shipping fees. Tickets and purchases are live at bit.ly/wasp2025 till April 14, 2025! Don’t miss out!

WASP 2025 Homecoming And Fly In
2025-04-25 09:00 - 15:00 | National WASP WWII Museum – Avenger Field, 210 Avenger Field Rd, Sweetwater, Texas, 79556, United States
On Friday and Saturday, tour the Museum and learn more about the WASP from our exhibits and special guest authors and speakers. Take a leap back in time with live re-enactors. Delight your eyes on the ground and in the air with Warbirds, military trainers, and general aviation on Avenger Field. On Friday, limited food trucks will be available. Don’t forget to take some memories home from the gift shop. Saturday is a bigger day! Plan to come early and stay late. We will have our full range of aircrafts.  We will have more authors and speakers. Students and parents will have a great time in our Cadet Zone with all-new aviation games.

The shuttle will be available take you to and from the Museum and city airport on Friday & Saturday.

Catch some brunch, lunch and dessert at our full offering of food trucks.

It’s a weekend to remember – don’t miss out.

If you are planning on flying your aircraft to Avenger Field, please let us know at aviation@waspmuseum.org to register your aircraft and receive additional information.

To learn more please call 325-235-0099 or email media@waspmuseum.org.

Make your hotel reservations now. They go fast!

2025 WASP Celebration Brunch
2025-04-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Texas State Technical College (TSTC), 300 Homer K. Taylor Drive, Sweetwater, Texas, 79556, United States
Bring your WASP stories to share and catch up with other families! Listen to Diane Tremis speak on behalf of her aunt, Dora Dougherty, and muse about, “Doesn’t everyone have an aunt that flies airplanes and helicopters?” Tickets go live on January 1, 2025 at bit.ly/wasp2025!**TICKETS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY**

WASP 2025 Homecoming & Fly-In
2025-04-26 09:00 - 16:00
Come out to The Museum on Saturday to enjoy even more than Friday!On Saturday we will have MORE aircrafts, food trucks, authors & speakers, and our Cadet Zone!

The shuttle will be available take you to and from the Museum and city airport on Friday & Saturday.

Catch some brunch, lunch and dessert at our full offering of food trucks.

It’s a weekend to remember – don’t miss out.

If you are planning on flying your aircraft to Avenger Field, please let us know at aviation@waspmuseum.org to register your aircraft and receive additional information.

To learn more please call 325-235-0099 or email media@waspmuseum.org.

The Great Texas Airshow
2026-05-01 09:00 - 2026-05-03 17:00
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Great Texas Airshow will return to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph on May 2-3, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the “Golden Knights.”

This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Roar; Honoring 250 Years.” The event is free and open to the public. Gates will open at 9 a.m. each day, with aerial performances scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

A Military Appreciation Day for all Department of War ID cardholders is scheduled for Friday, May 1. The day will include a STEM Fair featuring cyber events and activities, along with aerial practice demonstrations.

In addition to the Thunderbirds and Golden Knights, other planned military acts include demonstration teams for the C-17, KC-46, and the F-22. The event will also feature static displays and support from all branches of the military. Planned acts are subject to change. – Information from https://www.jbsa.mil/GreatTexasAirshow/

Abilene Gives
2026-05-05 08:00 - 20:00
Abilene Gives is a 12-hour online giving event that brings our community together to support local nonprofits making a difference across Abilene and surrounding areas, including Sweetwater, Texas. It’s a day powered by generosity, where every gift, big or small, helps strengthen organizations that serve our region.

Early Giving is open from April 27 through May 5, giving you the chance to support your favorite nonprofits ahead of the big day.

The excitement culminates on May 5, when the community comes together for a full day of giving from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. During this time, donors can make an even greater impact as nonprofits rally support, build momentum, and celebrate the power of giving together.

Join us in making a difference and supporting the causes that keep our communities strong.

Moms & Mimosas
2026-05-09 10:00 - 14:00 | National WASP WWII Museum, 210 Avenger Field Rd, SWEETWATER, Texas, 79556, United States
Pre-registration is Required

Treat Mom (or yourself!) to a morning of creativity, connection, and a little sparkle inside the Museum.

Join us in Hangar 1 for a guided painting experience led by The Blank Canvas, complete with complementary mimosas and a light charcuterie spread.No experience needed! Just come ready to sip, paint, and enjoy a beautiful Mother’s Day moment!

Your ticket includes all painting supplies Complimentary Mimosas + charcuterie Step-by-step guided painting A relaxed, memorable morning at the Museum

Spots are limited, reserve yours today!

National WASP WWII Museum $50 per person bit.ly/waspmm

Make this Mother’s Day one to remember!

Ladies Leadership Luncheon
2026-06-03 12:00 - 13:00 | National WASP WWII Museum, 210 Avenger Field Rd, SWEETWATER, Texas, 79556, United States
The Ladies Leadership Luncheon Series is a free event at the National WASP WWII Museum that brings together women from across industries and backgrounds for meaningful conversations, professional growth, and authentic connection. Each luncheon features inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, and a light lunch in a setting designed to encourage collaboration, confidence, and community.

Whether you are a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, educator, community advocate, or just beginning your leadership journey, these luncheons are created to uplift and empower women who lead with passion and purpose. Guests will leave encouraged, inspired, and connected to a growing network of women making an impact in their communities and beyond.

Join us as we celebrate leadership, share experiences, and continue building afuture shaped by strong women supporting strong women.

RSVP for the Ladies Leadership Luncheon on June 2, 2026

Please complete the form below to reserve your seat.

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D-Day Commemoration
2026-06-06 10:00 - 2026-06-07 17:00
Mark your calendars for the 2026 D-Day Commemoration weekend. Join us for vintage aircraft, special educational programing and living history displays as we honor the service and sacrifice of the Glider Pilots who flew unarmed gliders into landing zones deep into enemy territory during the Normandy Invasion. They, along with thousands of other pilots, braved enemy fire to bring men and equipment into the areas behind the seaborne invasion beaches in the overall effort to breach Hitler’s Atlantic Wall and begin the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation. – Information from Silent Wings Museum, https://www.mylubbock.us/829/Special-Events

Summer Aviation Camp with Skyline Aviation & Women Military Aviators
2026-06-11 08:00 - 2026-06-12 17:00 | National WASP WWII Museum, 210 Avenger Field Rd, SWEETWATER, Texas, 79556, United States
Get ready for an exciting two-day adventure into the world of aviation! The Museum’s Summer Aviation Days, in partnership with Skyline Aviation, sponsored by Women Military Aviators gives students a hands-on introduction to flight, aircraft, and aviation careers.For additional questions, please contact: brianapadilla@waspmuseum.org

Students will meet: Thursday: 10 AM – 3 PM | Friday: 9 AM – 12 PMJoin the National WASP WWII Museum for an exciting two-day aviation now open to all students aged 14 – 18 who are interested in aviation, STEM, leadership, and future career opportunities.

Future in Flight Aviation Days combines hands-on aviation education, career exploration, and real-world flight experiences to inspire the next generation of aviators and innovators while continuing the legacy of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).

Students will participate in:

Aviation and STEM learning activities

Career panels and guest speakers from multiple aviation fields

Aircraft experiences

Discovery Flights provided by Skyline Aviation School

Friday’s Aviation Career Day will feature aviation professionals from a variety of industries, including pilots, aviation educators, mechanics, and military aviation representatives, helping students explore the many career paths available within aviation.

This program is hosted by the National WASP WWII Museum in partnership with Skyline Aviation Training Academy sponsored by Women Military Aviators.

Eligibility

Open to students 14 – 18 years of age

Registration Cost

$139 per student.

8 ($100) scholarships available provided by Women Military Aviators for Future Female Aviators Download the WMA Scholarship form at http://waspmuseum.org/web/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/WMA-Scholarship-Application.pdf

To nominate a female student for a scholarship opportunity to attend, please contact Briana Padilla at brianapadilla@waspmuseum.org.

About Skyline Aviation Training Academy

Skyline Aviation Training Academy is dedicated to training and inspiring future aviators through professional flight instruction and aviation education. With a focus on safety, hands-on learning, and real-world experience, Skyline Aviation helps students of all ages take their first steps into the aviation industry—whether they’re exploring a passion for flight or pursuing a career in the skies.

Texarkana Airshow
2026-06-27 10:00 - 21:00
The Texarkana Airshow returns on June 27, 2026, bringing high-flying excitement to the Texarkana Regional Airport. This highly anticipated event marks the first major airshow in the area in over 30 years and will feature thrilling aerial performances, military flyovers, and acrobatic demonstrations.

Gates open at 10:00 AM, with a full day of activities including live music, food vendors, a barbecue competition, and family-friendly entertainment before the airshow takes to the skies in the afternoon.

Admission starts at approximately $10 for general admission, with children 13 and under admitted free with a paid adult ticket. Parking is available for an additional fee.

CAF Rise Above: WASP at Sparks in the Park | Free Day at the Museum!
2026-07-04 09:00 - 17:00 | Newsome Park, 100 jack hazzard drive, Sweetwater, Texas, 79556, United States
In partnership with Commermorative Air Force Rise AboveSponsored by the Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce

Celebrate the Fourth of July with the National WASP WWII Museum and Rise Above at Sparks in the Park in Sweetwater, Texas.

Experience Rise Above: WASP, an immersive mobile theater experience that shares the inspiring story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots and the barriers they overcame to serve during World War II. Housed inside a climate-controlled 53-foot semi-trailer with expandable sides, the exhibit features a 160-degree panoramic screen that creates the feeling of soaring through the skies alongside the WASP pilots. The experience is free to all event attendees and accessible to all visitors.

The Museum will also have a presence in the park throughout the celebration and invites attendees to continue the experience with FREE admission to the Museum following Sparks in the Park.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of history, community, aviation, and Independence Day celebration.

Warbirds & Watermelon
2026-07-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Sweetwater FBO, 317 Homer K. Taylor Drive, SWEETWATER, Texas, 79556
Join us at the Sweetwater FBO on historic Avenger Field for Warbirds & Watermelon! As these Warbirds make their stop in Sweetwater on their way to the world’s largest airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, this is your chance to see these incredible warbirds up close before they continue their journey.

Enjoy free watermelon, meet the pilots, snap photos of these historic aircraft, and experience a unique summer right here in Sweetwater. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just looking for a fun summer outing, everyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy the afternoon.

Welcoming Home Our Stearman
2026-08-27 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for our next Quarterly Connections as we celebrate the return of a very special piece of aviation history to the National WASP WWII Museum.

This Stearman has a meaningful connection to Avenger Field and the WASP story. On July 28, 1944, the aircraft was involved in a landing accident while being flown by WASP Nancy A. Nordruf. Decades later, we have the extraordinary opportunity to welcome this aircraft back to the place where its story is connected to the women who trained and served here.

Come celebrate this exciting new addition to the Museum, learn more about the aircraft’s history, and help us officially welcome her home to Avenger.

This Quarterly Connections will be an opportunity to gather with friends, supporters, aviation enthusiasts, and members of our Museum community as we celebrate history, preservation, and the stories that continue to take flight.

Come raise a glass, share in the celebration, and welcome this Stearman home.

Ladies Leadership Luncehon Sponsored by Ludlums
2026-09-02 12:00 - 13:00
Building Connections. Creating Opportunities.

Join us for an inspiring afternoon focused on the power of partnerships, collaboration, and meaningful connections. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, strengthen your leadership skills, or simply connect with other women in our community, this luncheon is an opportunity to learn, share, and grow together.

Special Guest Speaker: Holly Hope

We’re excited to welcome Holly Hope as our special guest speaker. Holly will share an empowering message on the importance of building strong partnerships and embracing collaboration in both our personal and professional lives.

Come ready to connect, learn, and be inspired as we explore how the relationships we build can open doors, create opportunities, and help us move forward together.

Lunch: Nacho Bar 🌮

Enjoy a nacho bar while connecting with fellow attendees and making new connections.

Limited Seating

Space is limited to 80 guests, so be sure to reserve your seat and join us for an afternoon of connection, encouragement, and inspiration.

Let’s grow together through the power of partnerships.

Exploration Aviation at The
2026-09-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Abilene Heritage Square – Spark Science Center, 1620 South 3rd Street, Abilene, Texas, 79602, United States

West Texas Autumn Soiree
2026-10-03 19:00 - 22:00 | National WASP WWII Museum, 210 Avenger Field Rd, SWEETWATER, Texas, 79556, United States
West Texas Autumn Soiree | Ticket Price: $37 per person

Join us for an evening of great food, drinks, and aviation fellowship during the West Texas Autumn Soiree.

Enjoy a delicious pork loin roast dinner complete with a fresh green salad, mashed potatoes, green beans, and chocolate cake for dessert. Your ticket also includes two signature vodka and gin cocktails, along with beer, tea, and water.

Whether you’re reconnecting with fellow aviation enthusiasts or making new friends, this dinner is the perfect way to spend an evening celebrating our shared passion.

Purchase Tickets HERE
