World War Two Aviation in Arizona
New exhibit and programs at the Mesa Historical Museum
The Mesa Historical Museum announces the opening of their new exhibit Best Place in the Country on December 17, 2010. This exhibit, the first of its kind anywhere, focuses on the role that Arizona played in training pilots, gunners and bombardiers during World War Two. With good, year-round flying weather and miles of flat, unpopulated land, Arizona was an ideal location for some of the largest training facilities in the country (and the world).
Through maps, photographs, artifacts and first-person accounts, the exhibit tells the story of the 59 airfields that were built for training fighter and bomber pilots from three nations. Arizona also had some of the largest bombing and gunnery training ranges in the United States. Much of the spent rounds and bomb fragments still lie scattered across the deserts of Arizona. The exhibit will also show how many of these former military airfields are being used today.
Come learn about the history of the Cactus League in Arizona.
The Mesa Historical Museum is the home of "Play Ball: the Cactus League Experience." Now showing at our partner locations at the Arizona Historical Society and Museum in Tempe, the Arizona Museum for Youth in Mesa, and at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Museum in Terminal 4. Check out the website for more on the exhibit, the history of the Cactus League, and more upcoming events. All three exhibits that make up Play Ball 2011 are on the Cactus League Legacy Trail. Learn more and check out the other sites on the trail.
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Defining the Arizona Experience
History and Strength For over 45 years, the Mesa Historical Museum has been a primary heritage destination in Arizona. As the most visited history museum in the Phoenix area, it has earned a reputation as local destination with a long history of preservation and innovative programs. The museum holds a place of distinction among peers nationally. We received the American Association of State and Local History’s 2008 Award of Merit in the nation’s most prestigious competition for recognition of achievement in state and local history.
Looking to the Future! What does the thriving history museum of tomorrow look like? We think we know. We’ve been in the story-telling business for a long time. The difference is we’ve moved past the idea of static exhibits that hold stories about distant times. The future of history is fun, interactive, and connects yesterday to today’s Arizona. And it draws people!
The history museum of tomorrow looks like “Play Ball! The Cactus League Experience.” It gives recognition to Mesa, the Valley, and Arizona for the impact we have had and currently play in our nation’s favorite pastime. It travels to wherever people gather and want to reminisce over this shared cultural experience.
The history museum of tomorrow looks like “Mesa Takes Flight” It celebrates over 70 years of flight in Mesa with new partnerships across Mesa and a Centennial Year initiative featuring three new exhibitions at MHM and several new aviation themed projects across Mesa.
“The Annual Ghost Tour and Home Tour” The history museum of tomorrow looks a lot like the downtown Mesa Ghost Tour and annual Historic Home Tour. It’s a moveable feast of discovery and teased imaginations.
The Mesa Historical Museum announces the opening of their new exhibit Best Place in the Country on December 17, 2010. This exhibit, the first of its kind anywhere, focuses on the role that Arizona played in training pilots, gunners and bombardiers during World War Two. With good, year-round flying weather and miles of flat, unpopulated land, Arizona was an ideal location for some of the largest training facilities in the country (and the world).
Come learn about the history of the Cactus League in Arizona.