The
Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum preserves history, educates and honors those in
uniform who serve and have served.
WWII era post card from Atterbury Army Air Field
Museum Location:
The Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum is located near the control
tower across
the street from the F4C Phantom Jet Fighter static display at the Columbus
Indiana Municipal Airport, the former location of the Atterbury Army Air Field
and Bakalar Air Force Base. The Jeanne Lewellen Norbeck Memorial Chapel is part
of the Museum complex on the Airport property at the corner of Middle Road and
Grissom Streets. The Chapel is available for tour by special request only.
Bakalar Green is located between the control tower and rotating beacon.
Columbus, Indiana tower frequency
118.6. Runways 14-32 5000 ft X 100 ft, 5-23 6401 ft X 100 ft. The museum is just a
few steps from the ramp and control tower.
The
museum's open hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10AM-2PM and
Saturday 10AM-4PM. Special tours may be scheduled during regular open hours or
other than regular open hours by contacting the
museum. New for 2008 is the Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame display.
Mission Statement: The Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum is dedicated to
the memory of all military and civilian personnel who served in any capacity in
the wars and conflicts from 1942 to 1970. It serves to recall events of WWII,
The Korea, Cuban and Vietnam conflicts which touched many of our lives.
The
history, photos and personal stories of those who served are here for you to
see and read. Learn about the World War II Glider pilots, The Tuskegee
Airmen, 2466th, 434th, 71st Special Operation Squadron in Vietnam, the base, the
leaders, the airmen, the equipment, the aircraft and so much more.
The Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum
hosts the Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans and Walk of Honor
information.
Former Columbus Indiana MIA Soldier
remains recovered. U.S. Army Sergeant Virgil Lee Phillips was missing in action for 57 years during combat in the Korean
War. Click here for more information.
http://www.atterburybakalarairmuseum.org/pow_mia.htm
To schedule a
tour: Call the Museum (812) 372-4356 or E-mail us.
Museum Volunteers:
The Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum
and the Jeanne Lewellen Norbeck Memorial Chapel is staffed by
volunteers called the 95ers. This group is composed of Veterans, former
base service members, and citizens who maintain the museum and Chapel.
The
Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum web site contains many historical photographs
and may require a little download time but is well worth the wait. The
photographs help tell the story of the former air base and those who served. If
you have artifacts, photographs or historical documents you wish to share with
the museum, please let us know.
Base History Snapshot in Time: May 1951 Atterbury Air Force Base.
From a
May 5, 1951 Newspaper article: Brigadier General Lacey V. Murrow's
Hoosier Troop Carrier Wing started initial phases of
extensive troop carrier training at Atterbury Air Force
Base. Hoosier officers and airmen, arrived at the base the first of the
week recalled to active duty. General Murrow takes over command of the
base from Colonel William S. Pocock. Colonel Pocock remains as
commander of the 2466th Air Force Reserve Training Center here.
Brigadier
General Lacey V. Murrow was the brother of famed newsman Edward R. Murrow.
Museum Contact Information
Board of Directors:
President: Gordon Lake, Vice President: Pete Jenkins, Treasurer: Wendell Ross,
Secretary: John Walter, Member Aviation Board: Dana Herr (Aviation Board
President), Member: Jim Sellars, Member: James Porter, Curator: Bob Henry
- Telephone
-
812 372-4356
- Postal address
-
Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum
- 4742 Ray Boll Boulevard
- Columbus, Indiana
47203
-
- Webmaster: Gordon Lake, First Sergeant AUS (Ret.)
-
lakegc@aol.com
