The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s Maximum Effort capital campaign recently received a boost with the award of a major $750,000 grant from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation. The Woodruff Foundation grant moves the campaign close to $9 million in gifts and pledges. The goal is $12 million.

Campaign Chairman Richard (Sandy) Alderson stated, “The Woodruff Foundation grant is a significant and deeply appreciated contribution to the Maximum Effort initiative. The museum extends its sincere thanks to the Foundation for its investment in the Mighty Eighth’s vision for its future.” 

Improving the visitor experience is one of the campaign’s goals. This includes a 25,000-square-foot addition to the existing museum for new galleries; dedicated space for classrooms for history and STEM education; new and upgraded exhibitions; a visible collections gallery; and expanded areas for enhanced care of the museum’s permanent collection of materials associated with Eighth Air Force history.

“The Woodruff Foundation grant lends true credibility to the museum’s fundraising efforts. It will attract additional support, propelling the Maximum Effort initiative to successful completion,” said Mighty Eighth Museum CEO Scott Loehr. 

Construction on the museum addition will begin this summer. The project will be completed in 2025. Please contact the museum at (912) 988-1831 for more information on Maximum Effort: The Campaign for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.