Idaho Vacation: Warhawk Air Museum

From the battlefront to the home front.  The Warhawk Air Museum tells the story of  America's involvement in World War I and World War II through authentic aircraft and thousands of items from personal collections of those who fought the battles.  A visit to this museum should be on your list of things to do while on your Idaho vacation. 

The Warhawk Air Museum, located at the Nampa Municipal Airport, is celebrating it's 21st anniversary in 2011.  The main museum room contains aircraft and memorabilia primarily from WW I and WW II and a new addition, opened in 2010, focuses primarily on the Korean and Vietnam wars. 

Many cabinets and displays hold personal memorabilia contributed by area soldiers.  Interesting items in one display are the prints painted by Norman Rockwell of the "Four Freedoms: Freedom from Want, Freedom from Fear, Freedom to Worship, and Freedom of Speech."  During the war, these posters were prominately displayed throughout America and are the basis of why Americans were willing to sacrifice so much for the war effort.

One of the more important efforts of the museum is the Veterans History Project, a cooperative project with the Library of Congress.  This project  interviews, films, and then edits the living history sessions with American veterans from WW II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War.  The museum has completed and delivered in excess of 500 interviews to the Library of Congress. A copy of completed DVD interviews is retained at the museum and a copy is given to the soldier.

After a visit to this museum, newfound respect and appreciation for the soldiers and their families who have fought in any of our wars, will be felt.  We realize anew that our freedoms are not free but have been obtained at great cost and sacrifice. 

The museum features many of the most important aircraft models that gave air superiority to US forces in the war.  Also displayed are many "mother's flags", sweetheart pillows, ration books, and other sentimental memorabilia contributed by soldiers and their families.  These displays give a very personal feeling to the entire museum.  One cannot help but feel a renewed reverance and hightened respect for our nation's military and the sacrifices that have been given.

The museum hosts several veterans activities throughout the year.  It also features a fully equipped events center, meeting rooms, gift shop, and a library.

Warhawk Air Museum was founded by M Susan Paul and her husband John Paul.  It operates as a 501c3 non-profit organization and is entirely funded  by individual donations and private foundations.  The museum is just a mile off of I 84 and very easy to visit.

Information:

Address - 201 Municipal Dr, Nampa, ID 83687

Phone - 208-465-6446, fax - 208-465-6232

Website - warhawkairmuseum.org

Hours - Winter Tues-Fri 10am-4pm,Sat 10am-5pm, Closed Sun & Mon

             Summer Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm, Closed Mon

Admission - Adults $10, Seniors or Military (with ID) $8, Child (ages 5-12) $4

Directions - Exit I-84 at exit 38, travel south on Garrity Blvd approx .6 miles to 39th St, turn left and travel approx .4 mile,  39th St changes to Municipal Dr,. The museum is on the right.  There is ample parking for busses, RVs, or other large vehicles.  Guided tours can be arranged by calling ahead.