This past December, theNational Park Service designated the City of Savannah/Chatham County a World War II Heritage City/Community.
The City and County is one of only 18 such communities in the nation and the sole designee in Georgia. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force took the lead on this project. Since the spring of 2021, the Chatham County government and Mr. Bill Palmer worked together for the recognition. Palmer is a private citizen with a keen interest in local history, particularly World War II. Congressman Buddy Carter’s office was especially helpful with the application process over the past 16 months.
Notification from the National Park Service of the designation follows:
Congratulations! The City of Savannah & Chatham County has been designated an American World War II Heritage City. The National Park Service appreciates your interest and the time you took to apply.
The American World War II Heritage Cities Program (AWWIIHC) honors the contributions of local towns, cities, counties and commemorates the stories of the men, women, and children whose bravery and sacrifices shaped the U.S. home front during World War II, and still impact our country today. Only one American World War II Heritage City can be designated in each state or territory. Chatham County played a critical role in this history. We recognize your jurisdiction as an American World War II Heritage City through the Program.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force:
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include:
- a fully-restored B-17 “Flying Fortress”
- multimedia “Mission Experience,”
- an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun., noon – 5 p.m. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
Provided by Media Contact: Pete Nichols
