Looking for an interesting and inspiring outing for your group? Come tour the Center!

*Buses Welcome/Bus Friendly-Easy In and Out

*Gift Shop

*Interesting Exhibits and Programs

*Clean Restrooms (we get compliments-we really do!)

*Located near restaurants and other attractions

*Group Rates Available

*Off-hour Tours Available

*Call (715) 392-7151 or email us: info@bvhcenter.org

CURRENT EXHIBITS

Engine at the Center on custom-made mount from Murphy Oil USA along with the delivery and set-up crew. Donor Jack Hooper helps load the engine. Recovered from Wake… This aircraft engine was recovered from Wake Island in 1955 and brought to Minnesota by Trans Ocean Airlines owner Orvis Nelson. After years in the MacGregor/Tamarack area eventual owner Jack Hooper decided to share this unique artifact with visitors to our museum. Extensive research, assisted by curatorial staff from the National Air and Space Museum, revealed that this engine is a Kasei Model 15 radial engine (part of the “10 Series” of Kasei engines). These engines were used in the twin-engine Japanese Imperial Navy’s G4M1 ‘Land Attack Bomber Type 1,’ manufactured by Mitsubishi and code named ‘Betty’ by the Allies. Noted for its tendency to easily catch fire due to battle damage, the ‘Betty’ was also informally known as the ‘Flying Zippo’ and the ‘Flying Cigar’. Although we are unable to determine the specific G4M1 aircraft powered by this engine, it is known that Betty bombers of the 755th Air Group from the 22nd Air Flotilla were stationed on Wake and that several were destroyed and severely damaged during the October 5-6, 1943 raid by US Naval forces. It is possible that this engine came from one of those aircraft destroyed in the raid.

"Trench Art" This exhibit presents several examples of WWII Trench Art crafted by servicemen, POWs and civilians. Lower level opposite the elevator.
"Delivering the Goods" The US Merchant Marine in WWII Exhibit-NOW OPEN on the mezzanine level. Learn about the duties and dangers of delivering vital war-time supplies via the sea.

See The Curator's Corner for details on collections and exhibits

SAVE THESE DATES!

Saturday August 28-Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Event-Superior/Douglas County

At the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds, Tower Avenue in Superior, 8 AM to 6 PM

Car Show, Motorcycle Run/Art Fair/Hot Air Balloon

9 AM Opening Ceremony

1 PM Tribute to Vietnam Veterans

3 PM Motorcycle Run Begins

ALSO-FREE ADMISSION to the BONG CENTER for Vietnam Veterans on August 28th!!!

www.northtierveterans.org

Saturday September 11, 10 AM-in the Bong Center Classroom-FREE PROGRAM

"C.S.I. Pacific: Technical Air Intelligence Units and the 5th Air Force 1942-45"

Jim Hencinski provides another of his fascinating programs on little-know aspects of military history, this time focusing on the Technical Air Intelligence Units-South West Pacific Area (TAIU) which located and salvaged wrecked Japanese aircraft from the jungles of New Guinea and other islands for testing and evaluation. It was the TAIU that provided confirming evidence that Dick Bong had broken WWI fighter pilot Eddie Rickenbacker's record of 26 victories when it located the wreckage of Bong's 27th victory in April 1944. The TAIU-SWPA rebuilt and test flew more than 30 different examples of Japanese aircraft to learn their strengths and weaknesses. The TAIU also developed the simple system of identifying Japanese aircraft by using common names like 'Betty', 'Val' or 'Tony.'

Tuesday September 14, 2PM-Bong Book Club meets in the Classroom. Free and open to the public.

More Events

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Looking for an interesting and inspiring outing for your group? Come tour the Center!

CURRENT EXHIBITS

Recovered from Wake…

"Trench Art"

"Delivering the Goods"

SAVE THESE DATES!

Thank you 2009-2010 Lundberg Challenge Donors!