This article is featured in the 2015-2016 Collings Foundation magazine:
Collings Foundation – A view of the lower ground level of the hanger. Clockwise from upper center: Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, North American AT-6 Texan, Grumman G-21 Goose, Waco UPF-7 biplane, Boeing PT-17 Stearman “Kaydet,” VW Kübelwagen, Fieseler Fi-156 Storch observation aircraft, VW Schwimmwagen, V-1 buzz bomb.
2015 has been a year of great accomplishments at The Collings Foundation. We have made steady improvements to our living history programs and fantastic additions to the Foundation’s collection of rare historic artifacts and aircraft. The Collings Foundation is continuing its 36 year tradition of presenting history and education in captivating
and continuously evolving ways.
The big news for 2015 is the great number of historic aircraft being added to our flying collection or nearing restoration completion. Highlights include the B-17 Flying Fortress and P-38 from Evergreen Museum coming to the Collings Foundation. These aircraft are in superb condition. With a small amount of restoration work they will be soaring across the skies again, honoring our WWII Veterans. One of the world’s prettiest planes, a Waco bi-plane, arrived at the Stow facility. This aircraft has been fully restored and looks better 
than new. The 1909 Curtis Pusher project has just been finished. This unique and rare airplane made incalculable contributions to aviation design and technology. The Foundation’s TF-51D Mustang will be complete and ready for the 2016 National Wings of Freedom Tour. As you can imagine, we are all looking forward to seeing this beautifully restored Mustang take to the air. (Note to all the P-51C “Betty Jane” fans: Don’t worry! She is going back to American Aero for a thorough maintenance and cleaning.)
The exhibit plans for the new American Heritage Museum expansion at The Foundation’s Stow, Massachusetts headquarters are extraordinary. Over the last two years the Collings Foundation has been working with Boston Productions, Inc. to develop designs for a world-class museum focusing on American heritage and defense of freedom. Along with the inspirational plans has come uninspiring interaction with the local Stow Planning Board. After two years of plan submissions, addressing all concerns, re submissions and approvals, the Planning Board determined that The Collings Foundation’s museum and living history programs are not “primarily educational.” As you can imagine, this strange twist came as quite a shock.
We eagerly anticipate starting the 2016 National Wings of Freedom Tour with the B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine 0 Nine,” the B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” and the new TF-51D
Mustang “Toulouse Nuts.” As we celebrate the end of our 26th year, The Wings of Freedom Tour has made 3,043 stops! We are looking forward to starting our 27th year on January 15th with stop #3,044 in Stuart, Florida. Please check the schedule on our web site for national Tour locations, dates and times.
The living history events hosted at the Collings Foundation’s headquarters are improving by leaps and bounds! These opportunities offer personal involvement, the most effective way to connect with history, technology, science and engineering. Our 2016 calendar includes American Elegance on June 18th &19th, Race Of The Century on July 30th & 31st, and the WWII re-enactment Battle For The Airfield on October 8th & 9th.
