Barksdale Global Power Museum facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Barksdale Global Power Museum

The exterior of the Barksdale Global Power Museum
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Former name	8th Air Force Museum
Established	1979 (1979)
Location	Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City, Louisiana
Founder	Harold D. "Buck" Rigg

Part of the museum's collection, including a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21F, an Avro Vulcan B.2, a Boeing KC-97G/L Stratofreighter, and a Boeing B-29 Superfortress

The Barksdale Global Power Museum is an exciting place to learn about airplanes and the history of the United States Air Force. It's located at Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City, Louisiana. This museum, once known as the 8th Air Force Museum, has a huge collection of military aircraft and historical items. They show what early U.S. military flying was like, the story of Barksdale base, and how important groups like the 2nd Bomb Wing and the 8th Air Force were formed.

The museum's main goals are to keep the Air Force's history alive, especially for bomber units. They also want to inspire Air Force members, teach the public about the Air Force, and take good care of their planes and artifacts.

Discovering the Museum's History

The Barksdale Global Power Museum first opened its doors in 1979. It was started thanks to the hard work of Buck Rigg, who became its first volunteer curator. Early projects included getting a B-17 bomber ready to fly again and restoring a B-24 plane.

Finding Old Planes

In 1980, two airmen found parts of a Keystone B-6A bomber in the woods near the airbase. These old plane pieces were added to the museum's growing collection. In 1982, an Avro Vulcan plane was given to the museum. That same year, plans were made to recreate a World War II 8th Air Force base at the museum. By 1985, the museum had also collected other famous planes like a B-52, KC-97, C-47, and F-84. A B-29 bomber joined the collection in 1992.

A New Name and Look

In 2008, an inspection showed that the museum needed to improve how it managed its collections. To avoid confusion with another museum and to show its wider mission, the museum changed its name in 2012. It became the Barksdale Global Power Museum. The museum finished a big three-year renovation in 2015. During this time, all the rooms were rebuilt, and many of the airplanes were repainted.

Recent Additions and Changes

A B-1 bomber arrived at the museum in 2022, adding another impressive aircraft to its display. In June 2024, the museum opened a new exhibit that celebrates the important role of women in the Air Force. In June 2025, it was announced that the museum's B-24 plane would be moved to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.

Exciting Exhibits to Explore

The museum has many interesting exhibits that tell stories about air power and history.

• 2nd Bomb Wing History: You can see a timeline of the 2nd Bomb Wing's history from 1918 to today, shown through various artifacts.
• Aviation Art Gallery: This gallery features beautiful artwork inspired by aviation and the Air Force.
• September 11, 2001, Exhibit: This special exhibit includes the podium and furniture from the Eighth Air Force Headquarters. It was here that U.S. President George W. Bush made his first speech during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Amazing Aircraft Collection

The Barksdale Global Power Museum is home to many different types of aircraft. These planes show the history and power of the Air Force.

Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress

Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker

Powerful Missiles on Display

The museum also features examples of powerful missiles, showing advancements in defense technology.