PRESS RELEASE: Museum of Aviation and Middle Georgia State University Receive Daughters of the American Revolution Historic Preservation Award

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — The Museum of Aviation and Middle Georgia State University (MGA) have been selected as recipients of the Historic Preservation Award presented by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in recognition of their collaborative efforts to preserve and expand access to an important piece of America's military history.The award honors the Museum of Aviation and MGA's multi-year partnership to arrange, catalog, preserve, and prepare for the digitization of the 483rd Bomb Group Collection—a historically significant archive documenting the service of the 483rd Bomb Group (Heavy), a B-17 Flying Fortress unit that served with the Fifteenth Air Force in Italy from April 1944 through April 1945 during World War II.The DAR Historic Preservation Award recognizes individuals, organizations, and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding dedication to preserving America's historic heritage through the protection, conservation, documentation, or interpretation of historically significant resources. The award celebrates projects that ensure future generations can learn from and appreciate our nation's history.The successful partnership between the Museum of Aviation and Middle Georgia State University exemplifies these goals through a shared commitment to responsible stewardship of historical collections while creating meaningful educational opportunities.Through the collaboration:

• The 483rd Bomb Group Collection has been temporarily transferred to the Middle Georgia State University Library, where it is being cared for by the University's Archivist and History Department.
• Museum and university staff worked together to arrange and catalog the collection using the modern archival management system, ArchivEra.
• Middle Georgia State University students are gaining valuable hands-on experience through archival internships, providing practical training in preservation and collections management.
• Materials from the collection have been featured in a public exhibition at the MGA Library, increasing public access to this important World War II history.
• The project has established priorities for archival rehousing and future digitization efforts, ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of the collection.

"The strength of this project lies in the collaboration," said Museum of Aviation Collection Manager Erin Tapp. "By combining the expertise and resources of both institutions, we were able to better preserve this remarkable collection while creating educational opportunities for students and expanding public access to the history of the 483rd Bomb Group."The Museum of Aviation also recognizes the continued support of the Sukey Hart Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, of Warner Robins. The chapter has long been a valued supporter of the Museum and local historic preservation efforts and will formally present the Historic Preservation Award to the individuals who helped lead the project:

• Dr. Susan Asbury, Associate Professor of History, Middle Georgia State University
• Ashley Bennett, Archivist, Middle Georgia State University
• Erin Tapp, Collection Manager, Museum of Aviation
• Arthur Sullivan, Curator, Museum of Aviation

This award reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to preserving military history, advancing scholarship, and ensuring that the stories of those who served are preserved and accessible for generations to come.

About the Museum of Aviation 

Located in Warner Robins, Georgia, the Museum of Aviation is one of the largest aviation museums in the United States. Through its exhibits, archives, and educational programs, the Museum preserves the history of the United States Air Force and honors the service and sacrifice of military personnel.

About Middle Georgia State University 

Middle Georgia State University serves students across Georgia through high-quality academic programs and community partnerships. The University's Library and the Department of History and Political Science are committed to preserving historical resources while providing students with experiential learning opportunities in archives, public history, and historical research.