STEP INTO HISTORY AT BLYTHEVILLE LEGACY
The Blytheville Air Force Base (BAFB) Exhibition preserves the powerful legacy of defense from its beginnings as a World War II Army Airfield to its role in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Located on the flight line, adjacent to the tower and base operations compound, the BAFB Exhibition allows you to stand on a great piece of history while absorbing powerful facts and stories about our nation’s history.
Personal stories told
From its days as an Army Airfield until closing in 1992 as a major Strategic Air Command facility, the Blytheville Air Force Base told many stories. At the BAFB Exhibition, hear those stories come to life from the soldiers who served. See original furniture from the famous alert compound, pictures, uniforms and a variety of other memorabilia. Enjoy the tribute to General Ira C. Eaker, namesake for the last official name of the base. Facts and stories are all yours to absorb.
The former U.S. Air Force base not only protected the country from Cold War threats, but it also played a role in other conflicts, such as Vietnam and Desert Storm. The Memorial Room relates personal stories of soldiers who survived as well as those of soldiers who gave their lives in warfare. Perhaps the most powerful room in the museum, The Memorial Room is where you can hear a first-hand account of the event that took lives and sent others to the famed “Hanoi Hilton.”
The work continues
Coming soon to the BAFB is The National Cold War Center – a museum solely dedicated to stories of the war that saved the world and the facility’s most notable years, where the Blytheville Air Force Base became number five on the Russian target list!
The National Cold War Center is a non-profit organization that, inspired by the setting of a retired U.S. Air Force base, shares the importance of the Cold War -- a unique superpower rivalry that prevailed between the U.S. and Soviet Union from the end of World War II until the collapse of the U.S.S.R. – exploring its military strategy, its impact on the country and its effect on world relations. As a destination for the region, the nation and the world, the museum expands understanding through the innovative presentation of facts, captivating experiences and tours of original U.S. Air Force facilities.
Embrace Blytheville's southern hospitality
Get the most out of a visit to the BAFB Exhibition and embrace the richness of soil & soul in the gateway to the Arkansas Delta. Whether exploring the Delta Gateway Museum, catching a show at The Ritz, shopping our historic downtown, enjoying the outdoors at Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, catching a photo op at our renowned art deco bus station or enjoying our delightful restaurants and award-winning hotels, you’ll find authenticity here – a place to discover the sociability only genuine Southern hospitality can offer.
The BAFB Exhibition is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 am to 5 pm and is housed at 3711 Idaho Street. See what you can discover at the BAFB Exhibition and plan your own Blytheville experience.
