An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Museum gets re-dedicated

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sean Martin
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The 8th Air Force Museum will be re-dedicated as the Barksdale Global Power Museum during a ceremony here Oct. 2.
 
The idea for the re-dedication began in April when Air Force Global Strike Command officials and the history office decided to give the museum a new direction.

"The re-dedication will re-focus the museum and present a new storyline, as well as update the museum attractions and displays," said Amy Russell, museum director.
"Having the museum here is a big privilege to the base. Not every base has a museum located on it."

She said the museum has two main focuses which allows it to cater to various age groups and individuals.

"We are here to show military members and the local community the history and heritage of Barksdale," said Russell.

According to museum records, the majority of people who visit the museum consist of mainly retirees.

"It is amazing to hear stories from our retirees regarding some of the planes we have here," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Steinsholt, museum NCO in charge of maintenance. "It is a great honor to be able to work on these historic planes and see where we have come from."

The museum offers a wide variety of displays, but plans to re-focus them to highlight the historical background of the base. The new displays will focus on where Barksdale got its name, the history of the base, the bombers stationed here, and the heritage of the 2nd Bomb Wing.

"For a long time, we neglected the fact that we belonged to the 2nd Bomb Wing and didn't tell the story of the base we are a part of," said Russell. "I feel that it is very important for new Airmen to be able to come in here and get a good sense of their history."

Steinsholt added that it is important for Airmen to not only look forward, but remember the past.

"If we are constantly looking forward and not remembering the past, then we cannot get a clear sense of our heritage or the foundation that was laid for us," said Steinsholt.

Although the museum will have a different name and displays, it will still have an important role in explaining the story of Barksdale Air Force Base.