Dakota Territory Air Museum events to honor veterans, others | News, Sports, Jobs
Submitted Photo
Nicholas Knobil of Bowdoinham, Maine, and great-nephew of aviatrix, the late Nancy Harkness Love, gives a presentation about his famous relative at the 2021 “Women, Wine & Wings” held at the Dakota Territory Air Museum. Love was commander of the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) during World War II. Photo from Joe Cimarelli.
Special events to honor veterans, men, and women in aviation will be observed at the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot during its 2022 season.
Robin Brekhus, events coordinator, said a special event will be held each month starting in June with an event on the 25th to honor Korean War veterans and to commemorate the U.S. involvement in that war.
“It will be a patriotic event,” said Brekhus, who has been the air museum events coordinator for several years.
She said local veterans’ organizations will participate and the songs of each military branch will be presented during the program. Ric Gutierrez will emcee.
Because many people think of “M*A*S*H,” the TV show, when they think of the Korean War, Brekhus said a helicopter will be part of the Korean War commemoration.
Submitted Photo
Dakota Cruisers Car Club vehicles are parked at the Dakota Territory Air Museum for “Wings & Wheels” held this past year.
“Korean War veterans are invited to attend,” Brekhus said. She said she’d like to get their stories about their service in the war. Veterans can call or text Brekhus at 520-234-3901.
The next event, “Wings & Wheels,” has been held in the past but Brekhus said this year’s event will be a big one. She said Dakota Cruisers Car Club of Minot is already onboard to take part in “Wings & Wheels.”
Brekhus said the International Cessna 180 Club will be meeting in Minot that week.
“We’ll have between 70 and 90 airplanes there,” she said.
She said many of them will be from Canada, and many members of the Cessna 140 Club will be in Minot most of the week.
Submitted Photo
“Night at the Museum” hangar dance is an evening of commemorating aviators of the past. This photo was taken in 2021.
“We planned this (Cessna 180 Club meeting) for 2020,” but she said it could not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “So, it’s on for this year,” Brekhus said. “Not only will we have wings, but the car club will bring the wheels.”
She said there will also be historic military vehicles taking part in “Wings & Wheels.”
With the arrival of the month of August, there will be another major military recognition day at the air museum – the Vietnam War commemoration on the 13th.
Brekhus said the Vietnam War commemoration will also be a patriotic event to honor veterans of that war. She said it will include a synopsis on the war and why it took place.
“The Vietnam veterans are invited to attend,” said Brekhus.
If any of them have questions, they can call or text Brekhus or contact the air museum.
During the Vietnam War commemoration, the air museum will hold its 26th Annual Aircraft Sweepstakes drawing.
The following month, on Sept. 14, “Women, Wine & Wings” takes place at the air museum. This event celebrates the contributions and impacts of women in aviation past and present.
The final special event of the season is the “Night at the Museum” hangar dance with food, music, silent auction, dancing, and re-enactments of famous aviators of the past.
“We’ve got some great stories for this one,” Brekhus said.
She said she’s seeking donations for the silent auction. Proceeds of the silent auction go to the air museum including for scholarships and programs.
Food and beverages will be available at all events, and are open to the public.
For information about admission to events, check the air museum’s website at www.dakotaterritoryairmuseum.com or call the air museum at 852-8500.
Businesses, organizations, and individuals who would like to be a sponsor of an event or events can contact Brekhus.
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Air museum’s historical resource
Founded in 1986, the air museum is a “significant historical depository honoring the men, women, and machines that have impacted the rich history of aviation. Through displays and events that inspire, educate, and entertain, the museum has become a viable and important historical resource for our region and the state of North Dakota” according to its history.
Among the many features of the air museum includes one of the largest displays of World War II-era aircraft in the Midwest.
The air museum’s education opportunities include offering aviation camps for school kids, school tours, and aviation education scholarships.
Don Larson is president of the air museum board of directors. Jenna Grindberg is the museum director.
The air museum is located at 100 34th Avenue NE near Minot International Airport.
The air museum will open for the 2022 season on May 14. For more information about the air museum, visit its website at www.dakotaterritoryairmuseum.com or call 852-8500.
