The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
HOME FOR A HERO
WWII-era living history museum dedicated to Gen. Spaatz
BOYERTOWN >> After three years and countless volunteer hours, the General Carl Spaatz National U.S. Army Air Forces Museum hosted its grand opening.
A self-guided immersive World War II-era experience that places visitors in living history interactive exhibits, the museum is dedicated to Boyertown native Gen. Carl Spaatz and all from his hometown that served in WWII in uniform or at home in support.
With about 250 in attendance, Oct. 2 event began with live music from the 1940s and a display of military vehicles.
Boyertown Mayor Marianne Deery spoke at the dedication ceremony, “Listen to this,” she said to the gathered crowd, “General Carl Spaatz National United States Army Airforce Museum — Wow! Right here in Boyertown.”
The museum was founded by retired Marine Corps Col. Keith A Seiwell.
“Col. Keith Seiwell not only had a dream, but he also had a mission. And behind these doors is the realization of his mission,” said Deery. “The displays are impressive, to say the least.”
To learn the history of a four-star general is a mustread but Deery is also impressed by the men and women who serve from the local area.
“Some came home and some didn’t. The men and women that served, as well as those men and women who serve today, solidifies in my mind the guts of Boyertown area,” said Deery. “It is my hope that young people become inspired by what’s in this museum, behind these doors, that they will continue the heritage that has been laid right before them.”
Deery dedicated the newly renamed General Carl Spaatz Avenue.
“From now on, our address is not 28 Warwick Street. It is number 10 General Carl Spaatz Avenue,” said Seiwell, founder and CEO of the museum.
The legacy of Ge. Carl Spaatz is not well known outside of military circles, and certainly does not rise to the importance of his contribution to our success as a nation, said Seiwell.
“Current and future generations should know of Carl Spaatz’s contribution to the American victory in WWII, and consequently our leadership position in world affairs,” he said.
Promoting and preserving his legacy is the museum’s goal.
“The evolution of the United States Air Force as we know it today would not be possible without Carl Spaatz,” said Seiwell. “He is known as the Architect of Air Supremacy, a guiding principle in modern warfare, but incomprehensible to those around him at the beginning of WWII.”
Some noted facts about General Carl Spaatz
• Eisenhower said he was “One of the two greatest generals of WWII.
• He commanded the Army Air Corp in North Africa, Europe and the Pacific in WWII.
• He was the overall commander of the units that provided air cover for the D-Day invasion.
• He commanded the Army Air Corp unit that dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• He pioneered aerial refueling, keeping an airplane, “The Question Mark,” in the air for 150 hours.
• President Truman named Gen. Spaatz Chief of Staff when the US Air Force was established in 1947.
• After his death in 1974, he was interred on the ground of the US Air Force Academy in Colorado.
“Among the giants of America’s military leadership during WWII, Spaatz has gotten too little notice. This museum will change that,” said Seiwell.
Museum Tours & Displays
The living museum concept includes almost 6,000 square feet of museum space comprising 10 exhibits, of which six are featured as interactive.
The self-guided tours of the museum feature audio descriptions, including the career of Carl Spaatz career and the experience of a WWII pilot.
Visitors are immersed in the world of aerial warfare with everything from attending pre-flight briefings, donning gear and equipment to piloting a bomber and acting as waist gunners and bombardiers.
There is also an Escape Room experience where