New England Air Museum Named Freedom Trail Site

The Connecticut Freedom Trail has designated the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks as an official site on the trail.

The trail is a network of sites and events honoring and commemorating the struggles for freedom and human dignity and the state’s history of civil rights and human justice.

“We believe in the power of education to inspire and unite communities, and this designation reinforces our role as a custodian of history,” said New England Air Museum president and CEO Stephanie Abrams.

Locations on the trail include sites associated with the Underground Railroad, Amistad, and the Civil Rights Movement.

“NEAM’s ongoing efforts to educate the public is in harmony with the mission of the Connecticut Freedom Trail,” said the trail’s outreach director, Tammy Denease.

Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit

One of the museum’s exhibits, The Tuskegee Airmen: Their Untold Stories, highlights the contributions of African American aviators who served during World War II.

“Featuring the Tuskegee Airmen and their historic achievements not only enhances the Museum’s offerings but also adds a rich, educational dimension to the Freedom Trail’s diverse narrative,” said Denease. 

“This designation reflects our commitment to preserving and sharing stories of resilience and courage.”

NEAM’s Stephanie Abrams

The exhibit opened June 4. It aims to educate visitors about their achievements and the segregation and discrimination they endured. 

“This designation reflects our commitment to preserving and sharing stories of resilience and courage of those who, like the Tuskegee Airmen, overcame racism and discrimination to hold true to their goal of achieving excellence,” added Abrams.

The museum will place a permanent plaque commemorating the designation on the theater of the Tuskegee exhibit and alongside the museum sign on Route 75.