National Warplane Museum – Geneseo NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2016
The National Warplane Museum announced and celebrated the newest aircraft addition to the fleet based and operated in Geneseo, NY. After a 4 year tour, the B-17, The Movie Memphis Belle, has returned home. Following her journey and arrival at Geneseo, annual maintenance routines will be commenced to bring her to full operating condition for the 2016 flying season.
The Movie Memphis Belle was the star of the 1990 Hollywood film, “The Memphis Belle” featuring an all- star cast including Matthew Modine, Tate Donovan, Harry Connick, Jr. and John Lithgow. The film was a fictionalized story of the 25th and last mission of the Memphis Belle during World War II while based in England.
Manufactured by Boeing and primarily operated by the Army 8th Airforce during WWII, the B-17’s were the first heavy bombers to penetrate Germany in January 1943. The Memphis Belle and her crew were not only famous for being the first B-17 crew to successfully complete the typical 25 mission tour of duty, but were also able to return from every mission with every member of their crew.
During her long term residence at National Warplane Museum, The Movie Memphis Belle will be on display to the public, available for tours and eventually will provide (pending FAA approval) Living History Flight Experiences. The Movie Memphis Belle will continue her work here in Geneseo, NY, as well as touring the air show circuit and will be visiting additional aviation, museum and tourism venues throughout the east coast, ensuring that the historical legacies of the aircraft and the Veterans who flew with them, are kept alive and at the forefront of the minds of our nation’s youth and leaders of tomorrow.
“The return of The Movie Memphis Belle speaks well for the hard work that the museum staff and its members have done over the last several years. Having this “flagship of the warbird fleet” based in Geneseo is a huge step forward in our ability to fulfil our mission of making history and sacrifice come alive for future generations.” – Austin Wadsworth, President, National Warplane Museum
“The Movie Memphis Belle is one of only 10 or 11 B-17’s still flying. It is a national treasure and we are so lucky to have it back at the NWM in Geneseo. As one of the crew members, I can’t wait to get it back in service.” – Craig Johnson, B-17 Pilot, National Warplane Museum
“To have this airplane back at The National Warplane Museum is wonderful. When I started here 12 years ago, the B-17 was the first plane I worked on. I worked for Dave Tallichet for a time, taking care of the “17”. I consider it an honor to be able to take care of it for his son, John and the Tallichet family, to keep Dave’s dream alive.” – Michael Lindsay, National Warplane Museum
“The addition of The Movie Memphis Belle to the National Warplane Museum’s already impressive collection will only continue the momentum of drawing visitors to Livingston County and the Finger Lakes region who are interested in both history and aviation. We already anticipate an influx of visitors to come and view this aircraft in the upcoming months and are excited about the impact on tourism that this priceless artifact will have in drawing people to the area.” – Elissa Leuer, Director of Tourism & Marketing, Livingston County Chamber of Commerce
“News that the B17, The Movie Memphis Belle, is returning to the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo is a tremendous development,” said Congressman Collins. “The plane’s arrival will be a great addition to the museum’s world-class collection, and will provide yet another reason for tourists to visit the Finger Lakes and Western New York. I want to thank the men and women at the Warplane Museum for their hard work and constant advocacy in making this museum a true must-see destination.” – Congressman Chris Collins, 27th District, NY
For more information about The Movie Memphis Belle or National Warplane Museum please contact Dawn Schaible @ 585-243-2100 or hagchic@gmail.com.
1941 Historical Aircraft Group DBA National Warplane Museum is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.
