The National Cold War Center

Name: The National Cold War Center
Address: 4701 Memorial Drive, Blytheville, AR, 72315, US
Telephone: +18705322100

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The National Cold War Center

The National Cold War Center - an exciting venue
about the war that saved the world. Coming soon to Blytheville, Arkansas!

It is difficult to imagine living under the constant threat of nuclear annihilation, but that was the reality of the Cold War - a time we cannot afford to forget. The purpose of the National Cold War Center is to commemorate these historical events and the human experiences they created. The Center will tell the story of the brave men and women who guarded the fragile peace between two powerful nations.

06/10/2026

A bold vision is becoming reality in Blytheville.

Officially designated by Congress, the National Cold War Center will explore the global story of the Cold War through immersive exhibits, authentic artifacts and engaging educational experiences.

Be part of history and donate today at the link!
https://nationalcoldwarcenter.com/donate/

06/09/2026

June 12, 1987, one sentence echoed around the world: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

President Ronald Reagan’s speech at the Brandenburg Gate became one of the most powerful moments of the Cold War, challenging the Soviet Union to move beyond words and take action. It was a call for real steps toward openness, reform and reduced global tension.

And just two years later, the Berlin Wall would fall.

📷: President Ronald Reagan Making His Berlin Wall Speech. June 1987. Public Domain.

06/05/2026

Meet Cybelle Jones, CEO of the Society for Experiential Graphic Design and a member of the National Cold War Center’s Board of Directors!

With more than 25 years of experience leading transformative design projects — including the National WWII Museum, the International Spy Museum and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum — Cybelle brings a powerful perspective on how design shapes the way we experience history.

We’re grateful for her leadership and expertise as we work to create an engaging, immersive visitor experience at the future National Cold War Center. https://nationalcoldwarcenter.com/about/

06/03/2026

Did you know?

In 1961, a U.S. B-52 bomber broke apart mid-air over Goldsboro, North Carolina — accidentally releasing two hydrogen bombs.

One of the weapons went through nearly all of its arming steps and even sent a firing signal when it hit the ground. Only a single low-voltage safety switch prevented a nuclear detonation.

The incident became one of several Cold War nuclear accidents known as a “Broken Arrow.”

📷: Weapon No. 1 in the 1961 Goldsboro B-52 Accident. January 1961. Public Domain.
https://nationalcoldwarcenter.com

06/01/2026

What if diplomacy didn’t just happen at the negotiating table?

During the Cold War, Martha Graham brought American culture to the world through dance, using movement as a powerful tool of influence and connection across borders.

You can explore her impact in “Martha Graham and the Dance of American Diplomacy,” featured at the Blytheville Air Force Base Exhibition. Learn more and plan your visit at the link! https://nationalcoldwarcenter.com/bafb/

05/29/2026

Meet Dr. Christian F. Ostermann, Executive Director of the National Cold War Center and one of the world’s leading experts on Cold War history!

An award-winning historian and founding director of the History and Public Policy Program at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., Dr. Ostermann has spent decades studying the global impact of the Cold War.

“The ideological and geopolitical battle between capitalism and communism defined our global politics for almost half a century, resulting in a nuclear arms race, regional wars and cultural and technological changes that remain vital here in the 21st century,” he said. “Our vision is for a state-of-the-art museum that tells the story of the Cold War as lived history and connects with younger generations.”

We’re grateful for Dr. Ostermann’s leadership and expertise as he helps guide the vision for the National Cold War Center.

📷: Christian F. Ostermann. The Wilson Center.
https://nationalcoldwarcenter.com/about/

05/27/2026

During the Cold War, Blytheville Air Force Base served as a vital Strategic Air Command installation, supporting B-52 operations at the height of global tension. Today, that history is preserved through the Blytheville Air Force Base Exhibition, where visitors can explore artifacts and personal accounts from those who served during this pivotal era. Plan your visit and learn more about the future National Cold War Center! https://nationalcoldwarcenter.com/bafb/

05/26/2026

Did the Cold War influence pop culture? Absolutely.

In our conversation with Dr. Revis Edmonds, he reflects on how music, movies and entertainment often mirrored the global tensions of the era — including the Beatles’ iconic “Back in the U.S.S.R.”

Watch the full discussion at the link!

🎥: Arkansas Northeastern College, Cold War Narratives.
https://youtu.be/MwsEMkP3snU?si=VoXzfHtEydHDB_KM

05/21/2026

For decades, the Berlin Wall stood at the center of one of history’s most defining conflicts. Now, 36 pieces have found a new home at the National Cold War Center.

Follow along as we share the journey behind bringing these historic segments to Blytheville, Arkansas — creating the largest Berlin Wall collection outside of Germany — and preserving their legacy for future generations.

For more information, visit https://nationalcoldwarcenter.com/berlin-wall/

Address

4701 Memorial Drive
Blytheville, AR
72315

Telephone

+18705322100

Website

https://nationalcoldwarcenter.com/

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