Historic Wendover Airfield

08/06/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY
Today we commemorate and remember the day the world changed with the first use of an atomic weapon in combat 81 years ago. Wendover Army Air Base played a significant role in the training of the aircrews of the 509th Composite Group that would deliver the weapon and various testing and additional training to ensure a deliverable weapon.

Ever since that historic mission, this historic airfield has been a site where people could come and learn and reflect upon those efforts that took place to support the Manhattan Project. For decades after the war, our firefighters were some of the only full time staff onsite. As such, they took care of the facilities, offered tours, and preserved the history. Two of these individuals experienced the secrecy of the 509th Composite Group's operations here in Wendover. In the first photograph is Fire Chief Fred Kenley pictured next to one of the atomic bomb loading pits likely in the 60s. Kenley was serving in the same capacity during World War II and got to know some of the aircrew rather well, including Paul Tibbets. The second photograph features Assistant Fire Chief John Palmer pointing to another loading pit onsite during a tour. Palmer was in rail transportation in World War II and recalled the unique shipments that came in to support the Manhattan Project efforts at Wendover and the secrecy that enveloped the base during that time. The last photo shows a Little Boy test shape being lowered into a Wendover loading pit.

We encourage you to visit and learn about this story at a site where so much occurred, and take the opportunity to "walk where they walked."

08/03/2026

Attention All hands!
During speed week, the museum will be open until 6:00 p.m. come on in and get out of the heat!

07/30/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY
Speed Week is fast approaching! There were certainly some Wendover airmen that enjoyed automobiles. Today we feature an unidentified service member fine tuning a gas-powered miniature car. The two-toned car is named "Schaefer's Special" and features the number "16." These miniature racecars gained popularity in the late 1930s.

Image from the Bill Wcislo Collection. Donated by Denise Goins.

07/30/2026

Looking for something to do tomorrow night? Check out the 12 Port Reunion Car Show being held here at Historic Wendover Airfield/Wendover Airport. Featuring vintage Chevy /GMC 12 port cars. The Brinkman Service Club Museum and Airport Operations buildings will be staying open after hours for those attending.

07/28/2026

⏱️🛩️🎖️ GOING… GOING… ALMOST GONE!
There are only a few days left to make your July donation and claim the America 250th Anniversary T‑shirt — and help save real WWII history at Historic Wendover Airfield.

A $100 donation this July protects irreplaceable WWII buildings and artifacts. As a thank you, you’ll receive our exclusive America 250 T‑shirt** — but this chance is disappearing fast. Every dollar protects real history.

Deadline: July 31, 2026
Donate here: https://wendoverairfield.org/support/
**Allow 2–3 weeks for delivery. Add your unisex size (S–3XL) in the “write a note” field.**

07/23/2026

As we've been organizing our museum archives, we've uncovered a variety of electronics and electronics-related items that are surplus to the museum's collection.

We're excited to make these available to our supporters for a minimum donation of $50 USD per item (or, in some cases, per grouped lot).

As a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the museum can provide a tax receipt for your donation.

Please note:

Items must be picked up by the recipient or shipped at the recipient's expense.
We're happy to provide a shipping quote and can carefully pack and ship your items.

Photos and descriptions of the available items are posted here. Thank you for supporting the museum while giving these historic pieces a new home!

07/20/2026

⏱️🎖️🛩️ DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE! SAVE WWII HISTORY! 🛩️🎖️⏱️
A $100 donation this July helps save irreplaceable WWII buildings and artifacts at Historic Wendover Airfield — and you’ll get our exclusive and so cool America 250th Anniversary T‑shirt** as a thank‑you.
**Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Indicate unisex size S - 3XL in the 'write a note' field when making your donation. Must donate on or before July 31, 2026!
Every dollar protects real history. https://wendoverairfield.org/support/

07/14/2026

Hurry — limited time offer. Donate $100 or more to Historic Wendover Airfield in July 2026 and get our exclusive America 250th Anniversary T‑shirt. Your support fuels active WWII preservation projects and youth education programs. Help protect this history. https://wendoverairfield.org/support/

Historic World War II aviation museum. Our focus is the training that took place here and presented in a family friendly manner.

07/02/2026

Head west to check out the most original and complete Army Air Force training base remaining in the country. Visit the museum to learn more about Utah's involvement in World War II, including the training of the atomic mission group (the 509th Composite Group) and involvement in the Manhattan Project. Ask about our daily 1:30 Flightline Tour to access even more of this unique historic site and to "walk where they walked."