The New England Air Museum (NEAM) proudly announces its designation as an official site on the Connecticut Freedom Trail, a significant recognition that honors the state’s rich history of freedom, civil rights and social justice.
The Connecticut Freedom Trail is a network of sites and events that commemorate the struggles for freedom and human dignity in Connecticut. It showcases key locations associated with the abolition of slavery, the Underground Railroad and the fight for civil rights. By joining the trail, NEAM underscores its commitment to preserving and sharing the diverse narratives that have shaped the region’s history.
One of the museum’s standout exhibits, The Tuskegee Airmen: Their Untold Stories, highlights the courageous contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots who served during World War II. Told through the surviving airmen and their families and friends, this exhibit educates visitors about the remarkable achievements of these aviators and explores the challenges they endured in the face of segregation and discrimination.
“Welcoming the New England Air Museum to the Connecticut Freedom Trail as our latest addition is a great honor,” said Connecticut Freedom Trail’s Outreach Director Tammy Denease. “Featuring the Tuskegee Airmen and their historic achievements enhances the museum’s offerings and adds a rich, educational dimension to the Freedom Trail’s diverse narrative.”
“We are honored to be designated as an official site on the Connecticut Freedom Trail,” said New England Air Museum President Stephanie Abrams. “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. We believe in the power of education to inspire and unite communities, and this designation reinforces our role as a custodian of history.”
A commemorative plaque designating the New England Air Museum as an official Connecticut Freedom Trail site will be permanently placed on the theater of the Tuskegee exhibit and also alongside the museum sign on Route 75.