The Texas Flying Legends Museum, a group of flying enthusiasts dedicated to teaching World War II aviation history, has decided to make Wiscasset its permanent summer home. The group plans to house its squadron of restored World War II-era aircraft at the Wiscasset Municipal Airport and use it as base of operations for events throughout Maine.
The Texas Flying Legends Museum travels across the country showcasing its fleet of P-51s, B-25s, and other aircraft, including a rare Japanese Zero. This past summer was the first time the museum stopped for an extended period of time in Wiscasset.
Wiscasset will be the third leg in the Museum’s “three-legged stool” plan. During the year, the group also makes extended stops in Texas, its home state, and North Dakota.
According to Texas Flying Legends Museum President Chris Griffith, the group ultimately plans on building a World War II museum in the area, where visitors can come and get a close up view of some of history’s most famous aircraft. This would be the first museum in Maine dedicated entirely to World War II.
By displaying their aircraft, the Texas Legends intend to remind the youngest generation of the “virtue, strength, pride, and valor” that each US service member has shown throughout the country’s history. Ultimately, the group hopes their planes inspire those unfamiliar with America’s modern history and a serve as a point of honor for those who are.
Airport Manager Ervin Deck said he sees no downside in the group’s decision to relocate to Wiscasset.
“Their presence here is going to help draw people to the airport,” Deck said. “It’ll keep us busy during the summer.”
Griffith, a native of Hartland, Maine, said his organization chose Wiscasset because of its people. “Wiscasset represents the grassroots of aviation,” Griffith said.
Griffith said he fell in love with Wiscasset Municipal Airport after visiting it for the first time last spring. The small size of the airport, coupled with its openness to the public, were ideal traits to the Texas Flying Legends.
“The people of Wiscasset make us feel so comfortable, it’s so much fun being there,” he said.
Maine was also a particular draw for the Texas Flying Legends Museum, according to Griffith, because of its high per capita veteran population, the highest in the nation according to the 2000 census.
Griffith recalled meeting several World War II veterans this past summer, many of whom had flown the same type of planes showcased in his museum.
The Texas Flying Legends have 31 events planned this summer, throughout the state, including airshows in Old Orchard Beach and Boothbay.
