Experience the inspirational stories of the American women known to history as WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots)

On Display January 29 – July 10

These brave women answered the call to service during WWII. In this exhibition, visitors will hear these heroic pilots’ personal insights of triumph and perseverance, see original WWII uniforms and memorabilia, and learn how these courageous women changed the face of our military.

Changing the Face of World War II

While 25,000 women applied for this experimental flight training program, only 1,830 were accepted. In November 1942, the first training class of 28 women arrived at Houston Municipal Airport to complete their primary, basic, and advanced training. Due to complications with weather and heavy air traffic, the WASP program was moved to Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas during February 1943.

After earning their silver wings, these female aviators were deployed to 120 bases across the United States. Thirty-eight women lost their lives in the line of duty, but it wasn’t until 1977 that WASP were granted veteran status. In 2010, they also received the Congressional Gold Medal.

Special Presentations

  • Final Week of Fly Girls of World War II
    • Friday, July 1 at 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
    • Thursday, July 7 at 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. – WASP Hangar Talk
    • Friday, July 8 at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. – WASP Uniform Talk with LSFM Curator, Eleanor Barton
  • The Women With Silver Wings Author Presentation & Book Signing
    Saturday, May 21 at 11 a.m.
    The Women With Silver Wings follows WASPs from the Golden Age of Aviation in the 1930s, through the war years, and into their lives after the war. Author, Katherine Landdeck showcases the women that flew the fastest planes of WWII, cheers for them as the fight to not be forgotten, and shares their stories to inspire others. Click here for more details.
  • It’s A Lady – WASP Talk
    Saturday, April 16 at 1 p.m.
    Hear about Mary Helen Crane, a WASP during WWII that trained in Sweetwater, Texas. This special presentation will be done by Crane’s children, Sally Heineke and Paul Chapman.
  • Women Airforce Service Pilots: Houston Connection
    Saturday, March 19 at 11 a.m.
    Discuss Houston’s own WASP Radio Operator, Celeste Graves with a presentation by pilot and personal friend, Vickie Croston.
  • LSFM Curator Talk
    Saturday, January 29 at 11 a.m.
    Hear for LSFM Curator, Eleanor Barton on the history of fly girls at Houston Municipal Airport – the training site for the first WASP class. Never-before-seen artifacts from our archives will also be on display.