This is the most amazing organization for anyone who appreciates history and preserving the WWII Era. Everytime I go, I learn something new. If you aren't a Warbird enthusiast, you will be after a weekend at Southern Heritage Museum. I highly recommend visiting. It's a great place to share with family, friends and neighbors if you are looking for something to do. You will not be disappointed and the souvenirs are awesome!! I have a Charlotte's Chariot hat and shirt that I love!! Everyone at the museum makes you feel welcome and like part of the family. Grateful to share my experience .
The southern heritage air foundation is an amazing organization. If you have any interest in aircraft or WWII aircraft/aviation SHAF is the place for you! The volunteers are all eager to give tours to make your experience worth while!
Wonderful people telling wonderful stories about our Veterans and our Country. Truly a hidden gem that must not be missed when visiting the Vicksburg, Mississippi Area.
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Without question, the Southern Heritage Air Foundation is head and shoulders above any other non-profit organization which I have visited or interacted with. The Staff and Volunteers have been extremely helpful and gone the extra mile to assist me with photography projects and events at their Hangar and Museum. My experience is not unique. Other professionals and enthusiasts in my area of expertise (Photography) have had similar experiences, based on their comments to me. I offer the Southern Heritage Air Foundation my highest rating and recommendation. They are truly the best non-profit in my area.
The display in honor of my Daddy, Marion James “Mac” “Bud” McCraw.
At the Southern Heritage Air Foundation.
We had such a Great time visiting the museum & Family
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I Love Southern Heritage Air Foundation!! I have been visiting the museum for years. It was quite obvious from my first visit of how passionate the staff and volunteers are about the museum and what it represents. When a veteran walks in the door everyone makes a point of honoring them. Every display, every event has a level of excellence that is very impressive. If you are in the area it is definitely a place you must take the time to visit.
Awesome experience, from the WWII displays, the WAC history and the many moc ups and models throughout, this museum is top notch. The Staff is nothing short of professional and always on hand to answer questions. Highly recommend this as a must see destination for anybody in the Vicksburg area!
Southern Heritage Air Foundation Museum is a hidden gem. Everyone who comes for a tour is surprised by what they find behind the doors. Veterans are honored here from Mississippi and Louisiana. One of the things we have gotten so much joy from was helping to celebrate the life of our Veteran Rufus Puckett. Rufus turned 101 in August. We have been blessed to help celebrate him for the last three years. Rufus is amazing he is sharp mentally, doesn’t wear glasses and still drives. If you would like to know his story please come visit us.
I am so proud to be apart of an organization who truly loves Veterans.
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I am a Volunteer at SHAF. It has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. The opportunity to share the stories, videos and pictures of these remarkable heroes is such an honor.
Our Warbirds are all available for a flight by appointment. We have people come for tours from all over the World. This year alone we have been honored to share our history with people from Australia, Canada, Germany, China, Thailand, Spain, England and more.
I am attaching a picture of our new friends from Wales.
Southern Heritage Air Foundation is truly a gem of a museum! I learn something new each time I visit. My family and I have enjoyed the air shows and all the wonderful exhibits that tell of the unwavering bravery and courage of our military forces. I love being able to get an up close view of the planes. The staff is so welcoming, accommodating, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend visiting the Southern Heritage Air Foundation. It is just a short drive from Vicksburg, MS.
SHAF has the best staff! Accommodating in many ways from items I have purchased to their expanse knowledge of the Museum! It is definitely one of my most favorite places to visit & take my family to! I have spread the word to many acquaintances & would recommend it to anyone interested in Aviation & definitely the History it presents. The staff is well versed as are the Volunteers!
What a wonderful time we had visiting Southern Heritage. The museum and the aircraft displays were very impressive and very educational. Definitely very Family-friendly atmosphere. You couldn't ask for a better Staff and Volunteers, they were absolutely WONDERFUL!!
Tyler really enjoys the museum and learning about the history of the planes. We enjoy all the events there.
Outstanding organization that supports the military. We toured the complex and viewed the artifacts that they have on display. They have quite the collection and found the museum to be very informative and interesting. Had a great time there and was not disappointed. Very courteous and friendly staff on hand to answer any questions you might have.
The Southern Heritage Air Foundation is truly a special place! Everyone there loves their job and they are all so passionate and proud of what they have to offer! I got a chance to spend time with them during the Warbirds Formation clinic and had my eyes opened to everything that they have to offer. Everyone should check them out if ever in the area.
Stayed around during their warbird clinic and even got to ride in a t-6. Was a great experience at a great place!
Keeping history alive, the staff and volunteers at SHAF are absolutely amazing. The museum is a unique collection of rare aircraft, and displays of memorabilia honoring local veterans. Top notch operation!!!
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Most amazing vintage flight weekend I have ever experienced, hosted so expertly by this top-flight organization. Everything is immaculate here - but the highlight is the staff, crew and volunteers of Southern. I will return again and I will look forward to it!
Love, love, love this organization! Punches above its weight, captures and preserves the stories of our rapidly passing WW2 generation, provides full transparency as to where donations are being utilized. Simply a fantastic place to volunteer and / or spend time!
Great place, great history, great people! Always helping veterans and tell stories of those before us
Wonderful day with some great people and a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoyed the museum and seeing these WWII planes flying formation.
SHAF, is by far one of the best museums I’ve ever had the pleasure of volunteering for. The management, the exhibits, the honest human touch is overwhelming. From the smallest fun sized toddlers to original Tuskegee airman, no one walks away without being effected in some good meaningful manner.
I bring my students each year for a field trip. Back in 2013 , the Museum brought in a WWII Holocaust Survivor and it seemed like there were roughly 1,000 students (various grades) from local schools. The presentation brought the Survivor’s story to life for all who heard it. The students even asked questions. Very good questions I might add. These “living history” events are so worthwhile. This hidden gem is a treasure for our community and all who visit it.
The Southern Heritage Air Foundation is doing a fantastic job in showcasing such a unique and patriotic attraction which honors our veterans of war. Patty and her staff have been mod proactive in making sure the citizens and especially the children of Madison Parish are invited to participate in all of the events that take place.
Tina Johnson, Director
Madison Parish Tourism Commission
SHAF is one of our favorite places to visit when we have out-of-town company. The friendly and knowledgeable staff always helps us come away with a new-found appreciation for our servicemen and women who sacrificed so much for our country.
I have been volunteering for over 8 years and I’ve been working airshows and formation clinics and have seen some amazing aircraft. I would not trade my experience for anything.
As a volunteer I have been able to see so many Veterans, pilots, students, and people just like me, who never knew how awesome this museum is to the community. There is something for everyone to see, experience through air shows, the planes, the special guests, and especially the walls of memories honoring those Veterans who have gone before or still with us. It’s such a special place to hear war stories, catch a ride in a plane…just come see for yourself. You will not regret the time spent at this little museum with so much to give.
SHAF is a wonderful place to remember all our hero’s, many giving their lives for America.
As a volunteer I have learned so much, met so many people from all over America some from other countries.
If you would like a place to serve and volunteer SHAF is the place. We are like family and we have a lot of fun!
The SHAF is extraordinary! It has a WWII museum focused on local veterans and their stories, it conducts events to honor and support veterans, and it organizes amazing airshows!
The Southern Heritage Air Foundation is a hidden gem on the Mississippi. I have volunteered there for multiple events and had the opportunity to work with some fantastic people. There passion to serve is contagious! They are truly a great nonprofit that has an amazing impact of preserving history and reaching out to the community around them!
Cannot say enough about this hidden treasure. From the outside it looks like a small Museum nestled in the cornfields of Mound, LA, but just step inside and your history lesson begins! This is a must see place for any WWII & Aviation buff.
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I volunteer here and have for over 6 years. It’s my home away from home and I love giving tours and sharing the stories of the greatest generation and participating in all of the events here.
It’s a special place as you get the history and the airworthy aircraft!
And the sunsets….wow!
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These folks are so nice and accommodating! I really enjoyed my visit and tour. I have to admit though, I’ve been here twice. I have learned something new on each visit and I’m looking forward to another visit. Thank you, SHAF, for your important work.
I have been attending events at Southern Heritage Air Foundation (SHAF) since 2013 and became a Volunteer in 2015. SHAF maintains a World War II Museum at the Tallulah-Vicksburg Regional Airport near Mound, Louisiana. The museum features actual artifacts and stories of local to Louisiana and Mississippi Veterans and airworthy World War II aircraft. Although the museum is small in comparison to some other well-known museums, this museum is very personal and provides real videos of some local veterans that were on Iwo Jima and other locations.
SHAF is not only an excellent museum but have hosted a variety of functions throughout the year; “Hangar Lunches”, group tours, “Bricks and Spokes”, “Pajama, Pancakes and Planes”, “Spring Is The Air”, "clay Shoot to raise money for Veterans just to name a few. Recently volunteers from SHAF and the local community built a deck with ramp for one of the local veterans that fought at the Battle of the Bulge and a few weeks later helped him celebrate his 99th Birthday. There have been other such events to mark milestones for local veterans, some who celebrated their 100th Birthday.
The November Hangar Lunch provided a Thanksgiving meal and presented Thanksgiving Turkeys to Veterans.
SHAF has hosted the NATA Formation Clinic annually and in 2022 for the first time a Jet Formation Clinic was held at TVR and SHAF. The clinics are held to certify pilots to fly in close formation for airshows and flyovers. Due to the Pandemic in 2020 some of the functions have been curtailed, one such function is the “Best Little Airshow in the World” that was held every other year. For a local little airport, this airshow, in my opinion lived up to the name. I have attended larger airshows that were no comparison to the one put on by SHAF. In 2022 SHAF joined with the Chennault Museum in Monroe, LA. to put on a great airshow.
The SHAF Volunteers and Staff are a great bunch of people (a family), dedicated to preserving the history of World WAR II and those that were directly and indirectly involved.
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I have enjoyed aviation for most of my life and have a particular fondness for WWII aircraft. and history. Southern Heritage Air Foundation offers a great venue for such. Besides a great museum of local history, they maintain multiple propeller driven air craft and offer flights in most of the aircraft. The museum has multiple functions that helps to keep the history alive. A great way to study history.
JNF
Patty has out did herself running SHAF and thinking of ways to help the organization and the Airport. She makes sure to add things and the detailed stories behind them to educate those who visit.
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I have been around this non-profit from the very beginning and watched it grow into something that allows people the chance to learn and understand the many aspects of the lives and actions of those who protected and currently protect this great country. Day in and day out when folks visit the museum, they come away with a better appreciation of those who served or are serving. The Southern Heritage Air Foundation brings more than just the aviation aspect to the public by working in a partnership with it's sister foundation, The Warrior Bonfire Program. The Southern Heritage Air Foundation is doing it's part in helping those currently in need that have come back to the civilian world and face the lack of care and understanding they so desperately need. As a veteran, that means a lot to me.
SHAF gives the communities in the surrounding area a place to honor and remember those who have served and died for our freedom. This organization goes above a beyond not only for Veterans but for their families. The educational aspect of WWII & more veterans from the area and aviation on a much more interactive level, have such an amazing impact on the younger generation! These kinds of organizations are why we remember our past and learn so we can change our future.
Awesome group, they work hard to improve the lives of veterans. While making us think they are just sharing a little history.
The Southern Heritage Air Museum is one of the most exciting and historical attractions in Northeast Louisiana. It showcases the history of aviation and highlights the stories, artifacts and memorabilia of our reginal WWII Veterans in such a compelling way. A walk through the Museum reminds me of the great country we have and the brave souls who fought to defend our freedom.
Patty and her staff with the help of sponsors, supporters and volunteers of the SHAF have done a yeoman's work in perpetuating and preserving the history of the Veterans behind the war for many generations to come.
SHAF does an amazing job helping us keep our American heroes in the spotlight! The brave men and women who fought and died for us all are well honored and remembered! Patti Meekus does a great job keeping the museum open with exhibits and events for young and old! Kudos to the staff and volunteers! SHAF beams a bright light on Madison Parish and Vicksburg, Ms!
Love this place, the people and the mission. Amazing what they do with the community assistance and the joy they have while doing it!
Best local community event! It gives to a meaningful cause and is always a blast to attend. Great family event and is so helpful to the people who need it.
Love to help here. My oldest boy loves to come and learn the history of the planes and everything in the museum.
I was extremely impressed with Southern Heritage's museum and the stories it relates to its guests. The personal stories that are shared here many and range from heartwarming to frightening. They are all the truth of our warrior's past. Many volunteers are veterans or have a connection to the military. The planes are simply magnificent and so carefully cared for! This is not one to miss!
Great museum with a wonderful staff and collections! A hidden jewel- a must see for anyone who wants to know more about WWII and its planes and people!
If you love history and airplanes this is the place to go. The staff and volunteers are the absolute best and knowledgeable of all.
Great organization that is appreciated by so many loyal Americans and airplane enthusiasts. Go visit the museum to see some great unique history items you won’t see anywhere else. They also host several great events each year including great Air Shiws and displays.
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The Southern Heritage Air Foundation has performed a great public service by collecting and preserving first hand experiences as well as primary documentation concerning aviation and aerospace related experience of people and machines from Louisiana and Mississippi. They have done an excellent job conducting oral interviews with veteran from all military branches that served in aviation related fields. Perhaps, without this service many of the stories and experiences would have been lost to time.
With the current rising death rate of Combat Veterans from World War II, The Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Desert Storm, etc., it is essential that this service continues, so that we can collect experiences from the past and transfer them to future generations. With their multiple multiple historic preservation, teaching and learning programs, the Southern Heritage Air Foundation is competent and able to perform this task.
Sincerely,
Darin Strobel
Ridgeland, MS
This is a wonderful exciting experience for the whole family!!! The history is amazing and staff are wonderful. I wish I could add my photos. It’s a must see❤️
Great museum great people and interesting tours. Also for a fee you can ride onboard an airplane....great lunch once a month for vets family and friends.....if you get a chance check out the mustang (car)
This organization is doing a wonderful job of educating the public on local war heroes and keeping everyone interested in vintage war birds. SHAF’s air shows are also great in exposing groups of all ages to modern and vintage planes. Many people are able to acquire their first plane or helicopter ride here. My son took his first helicopter ride here several years ago and decided he wanted to go into aviation. He completed his IFR test today at Delta State. I personally want to thank SHAF and the Fordice family and volunteers for all they do. SHAF brings excitement to aviation lovers and supports veterans. What more could you ask for?
This is one of the Best kept secrets around. And it shouldn’t be. Everyone needs to come and see what a wonderful job the Southern Heritage Air Foundation has done. They have preserved history of our beloved WWII vets.
They bring a personal touch to these amazing men & women who risked it all to protect our citizens and country.
You will walk away with a sense of pride and feeling like you knew the fine folks the museum honors.
I also had the opportunity to go up in one of the planes. What an honor!!
As an aviation magazine editor, I have visited countless museums and collections. This past fall I traveled south to visit the Southern Heritage Air Foundation for their air show and salute to veterans. It was one of the most enjoyable events I can remember! The hospitality of the staff is amazing and the quality of the event and museum is fabulous. The aircraft are gorgeous! I also noticed the prices in the gift shop were half what I see in other museums, which shows the museum is dedicated to their visitors, many of which are young families. I am looking forward to visiting again and I highly recommend it as a destination for anyone who loves WWII history.
Southern Heritage Air Foundation is a great organization. From the Air shows showcasing planes from a bygone era to their monthly Veteran's appreciation lunches. The museum on the Military and Aviation is worth the visit. At one of my visits I was lucky enough to get to fly in the P-51 "Charlotte's Chariot" chasing a Corsair, that was 2 "bucket List" worthy items. The people running this are top notch, friendly and informative.
As the daughter of a WWII vet, I am so appreciative of the efforts made by Southern Heritage Air Foundation to recognize our national heroes. The variety of programs and events offered make it a family-friendly place—not your traditional “museum “ with dusty old memorabilia, but one that is ALIVE!
We love the great events the museum hosts! My 4yo loved watching a movie about planes, surrounded by planes, in a seat from an airplane!
The museum is full of interesting artifacts with a knowledgeable, excited staff.
We’re blessed to have a place like this in our area!
The Southern Heritage Air Foundation is certainly deserving of non-profit status. I'm a former Air Force pilot and retired Colonel. I've attended their events, which draw people from surrounding states, and found them to be both inspirational and educational for both adults and children. Their airshows, which have included important vintage World War Two aircraft, such as the P-51, the F4U Corsair, and multiple T-6s, are outstanding. And they sometimes fly their aircraft for display and performances at other sites. I took this photo of one of their aircraft when it came to our town.
This place does amazing work for the veterans. They offer a monthly luncheon (free for all veterans) and they have pretty awesome museum full of WW2 memorabilia. If you have not visited you should plan to see the museum, attend a luncheon or take a ride in one of the vintage planes (definitely a bucket list item) and you do not want to miss out on seeing on of their air shows (one of the best in the country).
Overall great experience. Love that you can learn about the history of of aviation and how it plays a key part in the freedom of the US and others through out the world and learning about the local men and women that are heroes that walk among us. But actually getting to see the aircraft up close and touching them so you can feel the history.
This museum is a gem! It’s such an asset to not only the area in which it sits, but also to surrounding communities! The monthly and annual events are exciting and create a wonderful economic impact to the whole community of Vicksburg!
This one of the best little museums around and is very special to my family. Some of my late fathers and late brothers memorabilia is in this museum. My kids and I love visiting and going to the air show.
Madison Parish is so lucky to have this incredible museum in our area. My family and I have visited and participated in several events over the years at the Southern Heritage Air Foundation and have always been in awe of the place and it’s historical value to our citizens and community.
I went to air show with a group of relatives a few years back. We enjoyed air show and
had a great time meeting people and eating good food. Hope to do it again.
The planes at this museum are amazing, and they all are in flying condition. The one that seems to be most popular is the 1944 T-6 Texan. They called it the “Pilot Maker” during WWII. You can do all kinds of aerobatics in this plane. It’s great that this museum is keeping these birds flying.
This place is run by some of the friendliest and most helpful people you’ll ever to likely meet! We love visiting the museum and getting to chat with the personnel about all of the wonderful memorabilia and personal stories from Veterans you’ll get to meet. We’ve also had the wonderful opportunity to take a ride in some of the planes there (Additional cost but WELL WORTH IT!!) and even had my youngest daughters first ever plane ride be in the Waco (biplane)- my kids are all hooked and my son even caught the pilot bug and is now almost completed his private pilot license with lots of support from this community of Southern Heritage Foundation. The people that work there (Dan, Patty and Paul to name a few) become friends to all!
Great organization to be apart of! It is like being part of a family!
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This place (Souther Heritage Air Foundation & Museum) is awesome - my grandson and I visited and had a wonderful time - thank you very much for the wonderful, family-friendly envirnment.
Southern Heritage Air Museum is the best little air museum in MS. The volunteers are always very helpful and curtious. No one supports our veterans better than they do. Ms Patty is the absolute best.
I have taken my family to the Pajamas, Pancakes and planes breakfast with Santa since the first year it was offered. It is one of our favorite events of the year! It is so organized and well planned. The kids enjoy seeing all of the airplanes and memorabilia.
We also attend the Best Little Air Show and it is amazing!
The Southern Heritage Air Foundation has a huge impact on our community educating children, providing fun activities like the air show, hangouts at the hangar & movie nights, and helping serve our veterans. We are so lucky to have this asset in our backyard.
SHAF Museum is a great place to visit and is so accessible for us that don’t want to travel so far. My grandkids love to visit and there’s always something new to see. Highly recommend a visit to all.
This is a great little museum. Toured the hangar and saw some wonderful planes. There was a lot of information to absorb and some great displays. We were shown a movie about some of the planes it was a delight!
I was really impressed with the museum and totally enjoyed learning about all the aircraft and how they were used. I wish more of my friends could come over and view the exhibits and learn about our military.
I travel with my wife especially from the UK to attend this airshow and to visit the amazing museum run by even more amazing people! Why do I travel all this way? Because it is the greatest little airshow and museum I know!
The Southern Heritage Air Foundation is truly a great organization. The museum is fantastic as are the events. The two things that make SHAF a very special place are the Director, Patty Mekus, and all the volunteers. Everyone has a passion for history and, most importantly, our nation's Veterans. Keep up the great work.
I have been volunteering for over 4 years and everyone there has been an inspiration for me went back to school and now I have one year left before I get my A&P license it’s the best decision I ever made
Fantastic organization and museum. The Southern Heritage Air Foundation is more than an organization about flight as it is truly an organization about Veterans and what they have done, through the air, the keep America safe, secure and free. Patty Mekus does a wonderful job in serving those that have served us all.
Even though this museum appears to be small, there is so much to see and learn. I could have spent the entire day there (and practically did) and still come back for more. Patty Mekus radiates with enthusiasm and her knowledge of the history of the memorabilia and the stories attached is phenomenal. The museum itself is dedicated to WWII and the heroes from Mississippi. There is a deep feeling of honor and respect from all who work there; and this honor and respect transfers to the visitors. I highly recommend visiting this hidden treasure. There is no other museum like it.
In June, the museum offered a Living History program called "Almost Forgotten". A friend of the Foundation had restored a WWII TBM Avenger, and wanted to paint it in the scheme of someone from Mississippi that had flown one during WWII. During research, it was discovered that someone from Vicksburg, Mississippi had flown one! His name was Guy McAdory Brown and he was KIA flying a missing just two weeks before the war ended. Also, during the search for family members, which turned up nothing, it did connect those volunteers working on the research, to a man named Dean Boyer (95 yrs. old) that flew #96 in Guy's group and who was friends with Guy. He joined the event and flew in on the newly restored TBM! Not only did he speak, but a young gentleman from California, who was the great nephew of the turret gunner killed on the mission with Guy, joined us and spoke, and the daughter of Dean's turret gunner was there! Over 200 people came out to celebrate these heroes and watch the warbirds take flight. You read about WWII mission stories in books, but to hear from those who were there is truly Living History. One of the things this Foundation is committed to bringing the community and all interested! Donations and admissions and grants keep this museum open for people of all ages to enjoy and learn the real stories of real heroes!
We visited the museum one Saturday in May and did not want to leave! Although it is small, there is so so much too see. Once you step out of the museum you are in a hangar full of the coolest aircraft. A T-6 Texan, A P-51 Mustang, Twin Beech, WACO Bi-plane and more. I am a pilot that flies for a major airline, so smaller planes just intrigue me, especially when there is a story to go along with the plane, and you can have the chance to ride in one! This foundation is preserving history for all generations, and is run with volunteers who love and are honored to share the stories of their heroes. If you can, visit this place, and make sure to donate so they can share and grow what they have.
All the times I have visited the The Southern Heritage Air Foundation have been so special. In particular, the last time I was there I was able to enjoy a plane ride with Dan Fordice in the AT-6. The views were amazing and the flips and tricks were so much fun. I would strongly encourage anyone who enjoys flying to take a ride in one of the beautiful planes and definitely checkout the museum when you are there. Love this foundation and the people behind its operation. Thankful to have the opportunity to experience it!
We had a wonderful time at the event this weekend. The museum is wonderful, the food was great and what an honor it was to hear the guest speaker, a WWII veteran!
Great organization. I will always support them, and enjoy their events. They go the extra mile in research and showmanship for historical pieces.
Honor and respect are the central themes of the Southern Heritage Air Foundation. From wonderful guest speakers to thrilling and educational air shows, SHAF is a jewel for the southeastern United States.
I was invited by a friend, Beth Fields, to visit the Southern Heritage Air Foundation..I immediately fell in love with the volunteers, the rich history and the amazing leadership of Patty Mekus.. That was seven months ago and my husband and I truly look forward to continuing our support of the SHAF for many years.. J Garner
By working with this nonprofit, you can see how our efforts postively affects our military vets. It has been a blessing working with all their volunteers and military vets.
Children of all ages - toddlers to seniors - can find something to enjoy at Southern Heritage Air Foundation (SHAF) just off I-20 between Vickburg, MS, and Tallulah, LA. Displays featuring local Southern World War II veterans, their stories and equipment fill this small gem of a museum. You can see vintage aircraft - that still fly! You can experience a personal guided tour of all exhibits and hear and see videos featuring the veterans. Monthly "hangar lunches" are a treat - both for the excellent food and a chance to eat and talk with veterans of all services and conflicts. The bi-annual "Best Little Air Show in the World" is an experience for all ages with vintage warbirds to modern aircraft performing. Treat yourself to the experience of a lifetime with a flight in one of their vintage aircraft or enjoy a slice of history being preserved for all generations to learn, appreciate and enjoy.
I grew up around airplanes, lived on a small grass airstrip south of Atlanta. I met my future husband at an aerobatic club dinner, and who wouldn't be thrilled with my wedding present from him, a Dehavilland Chipmunk! After many long years, I found myself a widow and moved to Mississippi to be near family. Longing for the sound of airplane engines, the rapport with people who could speak ailerons and rudders, and the joy of hanger flying, I discovered the Southern Heritage Air Foundation. This was the warmest, friendliest bunch of aviation enthusiasts I had met in years, and I quickly became a volunteer. The museum itself, dedicated to WWII and heroes from MS who served, is a plethora of information, a place where one could learn something different with every visit. The static display of airplanes and the thrill of the P-51 when it gets fired up takes me way back in time--home again.
Such a wonderful museum. Very informative. I enjoyed the history of the planes. I went for a 40 minute ride in a T-6. It was the ride of a lifetime. I would recommend everyone stop by this museum or plan on attending the air show there or, better yet, take a ride in one of these pieces of history.
We attended one of the Hang Out at the Hangar lunches and loved the museum and getting up close to the planes they have. During the lunch we heard something landing outside and everyone ran out to see what it was. How cool it was for my kids to get to climb into a real military helicopter! We have visited several times since and ever visit has had something unique and different . Looking forward to their Air Show this year!
Thank you to all the volunteers for making our visit so special. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. The museum was fabulous. We actually got to touch and walk through history. The fact that so many of the items were from Southerners was inspiring. My sons were thrilled with their ride in the Waco. It is an experience that they will treasure for a lifetime. We had a wonderful day!!
I have been involved with the Southern Heritage Air Foundation for the past two years as Executive Director of the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce. This organization is outstanding as it preserves our past, our planes, and our vets! Every time I visit the museum or attend a special luncheon, ribbon cutting or Business After Hours, I see smiling community members, mostly retired, some vets, working together to promote community, and tell the stories of the past with regard to our military history. I see the foundation honoring living vets and preserving the memorabilia of deceased veterans. I'm so proud of this organization and what it is doing for our community including our children.
It's unbelievable the amount of information that this "little hidden museum" has on WWII. Truly remarkable. Very active with offering programs to the community whether it's for school age kids or for seniors. Easy on and off I-20. It is "a must" to visit.
We had a great visit and while we were there WWII Veteran Jim Westbrook happened to be there! He was a Marine at Iwo Jima. Living history along with great memorabilia from many local WWII Veterans! Wow! What an experience!
This is one place that needs to get noticed and funded because it provides such an important role in educating us about history.
SHAF is amazing! The volunteers and employees are so helpful and nice. The museum is FULL of wonderful information and stories. The planes are all so neat to look at too!
I visited the museum a few weeks ago and was very impressed with the memorabilia. The tour was awesome and I would highly suggest a visit if you are in the area!
This museum is always adding new memorabilia and hosting unique events! I am never disappointed when I visit, and I refer others to this hidden treasure too!
I think the Southern Heritage Air Foundation is a wonderful organization. They do a great job organizing events for the public and provide a much needed service for the area. The Warrior Bonfire Project is presented very well by the organization and is much needed for our veterans. The hangar luncheons are always well done and the field trips are very much enjoyed by school children from Louisiana and Mississippi. Keep up the good work!
The Southern Heritage Air Foundation is a unique and wonderful place. They have the ability to fully serve the community, from the smallest of children with their ability to customize field trips and tours, to the oldest of honored veterans with a free lunch to all present and past service men at their monthly lunch "Hangout at the Hanger." Families may visit the museum and get a hands experience of what their families went through in the Armed Services. The museum even allows people to get up close and personal with a variety of their aircraft. The Southern Heritage Air Foundation is able to serve the community like no other non-profit. If one is ever passing through North Eastern Louisiana, it is definitely worth the stop. It is highly recommended by all that have visited it.
The Southern Heritage Air Foundation is a great non-profit organization, aimed at education and commemoration. They have a unique collection of memorabilia, with stories that will make you laugh and cry. On top of what they offer on a daily basis, the foundation does an immense amount of work with veterans and active military by hosting luncheons and once in a lifetime events. Through the foundation, I have met individuals from all over the world and heard both famous and untold stories from the generation that sacrificed so much for this country. On top of the history, they also offer rides in their airplanes, some of which are vintage! Their work is truly inspiring.
The Southern Heritage Air Foundation and Museum is a unique place that brings history to life through their WWII and Vintage aircraft that still fly, features local and regional WWII Veterans and their stories, offers a rides program in their planes, and hosts a number of events such as a bi-Annual Air Show, group tours, monthly hangar lunches where all veterans eat for free, and various programs of living history such as visits from the Colling's Foundation with their B-17 and B-24, A Holocaust survivor coming to tell her story, visits from Jan Thompson and Loretta Swit featuring their documentary "Never the Same: The Prisoner of War Experience and more. You never know who you will meet when you stop by! History, Planes and Heroes! They've got 'em!