photo taken by Tony Kerrison 1997
Welcome to the official website of the 489th Bomb Group Museum.
In September 1989, 489th veteran, Charles H Freudenthal published his book “A History of the 489th Bomb Group”. He dedicated his book, “to all those who served, in whatever rank or capacity, with the 489th Bombardment Group and its attached units, especially to those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom and human dignity.” The 489th Bomb Group Museum is dedicated to these brave people.
The 489th Bomb Group were stationed at Halesworth between April and November 1944. The Group is commemorated in Halesworth by a granite Memorial stone situated on the edge of Holton Airfield and also by a Memorial Plaque in St Peter’s Church, Holton. Although the Friends maintain a small display cabinet for the 489th in the Airfield Memorial Museum at Holton, the main collection of 489th memorabilia is displayed in the 489th Bomb Group Museum situated on Hardwick Airfield, in the village of Topcroft, Norfolk. This museum forms part of a complex of original WWII nissen huts – memorials not only to the 489th Bomb Group but also to the 93rd Bomb Group and to the R.A.F.
The 489th Bomb Group Museum contains original WWII memorabilia mainly donated by the men of the 489th and their families. The museum offers the visitor the opportunity to discover the history of the 489th Bomb Group, to see the uniforms they wore, the instruments they used, and to learn more about the crews and personnel of this unique group. There is ample space to sit and peruse the many books in the collection and children are particularly welcome. There is a Junior Corner where youngsters can learn about the Group, and America, during the war. Here too they can complete a Quiz Sheet or design some Nose Art for a B24. A British Cabinet contains various items donated or on loan from local people.
489th Museum - uniforms and paracute wedding dress - 2007
Opening information:
The 489th Bomb Group Museum is open on the Third Sunday of each month between May and October. Hours of opening: 10am to 4.30pm.
Admission is free and refreshments are available on site.
2009
- Sunday 17 May
- Sunday 21 June
- Sunday 19 July
- Sunday 16 August
- Sunday 20 September
- Sunday 18 October
How to find us:
For more information please contact us