Constructed in 1941, Millville Army Air Field is considered the nation’s first “defense airport,” The Millville Army Air Field Historic District is comprised of twenty-four buildings and two hangars. The district is significant for its associations with military history and the development of air travel. The advanced combat fighter training techniques provided at Millville made a significant contribution to the war effort. Building 31, while like standard barracks construction, functioned as a standard squadron supply building. The current main museum building (Building 1) was historically the base headquarters building. Following the war many of the buildings (including Building 31) were converted to apartments for veterans returning from the war effort. Building 31 is a typical barracks building dating from the war era.  Use of the buildings as apartments ended during the 1970s and many buildings were converted to other uses or were vacated. The base headquarters building was converted to the museum in 1988 and continues to serve as the primary museum building housing exhibits and the organization’s offices. Hangar Number 8 is unusual due to its wood construction.

The 2023 HSM Trust grant will help fund a Conditions Assessment Report for four contributing buildings within the district. A 2023 Heritage Tourism grant will help fund the design, fabrication, and installation of three interpretive signs in the museum’s outdoor courtyard.

The 2022 Trust grant will help fund the preparation of a three-year strategic plan for the Millville Army Air Field Museum.

A 2019 Trust grant helped fund reroofing part of the museum building and rehabilitating Building 31 for workshop and class space. 

A 2005 Trust grant assisted with the preparation of a National Register district nomination for the remaining World War II buildings at the airfield as well as the preparation of a preservation plan and schematic designs for Hangar Number 8. The grant also assisted with the preparation of restoration plans for Building 31. This work significantly advanced preservation efforts at the airfield and provided for further interpretation of the site. 

For more information, visit: http://www.p47millville.org/