News

Please check back often for news, happenings and stories about the 51�� History Museums, events, and stories from our Living Histories series

Our Mission

To Honor, Educate and Preserve our History by Remembering and Honoring our 51��.

Loyal Forces: The American Animals of World War II

Sep 13, 2022 | Guest Speaker Program

October 20 Program - Loyal Forces:The American Animals of World War II The Brevard College History Program and the 51�� are pleased to host Brevard College alumna Toni McCourt Kiser for a discussion of her book, Loyal Forces: The...

Winning the European Skies of WWII

Aug 15, 2022 | Guest Speaker Program

On Thursday, September 8, at 2:00 p.m., Lt. Col. Bob Wilkerson, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), pictured here in his Blue Ridge Honor Flight shirt, will present the free program “Winning the European Skies of WWII.” The presentation will be held at the Transylvania County...

Growth at the Museum Attracts National Attention

Aug 5, 2022 | News

Museum attracts National attention and has hosted 20,000+ visitors from 48 states and 26 countries Since its October 2016 opening in the lobby of the former Aethelwold Hotel, the 51�� has hosted 20,000+ visitors from 48 states and...

My U-2 Years…Dancing with the Dragon Lady

Aug 2, 2022 | Guest Speaker Program

My U-2 Years On Friday, August 26, at 2:00 p.m., Col. Richard “Duke” Woodhull, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), will present the free program “My U-2 Years... Dancing with the Dragon Lady”. The presentation will be held at the Rogow Room of the Transylvania County Library, 212...

Farewell to a Hero, Special Forces Green Beret Michael Di Rocco

Jul 28, 2022 | Living Histories

Michael Di Rocco On July 8 and 9, family, friends, members of the community, and military comrades gathered to pay respects to Michael “Mike” Di Rocco of Brevard, NC. Husband, father, friend, parishioner, Marine, Green Beret, adventurer, restaurateur, and volunteer...

The Battle of Bunker Hill: Prelude to Independence

Jul 12, 2022 | Guest Speaker Program

Presentation The Battle of Bunker Hill: Prelude to Independence On Thursday, July 28 at 2:00 p.m., Jeff Brewer, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, will present the free program “The Battle of Bunker Hill: Prelude to Independence.” The presentation will...

The Last of the Band of Brothers

Jul 7, 2022 | Living Histories

Bradford C. Freeman of Caledonia, Mississippi, passed away this week.He was the only living member of the"Band of Brothers" 101st Airborne Division, WWII. July 4, 2020: Soon after being honored on a visit to New Orleans' National World War II Museum, Mr. Bradford...

Museum Board Names Interim Curator

Jun 24, 2022 | News

Sgt. Maj. C. R. (Bobby) Kotlowski, USMC (Ret.) has been named interim curator of the 51��. Emmett Casciato, museum founder and curator, is stepping away from his museum duties until after the November election, as he runs for the...

Still Hoping to Save the Kitty Hawk

Jun 20, 2022 | Living Histories

USS Kitty Hawk Veteran Makes Call to Action! By Kenneth CornFrom the time David Cook turned seven years old until he raised his right hand totake the oath to defend his county, he knew he was destined to join the US Navy. Cook can trace his family’s Navy service back...