Discover the Story of the Mighty Eighth
Explore the courage and sacrifice of the Eighth Air Force and the Americans who worked together to help end World War II. These resources highlight the people, missions, and impact of the Mighty Eighth in bringing freedom to Nazi-occupied Europe.
Bring history to life in your classroom. Explore our lesson plans and activities below.
The Poppy Project: Remembrance is the Mission
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force invites teachers and students across Georgia to participate in The Poppy Project, an interdisciplinary educational program designed to explore the historical significance of the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
Inspired by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s 1915 poem In Flanders Fields, the red poppy became an enduring symbol of remembrance for those who served and sacrificed. The poem inspired Georgia educator Moina Belle Michael to advocate for the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and to promote its use in fundraising efforts to support veterans.
Participants will continue this legacy by creating their own poppy and bringing it home, or by creating a poppy display for Veterans Day (November) and Memorial Day (May).
Download your copy of The Poppy Project for free today.
This program can be conducted by a museum educator at your institution. The Poppy Project only requires a projector and space to complete an art project. The museum educator will provide all necessary art materials to create the poppies, typically made from paper. The program lasts for 45 minutes to an hour; the cost is $75.
If you are interested in having an educator visit, please contact ksingleton@mightyeighth.org
Every Thursday, Target for Today broadcasts on Facebook and the museum’s YouTube channel. Each episode highlights important dates, notable figures, collection artifacts, and compelling stories from the Eighth Air Force experience and the broader history of World War II.