CINCINNATI – Grab your dancing shoes, put on your red lipstick and travel back in time to the 1940s with Cincinnati Museum Center. Live music, swing dancing, classic cars, World War II veterans and a Holocaust survivor highlight Cincinnati Museum Center’s 1940s Day August 13.
This year, Cincinnati Museum Center’s 1940s Day is moving to Lunken Airport, another classic Art Deco building, as Union Terminal undergoes extensive repairs and restoration. The new location also means some new additions, including a panel of World War II veterans, costume contest and classic airplanes from the Tri-State Warbird Museum. Among the planes will be a B-25 Mitchell bomber, Grumman TBM-3 Avenger and the popular P-51 Mustang.
The 1940s is an era defined by World War II and the Holocaust. Guests to 1940s Day will have a unique opportunity to participate in a Q&A panel with World War II veterans, moderated by the Veterans Memorial Museum of Germantown. Speak with members of the Greatest Generation as they share their stories from the Pacific, Mediterranean and Europe during the war. A Holocaust survivor will also share their powerful story of despair, hope and survival during one of history’s darkest periods, presented by the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education. Kathleen Cox, author of Destinations Unknown: Adventures of a WWII Red Cross Girl , will take you on a journey to Northern Africa and Italy with stories from her mother, a teacher who left her job to volunteer with the Red Cross in World War II.
The halls and airfields of Lunken Airport will echo with the sounds of live music. Daniel Bennett and the Dirty Shirleys, the Sugar Pills All-Girl Ukulele Band, the Andrews Sisters-inspired Boyer Sisters and the Sweet & Lows, a female singing duo, will perform live throughout the day. Dancers from Cincy Hop, a dance troupe with members from more than a dozen states, all specializing in the Lindy, and members of the Flying Cloud Academy of Vintage Dance will swing along to the 19-piece Jump ‘n’ Jive Big Band. They’ll even lend a hand if you need an experienced dance partner to help you find your rhythm.
1940s Day is even more fun when you look the part. Curl your hair and pop on some red lipstick or put on your best zoot suit and fedora for a costume contest. There will be a contest for both adults and children. But if you don’t have any vintage clothes, no need to worry. Talk of the Town and Gayle’s of Milford will be on hand all day to help you get dressed to the nines. You can purchase a variety of authentic and inspired 1940s duds.
Take a stroll past the chrome wheels and gleaming curves of classic cars from the 1920s, 30s and 40s and pose for a photograph by Patrick McCue Photography. You can also learn about ham radio from the members of AK3Q and ask Alejandro Villalva of the Veterans Memorial Museum all of your World War II aviation questions as you take a look at a collection of aviation equipment.
Travel back in time to an era where swing was king and loose lips sank ships. Cincinnati Museum Center’s 1940s Day is August 13 at Lunken Airport. Admission is free for Cincinnati Museum Center Members and World War II veterans. Tickets for non-Member adults and seniors are $10 each and $5 for non-Member children. Parking for the event is $5 per car. For more information visit www.cincymuseum.org/events/1940s-weekend