Swing back in time as Cincinnati Museum Center’s 1940s Day lands at Lunken Airport August 12
CINCINNATI – Grab your dancing shoes, put on your red lipstick and travel back in time to the 1940s with Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC). Live music, swing dancing, classic cars, vintage airplanes, World War II veterans and a Holocaust survivor highlight CMC’s 1940s Day August 12.
As Union Terminal continues its full structural restoration, 1940s Day is back at Lunken Airport, another classic Art Deco building. The tarmac and halls of the historic airfield will echo with the sounds of jazz music and glisten with the polished chrome of classic cars and vintage airplanes.
1940s Day is an immersive experience that celebrates the pivotal decade of the 1940s, including its music, fashion, cars and the people who shaped it. Listen as a panel of World War II veterans, moderated by Honor Flight, share tales of their battles halfway around the globe. A Holocaust survivor will share stores of sacrifice and survival during a lecture presented in partnership with the Holocaust and Humanity Centre.
You can also admire the sleek lines and polished chrome of vintage cars from the 1920s, 30s and 40s during the classic car show. The Butler County Warbirds will also have a collection of vintage planes parked on the tarmac to inspire the young aviator in all guests. Both the car show and vintage airplanes are weather permitting.
Jazz music from the P&G Big Band, Daniel Bennett and the Dirty Shirleys and the Queen City Sisters will have you dancing the jitterbug all day. If you need tips, the Flying Cloud Academy of Vintage Dance will be ready to show you how to hop, swing and jive on the dancefloor. Visit cincymuseum.org/events/1940s-day for a full schedule of performances.
If you’re feeling particularly dapper you can also enter our 1940s Day costume contest. If your outfit looks the part but you need some tips on how to make your hairdo the bee’s knees or how to perfect your makeup, there will be live vintage hair and makeup demonstrations.
1940s Day has plenty of opportunities for you to learn, get involved and enjoy yourself. Groups including the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, the Butler County Warbirds, the USO chapter of Central and Southern Ohio and WMKV Radio will all be on hand with displays and demonstrations. You can also treat yourself to ice cream from Aglamesis Brothers or stock up at Casablanca Vintage Clothing.
1940s Day is free for World War II veterans and for CMC Members. Tickets for non-Members are $10 per adult, $5 per child. For more information and to purchase your tickets visit cincymuseum.org/events/1940s-day
