| INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 10, 2025) —Today the Indianapolis Airport Authority celebrated the debut of one of its largest and longest-scheduled exhibits in the history of the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). The Tuskegee Airmen: America’s Freedom Flyers exhibit honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, with historical artifacts and the airmen’s story filling every exhibit case throughout the Indy airport.
The traveling exhibit launches ahead of Veterans Day and kicks off the Indy airport’s celebration of the 250th birthday of the United State of America. This extensive historical exposition of artifacts and memorabilia will run through March 26, 2026, concluding on Tuskegee Airmen Recognition Day. The exhibit is presented in partnership with NOLAWORLD and the Indy Arts Council.
“The Tuskegee Airmen often described their legacy as a testament to excellence, duty, and the right to serve with honor,” said Mario Rodriguez, IAA executive director. “This exhibit celebrates their contributions, devotion to their nation and courage that continues to inspire generations — and we are honored to share their story with travelers from around the world
The exhibit also highlights Indiana’s deep ties to the Tuskegee Airmen story. Pilots trained at Atterbury Army Air Field and Freeman Field, the latter becoming a flashpoint for military integration. Notable Hoosiers include Major Charles B. Hall of Brazil, the first Black pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft; Dr. Lewis Jackson of Angola, director of flight training; and 2nd Lieutenant Charles H. DeBow Jr. of Indianapolis, one of the first five graduates of the Tuskegee combat training program.
Each temporary art case throughout the terminal — in the Ticketing Hall and in Concourses A and B – display the exhibit artifacts. Additionally, a Hometown Heroeslarge-scale mural featuring 44 Tuskegee Airmen with Indiana ties is on display in Civic Plaza.
“Following the initial success of our Nest of Eagles exhibition at Atlanta’s Emma Darnell Aviation Museum in 2015, historian Zellie Orr and I decided to team up to create a new traveling exhibition,” said Robin Williams, NOLAWORLD director and the exhibit curator. “The Tuskegee Airmen: America’s Freedom Flyers” celebrates the overall legacy of the Airmen, as well as the Hometown Heroes in each region it appears.”
While movies often highlight the skilled and brave pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen were a coordinated force of excellence, made up of 1,007 documented aviators, and tens of thousands of support personnel such as navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, crew chiefs, nurses, radio operators, cooks, and administrative staff. These individuals ensured aircraft readiness, mission precision, and operational continuity, forming the backbone of the Tuskegee program. Their collective service exemplified discipline, patriotism, and a commitment to action.
As a national traveling exhibit, the Tuskegee Airmen: America’s Freedom Flyerslaunched last June in St. Louis.
“Art has the power to connect us to history and to one another,” said Judith B. Thomas, Indy Arts Council president and chief executive officer. “This exhibition at the Indianapolis International Airport invites travelers to reflect on the extraordinary bravery of the Tuskegee Airmen and the ways their legacy continues to inspire us today. We’re honored to partner with the Indianapolis Airport Authority and NOLAWORLD to bring this important story to life through public art.” |
