Military Room
The Military Room offers a compelling look at a lesser-known chapter of World War II—revealing how kites played a strategic role in military operations.
Long before modern technologies like radar and wireless communication became widespread, kites served as practical tools for defense, surveillance, and training.
This updated exhibit deepens the narrative by highlighting the kite’s influence on aerial strategy and its connection to the evolution of flight.
On display are original kites from the 1940s, including an impressive 13’ x 10’ barrage kite used to deter low-flying enemy aircraft. Visitors can also see early two-line maneuverable target kites, designed to simulate enemy planes for anti-aircraft training— an innovation that reflects the growing sophistication of aviation tactics.
Adding further depth are authentic World War II military uniforms, on loan from the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum and the Luethe Family, along with vintage wartime posters and memorabilia that bring the era vividly to life.
The Military Room honors the ingenuity behind wartime kite use and invites visitors to consider how these simple yet effective technologies contributed to broader advances in aviation and military preparedness. It’s a powerful reminder of how creativity and necessity shaped both the history of flight and the outcomes of war.