The Exciting New Virtual Reality Exhibit at Hangar B

Excitement is in the air at the Tillamook Air Museum. A brand-new virtual reality (VR) experience is on the horizon. This project, developed in collaboration with Portland’s 360 Labs, focuses on Hangar B—the magnificent wooden WWII airship hangar that houses our museum.

What can visitors expect?

• Immersive Exploration: Engage with history like never before as you navigate this iconic structure.
• Interactive Learning: Experience a hands-on approach to education that appeals to all ages.

Utilizing technology in museums isn’t just a trend; it’s essential for enhancing visitor engagement and education. VR brings history to life, allowing guests to experience spaces they might never physically access.

This innovative project transforms how we connect with the past. Expect more than just passive observation; anticipate an adventure that will spark curiosity and ignite conversations. With every virtual interaction, history becomes tangible, ensuring it resonates with both young minds and seasoned enthusiasts.

Get ready to step into the past as the future of museum experiences unfolds!

The History and Significance of Hangar B

Hangar B is a significant historical site from World War II that represents the creativity and resilience of that era. This impressive wooden structure served as an airship hangar at the Naval Air Station Tillamook, which played a crucial role in the war effort, primarily focusing on patrolling the Pacific coast.

Naval Air Station Tillamook

Here are some key points about Naval Air Station Tillamook:

1. It was established during WWII and was important for training and housing naval airships.
2. The hangar itself is one of the largest wooden structures in the United States, showcasing remarkable engineering.
3. It provided support for reconnaissance missions, ensuring maritime safety against enemy threats.

Importance of Preservation

Preserving sites like Hangar B is essential for several reasons:

• Educational Value: These historical sites offer insights into past military operations and technological advancements.
• Cultural Heritage: They connect present generations with their history, fostering appreciation for those who served.
• Future Generations: Maintaining these landmarks ensures that stories of courage and innovation endure.

The legacy of Hangar B continues to inspire, making it a cornerstone for historical aircraft restoration efforts at the Tillamook Air Museum.

Immersive Experience: Climbing into Hangar B’s Rafters in VR

Get ready to take adventure to new heights. The VR experience at Hangar B offers a unique chance to climb into the hangar’s rafters—nearly 200 feet above ground. This isn’t just any museum exhibit. It’s an immersive journey that transports you straight into the heart of WWII aviation history.

What to Expect in the VR Experience:

• Vertical Exploration: Strap on your VR headset and prepare to ascend. Feel the thrill as you ‘climb’ high up into the massive wooden structure, gaining a bird’s-eye view of the hangar below.
• Interactive Learning: Engage with virtual artifacts scattered throughout the experience. Each artifact tells a story, offering insights into the operations and significance of airships during the war.
• Informative Pop-ups: As you navigate through the rafters, informative pop-ups provide context and details about various aspects of WWII airships. These quick bursts of information ensure that learning is both engaging and accessible.

Enhancing Visitor Engagement

This innovative use of technology fosters hands-on learning. Visitors can explore at their own pace, diving deep into the rich history that surrounds them. The blend of virtual reality with historical education makes for an unforgettable experience.

The combination of physical presence in a historical site with cutting-edge VR technology creates an environment where curiosity thrives. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for an exciting outing, this experience promises to captivate minds while honoring our past.

Prepare for a journey like no other, where learning meets adventure high above the ground in Hangar B’s expansive rafters.

Making the VR Experience Accessible to All

The new virtual reality (VR) experience at Hangar B is designed for everyone. Visitors can access this immersive journey with free museum admission. This approach ensures that cost is not a barrier to engaging with history.

Key Aspects of Accessibility:

• Affordability: The VR experience comes included with your museum ticket, allowing families and individuals to explore without added expenses.

• Broader Reach: For those unable to visit in person, plans are underway to release the VR project on our YouTube channel. This initiative opens up the opportunity for people worldwide to virtually experience Hangar B.

Community Engagement

Collaboration with Portland’s 360 Labs has brought this exciting project to life. Their expertise enhances not only visitor engagement but also educates a wider audience about the significance of WWII airships.

The commitment to accessibility doesn’t stop at physical visits. The blend of in-person experiences and digital outreach exemplifies the museum’s dedication to making history lively, interactive, and approachable for all. Moreover, the application of virtual reality extends beyond entertainment and education; it also plays a pivotal role in advancing military training techniques, providing a fascinating insight into its potential uses.

Enhancing Family-Friendly Activities at the Museum with VR

The new VR experience at Hangar B seamlessly enhances existing family-friendly museum activities.

1. Interactive Learning

Families can dive into history with the Pigeon Loft exhibit, where they discover how trained pigeons played a vital role during WWII. This hands-on experience sparks curiosity and engagement.

2. Virtual Exploration

The VR journey allows families to “climb” into the rafters of Hangar B. This thrilling adventure complements physical exhibits, creating a multi-dimensional exploration of aviation history.

Families are encouraged to engage with both physical and virtual interactive exhibits. The blend of experiences ensures that every visit is unique, fostering deeper connections to history.

Imagine kids learning through immersive play while adults appreciate the intricate details of WWII airships. This dynamic approach makes education enjoyable for all ages.

The museum not only offers fun but also enriches family outings. Exploring virtual reality experiences in museums like this one creates lasting memories and inspires future generations. Embrace the opportunity to discover history together as a family, combining excitement with educational depth. This shift towards extended reality in museums is shaping the future of exhibits, making learning more engaging and interactive than ever before.

Future Developments in Aircraft Restoration at Tillamook Air Museum

The Tillamook Air Museum is actively committed to preserving aviation history through meticulous restoration projects. Currently, two significant aircraft are in the spotlight:

• A-4 Skyhawk: Once a prominent “gate guard” along Highway 101, it has undergone an impressive restoration. This aircraft now stands proudly inside the museum, showcasing its storied past.

• F-14 Tomcat: Set to begin restoration this coming spring, this iconic fighter jet featured in Top Gun and participated in high-stakes encounters with Soviet MiG-23s in 1988. Reviving this piece of history is a top priority.

These projects reflect the museum’s dedication to honoring and sharing the legacy of aviation with future generations.

Experience History Like Never Before at Tillamook Air Museum!

Ready to dive into history? Visit the Tillamook Air Museum and discover family-friendly museum activities waiting for you.

• Explore new exhibits that bring the past to life.
• Don’t miss the brand-new virtual reality (VR) experience in collaboration with Portland’s 360 Labs, featuring Hangar B—our incredible wooden WWII airship hangar.

Join us to experience the thrilling VR project, marvel at ongoing aircraft restorations, and engage with our hands-on displays. History is calling. Are you ready to answer?