306th bombardment group museum

NOTE: This review is about a visit I made in 2012.I stumbled on this museum whilst house-sitting for my parents.My wife and I went for a drive early one day and drove past a sign advertising the Rededication of the 306th Bombardment Group's war memorial was taking place that day.Car parking was virtually unlimited and American soldiers were on car-park duties.There were a lot of WW2 era vehicles and this added to the whole event.The dedication aside the rest of the site is a little limited in attractions but the small museum is well worth the drive out there if you are in the vicinity.There is a picnic area if you bring your own food as there isn't a café on site.If you have an interest in WW2 history, and aviation history in particular, then this small museum is well worth a visit.OPENING TIMES & CHARGES:First weekend of March to the final weekend of October: Weekends and Bank Holidays only.£3 per person, under 16's Free.

Great Collection of USA WW 11 items from 306 Bomber group. We went on busy week end in August and was enjoyable.

Looking for something to do on a rainy bank holiday Monday we came across this little museum by accident on a web site. It is a personal collection and it shows, there are so many real stories attached to the collection and Ralph (whose collection it is) is a lovely gentleman with a mine of information to relay to you about everything included. In fact you could spend hours talking to him about all the people who have donated to the collection over the years and how he has collected and gathered all the artefacts. He is still in almost daily contact with the group and he and his wife attend their reunions in America every year ensuring the memory is kept alive. Well worth a visit as this type of personal experience is rare and brings the collection to life.

RAF Thurleigh was home to the 306th Bombardment Group of the US 8th Air Force, the first base to be given wholly over to the US, the first of the 8th to fly over Germany and the last to leave after 341 operations and a post-war photo-reconnaissance role. It was also the inspiration for the seminal 1949 film "Twelve O Clock High" starring Gregory Peck.Housed in an original WWII munitions building deep onto the airfield and adjacent to the Palmersport racing experience centre, it appears small from the outside and you wonder what is inside. Allow a good 1 1/2 hours to do it justice as it is crammed full of artefacts, memorabilia and stories of life on base, at war and play from a full size jeep and uniforms to a Purple Heart and plenty in between.Established and run by Ralph Franklin with help from his charming wife, this is a labour of love spanning from the time he lived by the base as a boy, watching the B17's fly and the crew play baseball to being a key and active part of the memorial association for the 306th travelling for the last 25+ years to the US reunions and hosting similar in the UK. His knowledge and willingness to share personal stories is immense. The collection continues to grow as veterans pass and their families donate more photos and artefacts; additional space now being added!It is only open mid-morning to mid afternoon at weekends during the Summer (www.306bg.co.uk) but worth every penny of the £3 fee and a journey deep into the Bedfordshire countryside to find.

Eager to visit the historic site of our father's deployment of the 306th Bombardment Group in WWII. The docents, John and Wendy Glen and the curator Ralph Franklin were the warmest, most helpful friends one could hope to meet. They have amassed an impressive collection of historic memorabilia that put one back right into the era of WWII. This tony little museum is worth the trip.

Only expecting to be there about half hour. Ralph and his wife were fantastic we had a private tour & talk as no one else there at the time. The amount of items they have packed in here is incredible as are the stories on how they acquired a lot of them. Every item has a story and Ralph and his wife make the visit worthwhile. Leave 1-2 hrs for your visit you will not be disappointed!

This museum is well worth a detour from your intended route. It is housed in an original wartime building at Thurleigh Airfield. Ralph and Daphne Franklin are the museum's curators and they have done a bang-up job of collecting and displaying material, both military and of a social nature. There is a mock-up of a wartime kitchen and a local pub, plus a display of wartime weddings in the area (along with the actual dress of one lady who is featured in the display), and the land girls of the Women's Land Army. Do give yourself 1 1/2 - 2 hours to fully immerse yourself into all the information provided. If you are lucky, you will be able to meet Ralph and Daphne who will be happy to chat with you and answer any questions.

Housed in one of the airfields surviving war time buildings is a fantastic collection of artifacts and documents relating to the history of the airfield and the American servicemen and local residents during WW2. Very well presented and immaculately kept. Visited a few times with a picnic and enjoyed the views and peaceful location by the 306th memorial. Highly recommend making time to visit.

This is a little gem of a museum created and run by a couple whose dedication to preserving a record of the airfield's WWII history is truly impressive. It's a 'must do' experience.

"What a great find".My Cousin was over from the States and wanted to find out more about his Fathers time in England so we headed for the Bedfordshire countryside where he was stationed and to our delight found 306 Bombardment Group Museum in Thurleigh.I can only say that he was in tears when he left.So much to see we spent over an hour looking and listening to Ralph who has put this place together along with his wife.It is a must to visit.

My 'dislike' is that it is so hard to find. I did not have a vehicle so I took a bus. The driver did not know where it was so he let me off at a petrol station. The people I chatted with did not appear to know it even existed even though they were from the area! It's way off the main road and quite a walk but a gentleman offered to help me find it. The museum itself is quite small but the couple that run it are very personable and do an excellent job - and the person helping them was very nice and helpful. I wish I could have had more of a tour of the remaining huts, airfields, etc that are still there! Will I go out there again - yes, even if I have to walk from the main road! I had a great experience, met nice people, plus a very nice gentleman from the states (West Virginia) that had experienced the same type of problem trying to find the correct bus had hired a taxi to see the museum and offered me a lift back to Bedford. His Uncle had served there.

Museu pequeno e interessante, que conta a história de Bedford e a participação do povo de Bedford durante as 1ª e 2ª grande guerras.