P-38 MUSEUM & TONY LeVIER HANGAR

The P-38 Museum is appropriately housed in an airplane hangar, adjacent to March Air Reserve Base in Southern California. It is named after and dedicated to Chief Test Pilot, Tony LeVier, who flew over 200 different types of aircraft, declaring the P-38 to be his favorite!  Read more about Tony LeVier.
 

IN THE BEGINNING...
After the P-38 National Association was founded in May of 1987, one of it's proudest accomplishments was building the Museum, which is supported entirely on contributions from the public and our Association Members.

Construction on the Museum began in the late 80's and was supervised with perfection by P-38 pilot, and former Association President, Dick Willsie.  (Have a look at the early construction photos of the Museum -- and see our brand new Museum sign!)  The entire P-38 Museum project was accomplished with volunteer man hours and volunteer dollars -- what an extraordinary accomplishment!

P-38 EXHIBITS
The P-38 Museum sits on a plot of land directly adjacent to the March Field Museum on one side and March Air Reserve Base on the other.  It was built large enough to house the full-sized P-38 replica which is currently on exhibit, and also provides ample space for individual displays of the Fighter Squadrons, Fighter Groups and WASPs, members of each who have built and furnished their own displays within the Museum. 

Each display houses historic, priceless photographs, antiques and memorabilia from WWII having to do with their specific outfits. There are genuine artifacts of all kinds.  The entire history of the P-38 Lightning can be found housed in this one facility. The walls are lined with countless photos of this beautiful aircraft and the men and women who built, maintained and flew it. The photos alone are worth a trip to Riverside, but the Museum doesn't stop there. Each group has gathered original uniforms (with combat ribbons), parts from the aircraft, gas masks, canteens, aircrew scarves, maps, ammunition and much more.

Needless to say, these exhibits offer a unique opportunity for visitors to have a genuine "P-38 Experience."

The P-38 Lightning (now known as "Ruff Stuff")
previously housed at the P-38 Museum

There are two sculptures to make sure you see during your visit (both pictured below). The first one is the Tony LeVier monument at the entrance to the P-38 Museum. The other is a model of a P-38, in view in the courtyard of the March Air Museum on the grounds.

© 2000 Steve Blake	© 1999 March Air Museum
CLICK TO ENLARGE

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

MAP & DIRECTIONS

TONY LeVIER
MONUMENT

 
DOCENTS
Each Docent volunteers their time at the Museum
to answer questions and act as "hosts" to our visitors. All Docent Duty is coordinated with great dedication by Joe Onesty.

ACTIVE DOCENTS

Bob Alvis
Bob/Lois Carlton
Stan Jones
Marv Kuebler
John Monahan
Don Nichols
Jack "Fox" Olson
Toni Olson
Joseph P. Onesty
Pat Peters
Dan Potts
Howard Ramshorn
Ron Smith
Jack Starr
Don Stoutenborough
Bob Waggoner

 
DOCENTS NEEDED!
If you have a passion for the P-38 and a few hours to spare, we sure could use your help.

DETAILS HERE

We offer free training, so if your spirit is willing, let us know.

Contact Director of Docents, Joe Onesty here.