Historic Tuskegee Airmen Plane Lands in Rantoul

Traveling exhibit showcases pioneering Black pilots and women aviators from WWII

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:22am

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An aircraft that made history as part of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military pilots in World War II, is now on display in Rantoul, Illinois as part of the Tuskegee Airmen / WASP Traveling Exhibit. The exhibit, which recently visited Decatur, features the official Tuskegee Airmen plane and highlights the timeline and achievements of the pioneering pilots as well as the women aviators who flew the planes.

Why it matters

The Tuskegee Airmen broke racial barriers in the military and proved the capabilities of Black pilots, paving the way for greater integration and diversity in the armed forces. Rantoul holds a special connection to this history as the birthplace and training ground for the Tuskegee Airmen ground crews.

The details

The traveling exhibit allows visitors to see the historic Tuskegee Airmen plane up close, touch it, and take photos - an experience that helps bring this important history to life. The exhibit also features a timeline and information about the Tuskegee Airmen pilots as well as the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who flew planes during the war.

  • The Tuskegee Airmen / WASP Traveling Exhibit recently visited Decatur, Illinois.
  • The exhibit is now on display in Rantoul, Illinois at the former Chanute Air Force Base.

The players

Tuskegee Airmen

The first Black military pilots in World War II, who fought in segregated units and overcame racial barriers to prove their capabilities as aviators.

Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)

Women pilots who flew planes during World War II to free up male pilots for combat roles, paving the way for greater gender integration in the military.

Chris Allen

Director of the Tuskegee Airmen / WASP Traveling Exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“Students and visitors can come in and see the movie, learn the history of what that airplane is about. Then they could come out and get their picture taken with it. They can reach out and touch it, which is not always possible with a valuable warbird — but one of the things that we stress because it makes history real.”

— Chris Allen, Director of the Tuskegee Airmen / WASP Traveling Exhibit

What’s next

The Tuskegee Airmen / WASP Traveling Exhibit will remain on display in Rantoul through the end of April 2026.

The takeaway

This exhibit provides a rare opportunity for the public to directly engage with the history and legacy of the pioneering Tuskegee Airmen and WASP pilots, whose trailblazing achievements helped pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the U.S. military.