Landing After Hours: Tuskegee Airmen from Lincoln University

2/7/2024 | Missouri State Museum | Jefferson City, MO

In anticipation of entering World War II, the United States established Civil Pilot Training programs at universities and airfields. Only a handful of historically Black colleges and universities were selected, since, at the time, no military arm existed for Black Americans in aviation. Lincoln University was the only site serving Black pilots west of the Mississippi River. The Lincoln CPT program trained 50 pilots before the war began. Most of these pilots went on to some form of military service, with more than half serving in U.S. Army Air Corps. Three of these men flew combat missions in the Europe: Capt. Wendell Pruitt, Capt. Richard Pullam and Lt. Wilbur Long. Several ground crew also made impressive contributions, including Sgt. Clovis Bordeaux. Bordeaux was the first Lincolnite to join the U.S. Army Air Corps, and he later became a rocket scientist for Hughes Aircraft.

February's Landing After Hours is presented by Michelle Brooks, who has been studying the local history of Jefferson City and Lincoln University for more than 20 years, first as a reporter for the Jefferson City News Tribune and now as a published author.

The Missouri State Museum's Landing After Hours program is held the first Wednesday of each month at Jefferson Landing State Historic Site's Lohman Building, located at 100 Jefferson St. Doors to the Lohman Building open at 6:30 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m. Convenient parking is available in the lot next to the Lohman Building.

In addition to being held in person, this program will be livestreamed on the Missouri State Museum’s Facebook page.

Did you know? You don't have to have a Facebook account to view Facebook videos or live programs. Simply follow the link and enjoy: facebook.com/MissouriStateMuseum.

Program Time: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Doors Open: 6:30 p.m.
Program Location:
  • In person: Lohman Building, Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, 100 Jefferson St., Jefferson City
  • Virtual: Missouri State Museum Facebook page

The Missouri State Museum is located at:

First Floor, State Capitol, 201 W. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO | 573-751-2854

Associated activities

  • Interpretive Programs