Lady Liberty Is Coming Home: Historic WWII A-26 Invader Begins Her Final Journey to the Tulsa Air & Space Museum
illi News/10338221

TULSA, Okla. - illiNews -- A remarkable chapter in American aviation history will begin anew as the legendary A-26 "Lady Liberty" arrives at the Tulsa Air & Space Museum, where she will spend the rest of her days inspiring future generations.

After decades of service and preservation, Lady Liberty suffered a catastrophic nose gear failure that caused damage beyond what could reasonably be repaired for flight. While her flying days have come to an end, her story is far from over. Instead, she is coming home.

During World War II, A-26 Invader bombers were manufactured just across the runway from today's museum at Tulsa's historic Douglas Aircraft Plant, where thousands of Oklahomans helped build the aircraft that would help secure victory for the Allied forces.

"Lady Liberty represents far more than an airplane," said Tonya Blansett, Executive Director of the Tulsa Air & Space Museum. "She represents the men and women who built these aircraft in Tulsa, the crews who flew them into danger, and the generations of Americans who believed freedom was worth defending. We are honored to preserve her story and ensure that it continues to inspire every child who walks through our gates."

More on illi News

• DAR Expands Global Reach with Appointment of First International Team Member, Peter Hawley
• Rising star Hip-Hop and R&B Force Della Drops Highly Anticipated New Single, "Throw It"
• UK Financial Ltd. Opens Test-Phase Maya 3 Liquidity Pool on Uniswap with DEX Screener Visibility for Market-Smoothing Ahead of CATEX Exchange Launch
• Glitters & Grace Expands Luxury Perfume Bar Experiences into Indianapolis, Milwaukee & Racine
• Wagga Trucks set to expand to the Canberra Region as authorised dealer for Volvo, UD & Mack along with Freighter Group Trailers

Transporting an aircraft of this size is an enormous undertaking. Lady Liberty must be carefully disassembled, loaded onto multiple semi-trailers, and meticulously reassembled at the museum beginning July 20.

The public will have an opportunity to celebrate Lady Liberty during her official dedication on September 26, 2026, as the centerpiece of a nostalgic 1940s World War II Hangar Dance, featuring a live swing orchestra, vintage atmosphere, and a community celebration honoring the Greatest Generation and Tulsa's rich aviation heritage.

To make this historic project possible, the museum urgently needs community support.
Funding is still needed to cover the costs of specialized transportation, heavy cranes, restoration materials, and exhibit preparation. Every contribution helps preserve an irreplaceable piece of American history.

The museum invites the public to become part of Lady Liberty's next mission.

More on illi News

• XTDiagnostics Launches AI-Powered Equipment Diagnostic Platform to Help Businesses Reduce Downtime
• June Employment Report Reveals Hidden Weakness Beneath Lower Unemployment
• Nelcielo Mobility Holdings Announces Velocity RAM Initiative to Accelerate Commercialization
• Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Joins City Departments for Field Operations Day Addressing Persistent Community Concerns
• Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Announce $750,000 In Micro-grant Awards for Community-based, Youth-serving Organizations

Donations to the Lady Liberty Heritage Squadron will directly support the transportation, restoration, and permanent preservation of the aircraft. Contributions to the museum's STREAM Education Fund help provide scholarships and field trip grants so every child—regardless of financial circumstances—has access to inspiring educational experiences.

To donate or learn more, visit www.TulsaMuseum.org.

Together, we can ensure that Lady Liberty's final landing becomes the beginning of a new mission—honoring the past while inspiring the future.
Mission: Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future.