EVV Aviation Archives Presentation

Join us at Willard Library for a special presentation exploring the newly accessible Kenneth Wilson Aviation Archive, an extraordinary collection documenting Evansville's rich aviation and wartime history.
The archive represents a lifetime of research and preservation efforts by Kenneth Wilson, who meticulously gathered information on Evansville aviation history, the Indiana Division of Republic Aviation (IDORA), the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft, and the broader wartime experiences of the Evansville community.
Drawing from original records, photographs, technical drawings, interviews, newspapers, books, magazines, and institutional archives, Wilson assembled a comprehensive research database intended to serve as the foundation for a definitive book on the subject. Although that book was never completed before his passing, his work remains an invaluable resource for historians, researchers, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the role Evansville played during World War II.
This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the contents of the archive, the stories it preserves, and the opportunities it offers for future research and discovery. Whether you are interested in local history, military aviation, or World War II, this is a unique opportunity to explore a remarkable collection that helps preserve an important chapter of our community's past.
Admission is free and all are welcome.
Presented in partnership with the Evansville Wartime Museum and Willard Library.