August 29–October 21, 2012
Special Exhibition in the Center for Education and Leadership

The Test details the training of the first African-American aviators in U.S. Military history and follows their ground-breaking training, deployment and service in World War II.  It tells the incredible story of men in war struggling to be the best servicemen and Americans they can be as they struggle against the prejudices of their countrymen.

Part of an effort by the War Department to determine if African Americans had the capabilities to be effective combat aviators, the "Tuskegee Experiment,” as it became known, began in 1941 in the months prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the United States’ entry into the Second World War. It ended with the deactivation of the 332nd Fighter Group in 1949 after President Truman signed Executive Order No. 9981, which ended segregation in the Armed Forces.

Incorporating information on race relations in America before World War II and African-American involvement in early aviation, The Test includes photographs, models, maps and stories of the men, the aircraft they flew and the operations in which they participated.

This exhibition is shown in conjunction with our production of Fly.

Special exhibitions are included as part of regular daytime visit tickets to Ford’s Theatre.

Patrons with tickets to a mainstage theatre performance may also visit the exhibits.  Patrons with tickets to an evening performance can visit the Center exhibits beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Center remains open until 6:30 p.m. Matinee patrons can visit the Center’s exhibits before or after the performance.

Please note: there will be occasions when the Center will be closed for special events.