Our After Dark: Swing the Night Away event on Saturday, February 8 was an unforgettable night of lively music, vintage vibes, and an impressive display of history at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™. Swing enthusiasts and history buffs came together to support the Air Force Museum Foundation and cut a rug to the sounds of the Tom Daugherty Orchestra performing as “Victory Canteen,” a fabulous tribute to the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band. With every note that echoed through the Museum’s galleries, guests found themselves transported to a bygone era of swingin’ good times.
Swing Dancing Under the Wings of History
This year’s After Dark event had everyone on the dance floor, showing off their moves to the live band. From seasoned dancers to beginners, attendees took a step back in time as they danced under the wings of aircraft from the museum’s incredible collection. And the atmosphere? It was the cat’s pajamas! We loved seeing the members of various area swing and ballroom dance organizations – the jam circle to end the evening was a definite highlight. Plus, what better way to support the Air Force Museum Foundation than by dancing the night away?
More Than Just Music and Dance
After Dark: Swing the Night Away wasn’t just about cutting a rug. Guests had the chance to explore artifacts not normally on display, including items from the Museum’s collection and from Wright State University Libraries Special Collections & Archives. Staff and guests alike enjoyed the rare opportunity to climb inside the Douglas B-18 Bolo bomber and the Douglas C-47D Skytrain, plus peek inside the cockpits of the Supermarine Spitfire PR.XI and the Kawanishi N1K2-Ja Shiden Kai. For those who wanted to take a break from dancing, there were plenty of other fun activities, including trivia with prizes, games, and even two caricature artists capturing the moment.
Supporting a Great Cause
And let’s not forget the most important part – the event was all for a good cause. Every ticket purchased helped to support the nonprofit Air Force Museum Foundation and our mission of raising funds and awareness to support the Museum. So, whether you came for the swing dancing, the history, or the chance to support the Air Force Museum Foundation, the night was a win-win for all.
Looking Forward to Next Year!
With the success of this year’s event, we’re already excited about what’s to come. If you missed out on After Dark: Swing the Night Away in 2025, don’t worry. You’ll have another chance to have fun and support the Air Force Museum Foundation at the next After Dark! Visit our Events page to see what we have coming up.
