The Friends of the Air Force Academy Library relies on the continuing generous support from patrons to achieve its mission of enhancing the quality of the McDermott Library as an educational, research, scientific, and cultural institution.
The Friends continues to acquire collections of personal papers including records, diaries and photographs that are of special significance to the mission and history of the USAF and the Academy.
Past projects include the unique Stalag Luft III Exhibit and historical collection; the historical collections of the Eagle Squadrons of World War II; the historical collection of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs); the History of the Air Force Academy collection; the Commemorative Program and supporting Honor Book; the Colonel Richard Gimbel Aeronautical History Collection, and the highly acclaimed Friends-published catalog of the Gimbel Collection, The Genesis of Flight.
The Friends acquire, primarily by donation, publications to be included in the McDermott Library holdings that capture and preserve the rich heritage and tradition of our Air Force and Air Force Academy.
A DVD was completed by The Friends in 2003 cataloging the entire SEA POW collection. Because of patron support, The Friends were able to co-publish a book in 2003 on the unique Academy Falconry program which vividly depicts the extraordinary story of the Academy’s unique performing mascot.
The Friends produced an extraordinary DVD depicting the history of the Academy in support of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Air Force Academy. The DVD, entitled Expect Great Things, was released in 2004 and featured excerpts from oral history interviews with many of the key figuresin the history of the Academy.
As additional donations are received, The Friends wish to publish a comprehensive catalog and DVD which will reflect the richness of the archival collections that are housed within the Clark Special Collections Branch of the McDermott Library.
The Friends welcome your support, and the support of your family and friends, to continue its quality involvement in the McDermott Library.