Today we’d like to introduce you to Libby Belcher.
Hi Libby, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My grandmother was a history teacher throughout my childhood, so I have always had an interest in history and preserving it. I attended Texas Tech University, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Creative Media Industries. While there, I worked as a student assistant at the Texas Tech Vietnam Center and Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive—the largest non-government Vietnam War archive in the world. It was during that time that I knew I wanted to use my degree to preserve history and educate younger generations.
After college, I found a job opening with the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and deeply resonated with their mission to educate, inspire, and honor through flight and living history experiences. I knew working with the CAF would be fulfilling and allow me to continue engaging with hands-on history.
This led me to the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center (NAEC), the flagship museum and education center of the Commemorative Air Force, located at Dallas Executive Airport in South Oak Cliff. I started in 2021, and the rest is history.
At the NAEC, our mission is to Honor the Past, Empower the Future. We do this by giving children and adults the opportunity to get their hands on history by exploring real, flying, World War II aircraft from the CAF fleet. We also feature exhibits highlighting marginalized groups of WWII, such as the Women Airforce Service Pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen, Rosie the Riveters, the Aztec Eagles, and more. The NAEC is also home to the world’s largest authentic Nose Art Collection.
Seeing the wonder in the eyes of visitors—from WWII veterans being reunited with their aircraft to children inspired to become aviators—reminds me why the missions of the CAF and NAEC are so important.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, it’s been a smooth journey. I’ve been surrounded by supportive teams and inspiring missions that make the work incredibly fulfilling. Of course, like any role in education and public engagement, there are occasional challenges—especially when it comes to keeping history relevant for younger generations—but I see those moments as part of the process, not obstacles.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center, I specialize in connecting people to history in ways that feel alive and meaningful. My work focuses on marketing, creativity, storytelling, and community engagement—helping people discover the impact of aviation and World War II history through events, exhibits, and educational programs.
What I’m most proud of is seeing how our efforts inspire the next generation. When a child climbs into a WWII cockpit for the first time or meets a veteran who once flew those same planes, you can see history come to life right in front of them.
What sets me apart is the balance I strive for between historical authenticity and creative communication in the digital world. I love finding ways to tell powerful stories that honor veterans, preserve history, and spark curiosity in young minds—all while ensuring our message reaches new audiences across digital platforms.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Dallas is how its story has always been tied to aviation and innovation. It all started back in 1917 with Love Field, which began as a military airfield and later became one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. During World War II, Dallas played a huge role in aircraft production—the North American Aviation plant here built nearly 19,000 planes to support the war effort. That legacy of progress carried on with the opening of DFW Airport in the 1970s, which really helped shape Dallas into the global, fast-paced city it is today.
I love that Dallas never stops moving forward. It’s diverse, creative, and constantly evolving—there’s this energy here that keeps you inspired. Being in a city that honors its aviation past while still looking toward the future feels like the perfect place for the work we do at the NAEC.
Pricing:
- Adult Admission: $15
- Youth Admission: $10
- Kids (5 and under): Free
- Veteran Discount: $13
Contact Info:
- Website: https://flynaec.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fly.naec
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fly.NAEC/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flynaec
- Twitter: https://x.com/flynaec
Image Credits
All images were taken by me or we own the rights to them so they can all be credited to the Commemorative Air Force.
