The Collings Foundation believes nothing tells the story of World War II quite like a chance to get close and personal with weapons of the air.

The nonprofit, educational group from Stow, Massachusetts, was started in 1979 to support living history. Their idea is to allow the opportunity for not just exhibits, but interaction to enable the public to learn more about heritage through direct participation.In the beginning, the foundation promoted antique car rallies, hill climbs, carriage and sleigh rides, and a winter ice-cutting festival.But in the mid-80s, these activities were broadened to include aviation-related events such as air shows, barnstorming, historical reunions, and joint museum displays on a nationwide level.The idea was a hit.In late August, the foundation brought to eastern Pennsylvania some examples of its Wings of Freedom Tour. The exhibit at Hazleton Municipal Airport included several vintage aircraft, including the The B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator, both heavy bombers, and full dual control P-51 Mustang.The Foundation’s 1944 vintage Consolidated B-24J Liberator is painted as “Witchcraft,” an 8th Air Force bomber that flew a record 130 missions over Europe as part of the 467th BG.It’s the last B-24J Liberator bomber flying in the world.“I like to see this stuff,” said admirer Lynn Myers of Tamaqua, the former Lynn Pavlick.The Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress is called “Nine-O-Nine,” an 8th Air Force, 91st bomb group heavy bomber. It was the companion of the B-24 in thousands of wartime, bombing and reconnaissance missions, according to the foundation. Together they were the backbone of the daylight strategic bombing campaign of World War II.Joining the bombers is a P-51C Mustang escort fighter “Betty Jane.” The P-51 was affectionately nicknamed by the bomber crews as their “Little Friends.” The P-51 Mustang and the pilots who flew them saved countless lives in the skies and on the ground, and helped turn the tide of World War II. The P-51 is arguably the finest fighter aircraft in the history of aviation, according to the foundation.The show brought rave reviews from local residents.Kat Fredericks Sanchez of Barnesville said the experience was enriching for her daughter, Angel Arner, 14.“It was really interesting. We wanted to see it because Angel has American history this year and I wanted her to see what the planes looked like up close.”At 40, Lewis Smith of West Penn Township is just starting to acquire a fascination of the war effort.“I prefer authenticity such as this. You can read about it, but nothing matches seeing it in person.”For Lynn Myers and husband Gary, the visit advanced their existing understanding of the war and the tools used to win it. The couple recalled touring a popular museum in England that features similar artifacts.“We visited the Imperial War Museum at Manchester.”The site is part of a network of five British museums that tell the story of conflict and its impact.The display was special to Gary, a U.S. Navy veteran who served as a radio man aboard the USS Kennebac from 1964-68.“It’s interesting to see all of the war memorabilia. You just don’t see this stuff anymore,” he said.Visitors were allowed inside the fully restored aircraft.Guests also could schedule a ride in a vintage plane, taking them upward into wild blue yonder to experience the dynamics of flight as experienced by our war heroes.But doing so required extra-deep pockets.The cost for a half-hour flight was $400.