From Desert to Defense: Utah’s Transformation in World War II | Perspectives 2025

Discover how Utah became a cornerstone of America’s national defense during World War II. Due to its strategic inland location and vast, open spaces, the state transformed into a hub for providing essential supplies, aircraft, and military training. This lecture will dive into the creation of Hill Air Force Base and Wendover Airfield, exploring how these two sites left a lasting legacy that continues to shape our state today. Explore the fascinating history of how Utah’s landscape and ingenuity played a critical role in the war effort.

Event details: Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 7-8 p.m. at the Theatre at Hill Aerospace Museum
RSVP HERE

Hill Aerospace Museum
7961 Cottonwood Street, Building 1955
Hill Air Force Base, Utah 84321

Speakers:
Elisabeth Cropper is the Operations Manager for the Aerospace Heritage Foundation of Utah. She has over a decade of experience in public history, including working at Hill Aerospace Museum since March 2020. Elisabeth also served as the curator for the Hyrum City Museum for four years. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in History from Utah State University.

Landon Wilkey is the museum curator for Historic Wendover Airfield, a position he has held since 2019. He also serves as an advisor to the Board of Directors. Landon holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in History from Utah State University. His experience includes internships at the Brigham City Museum of Art & History and in the Merrill-Cazier Library’s Special Collections and Archives, as well as volunteer, intern, and staff positions at the Hill Aerospace Museum.

This lecture is being offered as part of a larger series entitled: Perspectives Lecture Series: Exploring Utah’s WWII Experience.

Overview
What was Utah’s World War II experience? The Utah Historical Society’s 2025 Perspectives series will explore this question from a variety of perspectives, linking past experiences to the present through the stories and voices that shaped our state’s history and culture. From front-line soldiers to extensive homefront efforts due to Utah’s strategic location, Utahn’s varied experiences have left a profound legacy that can still be felt across the state today. This series aims to explore how we honor and remember Utahn’s service, sacrifice, and experiences.

Advanced registration is highly recommended. Please review the “Know Before You Go” section for additional event and planning information.