The City of Wichita has been designated an American World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service. The American World War II Heritage Cities Program (AWWIIHC) honors the contributions of towns, cities and counties and commemorates the stories of the men, women and children whose bravery and sacrifices shaped the U.S. home front during World War II, and still impact our country today.

“We are so excited to receive this special designation,” said Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple. “Wichitans helped shape the outcome of World War II – both on the battlefront and here at home.”

As the Air Capitol of the World, Wichita gained great attention and accomplishment during World War II for the development and production of military aircraft. In all nearly 26,000 plans of various types were produced, and more than 1,600 B-29 Superfortress heavy bombers. Wichita’s population grow from 114,966 in 1940 to 200,000 in 1943 as men and women came for jobs.

The application for this recognition was submitted by Wichita Public Library staff on August 20, 2021. Letters of support were collected from Mayor Brandon Whipple, Rep. Ron Estes, Rep. Tracey Mann, Senator Roger Marshall, Senator Jerry Moran, Rep. Sharice L. Davids, Rep. Jake LaTurner, Dr. Jay Price at Wichita State University, Patty Gnefkow at Vet to Vet Support Command, Inc., Denise Sherman at The Kansas African American Museum, and Margaret Kline of the Wichita Genealogical Society.

One American World War II Heritage City can be designated in each state or territory. To read more about Wichita’s involvement in World War II, click here.