Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

The Warbirds of Glory Museum’s annual gala, “Hollywood and History,” will feature a special guest this Saturday.

The open house, being held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., is free. Attendees can see the restoration of the Sandbar Mitchell, speak with the students that are working on the project and meet veterans.

Producer Catherine Wyler is the gala’s guest speaker, and will show her movie “Memphis Belle.” Wyler’s father, William Wyler, directed the 1944 documentary “Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress,” which her 1990 film was based on. The documentary follows the B-17’s final mission.

There will be testimonials from some of the students during the gala, talking about their experiences working on the restoration.

The gala dinner and movie screening requires tickets that start at $75. Tickets must be purchased by Friday. VIP tickets will include a pre-event meet and greet starting at 4:30 with Wyler along with preferred seating during the gala. VIP tickets are $250.

The gala will be held at the American Spirit Center VFW Hall 4347 in Brighton.

There are also a couple other ways for people to get involved with the organization.

Museum President Patrick Mihalek said anyone who has WWII memorabilia, especially from the Army Air Corps, can contact them about adding the pieces to their collection. He said they are always looking for artefacts and can ensure the pieces are cared for.

Donations are always accepted. The mission of the museum is to have the Sandbar Mitchell fly again and to take it to air shows across the country to share the story of the 8Z crew.

The museum is now open every other Saturday, and arrangements can be made for tours outside of those hours.

On May 31, the Oakland Southwest Airport, where the museum is located in New Hudson, will be hosting their own open house. Attendees can check out the different hangers, meet some of the people who work and fly at the airport and check out the museum.

The link to purchase tickets and to learn more about the Warbirds of Glory can be found below.

(photo credit: Warbirds of Glory via Facebook)