Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace
September 1 – November 29, 2009
“Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace”, pairs 42 pieces of art by Charles Schulz with historical objects drawn from the Museum’s World War I aviation collection.
“Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace” presents Charles M. Schulz’s lovable beagle, Snoopy, as his alter ego, the Flying Ace. The exhibit showcases 42 of Snoopy’s most exciting adventures in his transformed doghouse – now a Sopwith Camel airplane – from the time he faced a deadly bout of influenza to sparring with the Flying Ace’s archenemy, the Red Baron.
Memorable for both children and adults, the exhibit expands beyond a pop culture icon to include vintage objects related to World War I aviation. These include a Prussian mounted officer’s ulanka (tunic) like the one worn by the real Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, snapshots of von Richthofen, a German airplane fabric section from a Fokker D7 rudder, airman insignia, flying goggles and a British Lewis .303 caliber aircraft machine gun produced for the French. Additional cartoons and original artwork published during World War I are also showcased in this display.
Schulz served as a sergeant in the United States Army and had always wanted to draw adventure comic strips but had been told to stick with what he did best – funny kids. However, after 15 
years as a cartoonist, on Sunday, October 10, 1965, he finally had the opportunity to create his hero: Snoopy, the World War I Flying Ace.
“Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace” is organized by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center and toured by ExhibitsUSA, the national touring division of Mid-America Arts Alliance, a non-profit regional arts organization based in Kansas City, Missouri.
Admission to the exhibition, which is located in the Museum’s permanent gallery, is included with admission to the National World War I Museum. “Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace” is both supported by the Buffalo Funds and the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.
Be sure to drop by the Museum Store and see all of the wonderful merchandise featuring Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace.