The Fall semester has started, which means it is time to buckle down and start working to gather all my primary source documentation for my Thesis. This semester I will be working on my first chapter which will basically be an opening examination of three individuals. Basic information such as short biographies, historiographies that are available to me of the topic, and where primary source materials may be found.

It will require visits to the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum in Pooler, Georgia; a visit to the Air Force Historical Research Agency in Montgomery, Alabama and a visit to the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. While I have visited two of the three before starting this research project I am excited to be visiting again to spend time in their research libraries.  One of the requirements I recently learned about to visit the research library at the Mighty 8th Museum is to join their organization, I immediately signed not only myself up but my husband who is an Air Force veteran. When it comes to research, many locations have very specific requirements that the research must adhere to whether it be joining their organization, paying a fee to access certain collections or just simply respecting the history contained within the library it is vital that those who are new to in-depth research follow the guidelines. If they choose not to do so, it could result in more limitations imposed upon others.  So if you are new to research and want to explore avenues that primary source material may be available for your project be sure and reach out to any location ahead of time to find out what is required before you are granted access.

On a bright note, final grades for the summer semester were posted and I still have my beautiful 4.0 GPA intact and I am ecstatic about it. If you have ever attempted Graduate level classes, especially in history, you can appreciate why it thrills me.