COEUR d’ALENE - The Kootenai County Fairgrounds is the perfect place for the Museum of North Idaho’s “1940s USO Club Gala,” set for May 20.

It was the site of the original Coeur d’Alene airport, and Building 1 is where Gladys Buroker trained World War II pilots. Her husband, Herb, was also a pilot and trainer.

Britt Thurman, museum executive director, said the plan is to re-create a special time — and honor some special people.

The gala promises to be a chance to relive history.

“It’s not just a fundraiser,” Thurman said. “It’s an educational opportunity for us. We have to stay true to our mission in everything we do.”

The event will include a big band, dancing, variety show, auctions and classic cars. A B-25 Mitchell Bomber is also expected to make a flyover.

People are encouraged to dress for the affair that begins at 5 p.m.

Sally Simundson, Gladys Buroker’s daughter, and World War II veteran Ray Johnson will be honored at the event.

The 1940s USO Club Gala also goes along with the museum summer exhibit, which will be about life in Idaho during WWII.

Last year’s museum gala was a Gatsby Garden Party at the Jewett House that sold out and raised about $63,000.

Thurman hopes it will do even better this year, with proceeds going toward museum operations and the capital campaign to renovate the JC White House, the museum’s future home at McEuen Park.

So far, about $2.5 million of the $6.5 million goal has been raised to create “modern, interactive exhibit technology that creates an immersive experience. The visitor will feel like they are part of history, not just viewing panels on a wall.”

The expanded facility will include climate-controlled spaces that conform with modern museum standards.

The current museum has no heat or air conditioning.

Another $500,000 would allow the museum to move from its current home near City Park into its new at the base of Tubbs Hill and begin operations there.

A bulk of the remaining funds will go toward the second phase of the project, which is underground expansion.

About 30 tickets, $125 each, remain for the gala.

Tickets: museumni.org/gala