Exhibits

The Rowland Freedom Center hosts a variety of different vehicles and exhibits. Nearly all our planes fly and are rotated regularly to give visitors a brand-new experience every time they visit.

250 Years of the Marine Corps

July 4th - Dec. 31, 2025

Come join us in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps with our newest exhibit!

From the American Revolution to the present day, the US Marines have been instrumental in defending our freedoms.

The exhibit includes rare and historic items such as a World War I recruiting poster, a 1920s enlisted dress blues cover, and uniforms that span from WWI to present day, including personal artifacts from Marines who served in the Global War on Terrorism. Each item reflects the deep connection between the Marine Corps and the communities it serves.

This exhibit was made possible through the shared mission of both the Rowland Freedom Center and the Solano County Marine Corps League—to honor those who serve, preserve military history and tradition, and promote patriotism by educating the public about the sacrifices made to secure our freedoms.

As part of the local celebration, the culminating event will be a formal Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 15, 2025. This event is open to the public and will serve as a powerful tribute to 250 years of Marine Corps heritage.

Nakajima B5N2

The Nakajima B5N2 – Allied reporting-name ‘Kate’ – was the sole shipboard torpedo-bomber of the Japanese Navy at the start of the Pacific War. No actual Kates are still in existence, except for the few that can be found in the bottom of Truk Lagoon in the Pacific Ocean. This Kate is actually a replica, built in 1969 for the Movie Tora! Tora! Tora! by combining the airframe of a North American SNJ-4 with the tail section of a Vultee BT-13. With it’s 600 hp Pratt and Whitney R1340-AN engine, it’s performance is actually equivalent to that of an original Kate. In addition to it’s role in Tora! Tora! Tora!, this Kate has appeared in the movies The Battle of Midway, The Flying Misfits, War and Remembrance, and the TV Series, Black Sheep Squadron.

Gonzalez No. 1 Tractor Biplane

One of the first aircraft built in California, this unique example of aviation history was constructed in 1912 by three teenage boys in San Francisco only 9 years after the Wright Bros. finished theirs. Our example is the original from 1912, making it over 100 years old!

N3N

The N3N was widely used as a primary trainer in the late 30's and early 40's. Much like the Stearman, one of the main differences between them is that the N3N has ailerons on the top wing while the Stearman does not. Our N3N is on permanent display.

UH1 Huey

The Huey is a utility military helicopter that is still in use today! Built in 1966, our Huey was shipped to Vietnam and in 1969, it took an RPG hit to the main rotor causing it to crash in the jungle. There was one minor injury, but the chopper was rebuilt and stayed in Vietnam until the end of the war.

1945 Willy's Jeep

This jeep became the primary light-wheeled multi-role vehicle of the United States military during WWII. It was the world's first mass produced four-wheel drive car. Powered by a Incline 4 Willy's L134 "Go Devil", the vehicle could reach speeds up to 65 mph.

"In many respects, this jeep became the iconic vehicle of WWII, with an almost mythological reputation of toughness, durability, and versatility." - Charles K. Hyde

Medal of Honor: Orson W. Bennet

Lt. Bennet served with distinction while serving with the 102nd Colored Troops. During the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina, Lt. Col. Bennet ordered his brother Orson into harm's way to recover artillery pieces so they could not fall into Confederate hands. He led a small force under intense enemy fire and successfully recovered the artillery pieces without casualties. This effort led to the presentation of the Medal of Honor to Lt. Bennet on March 9, 1887, 22 years later.

Pearl Harbor Display

In honor of the Pearl Harbor attack, the Rowland Freedom Center dedicated its new Pearl Harbor display to the men and women who lost their lives during the attack. One of our featured items in the display is a authentic piece of the USS. Arizona, which was sunk during the attack in 1941.

Ryan STA

The Ryan STA is a trainer plane that was used as a trainer during the 1940's. Our Ryan is unique and has a long history in relation to the Nut Tree Airport. Built in 1937, our Ryan used to be painted in a red, white and blue color scheme during the 70's. It was hung on the second floor of the iconic Nut Tree and used for advertising. Now it calls the RFC home and is only a stones throw from the Nut Tree.