“The Longest Yarn” Now on Display at NAS Wildwood – A Must See!
A unique piece of living history has arrived at Cape May County Airport’s NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum—and it’s unlike anything ever seen before.
Titled The Longest Yarn, this massive, hand-crafted 3D wool tapestry is now on display through Labor Day 2025, offering visitors a moving tribute to the heroes of D-Day and the Allied liberation of Europe.
Spanning an astonishing 80 meters (265 feet) in length, The Longest Yarn consists of 80 individual panels, each one knitted and crocheted by volunteers from around the world.
What makes this project truly remarkable isn’t just its size, but its precision. Every scene—crafted in yarn—was selected by the project’s creator and made with the input of professional historians to ensure historical accuracy.
The tapestry begins with the build-up to D-Day in England and moves through the storming of the beaches in Normandy, culminating in the liberation of Paris.
The number “80” isn’t just a coincidence—it commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the 80 days it took for Allied forces to liberate Paris.
The project was first unveiled in Carentan, France in June 2024 as part of the official D-Day 80th anniversary events. After captivating audiences across Europe and the U.K., The Longest Yarn has now made its U.S. debut at NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum.
Its arrival in Cape May County is no accident. The tapestry’s journey to New Jersey was made possible in part by the Kulkowitz family—whose patriarch, Harry Kulkowitz, was a WWII veteran—and through close coordination with local organizers committed to preserving the memory of the Greatest Generation.
Also See: North Wildwood’s New Beach Bar Is Officially Open — Tour Video
While it might seem whimsical at first glance, The Longest Yarn is anything but a novelty. Each three-dimensional panel reflects not just military milestones but also human emotion—fear, bravery, sacrifice, and hope. Every stitch tells a story, transforming wool into a heartfelt, historically grounded tribute.
Visitors will find scenes depicting:
-
The Allied troops gearing up in England
-
Paratroopers leaping from aircraft
-
Soldiers storming the beaches of Normandy
-
French civilians welcoming liberation
-
And even the famed Higgins boats in stunning textile detail
The display is not just for art lovers or history buffs. It’s an experience for anyone who values community, collaboration, and remembrance.
Exhibit Details
The Longest Yarn is currently on display at the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, located at the Cape May County Airport. The exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will remain on view through Labor Day, September 1, 2025. Access to the exhibit is included with regular museum admission, and while no additional fee is required, donations are encouraged to support the ongoing mission of the museum and this traveling tribute.
NAS Wildwood is located at 500 Forrestal Road, Rio Grande, NJ, within the historic Cape May County Airport. The museum itself is housed in a restored WWII-era hangar, providing the perfect backdrop for this one-of-a-kind exhibit.
After Wildwood, The Longest Yarn will continue touring key historic locations across the United States
Whether you’re a local, a history enthusiast, or just looking for something truly different this summer, (or a rainy day like today) The Longest Yarn is a must-see. It’s a reminder that even the largest, most complex stories of war can be told stitch by stitch—with care, collaboration, and heart.
For more details, jump on the NAS Wildwood website.