The National WWII Museum

Join us in partnership with the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans for a morning of sensory friendly fun on April 26! Enjoy FREE early admission to the entire Museum campus with advance registration, as well as family-friendly activities and crafts. Modifications will be made to make the Museum more sensory friendly, including reduced volume in several exhibits. To reserve your spot and see a full schedule of events, click here: https://bit.ly/4jaM1E8

Part 1 of our World War II: Legacy Electronic Field Trip premieres Monday, April 28. Throughout this two-part series, students will learn about the end of the war and the postwar period, including how major battles and key decisions brought about the surrenders of Germany and Japan. Visit our website to register now for this free online event. https://bit.ly/4hCU4IR In this image from the Museum's Digital Collections, President Harry S. Truman announces Japan's unconditional surrender on September 1, 1945, officially proclaiming the end of the war and hailing the start of a new era of world peace and prosperity.

Join us April 15 for our next Meet the Author! Former NASA astronaut Jan Davis will discuss her books "Air Born: Two Generations in Flight" and "Air Born: Artistic Musings of a WWII Pilot and POW," which explore the parallel stories of Davis and her father, a WWII B-17 pilot. To register for this event and learn more about these books, click here: https://bit.ly/4cjWQkn

We were honored to welcome two veterans of the Aleutian Islands Campaign to their museum last week for the opening of On American Shores, our new special exhibition exploring this pivotal yet lesser known moment of World War II. US Navy veteran Ira Milan (first slide) served in a Naval Construction Battalion on several islands in the Aleutians, including Attu, helping to build and maintain critical infrastructure. From the Aleutians, Milan was sent to New Guinea and ended the war serving with the 5th Naval Construction Battalion in the Philippines. Also serving in the 5th Naval Construction Battalion was fellow New Orleanian Alden “Al” Letten. Mr. Milan is pictured with Letten's son, Jim, who has volunteered for the Museum. US Army veteran Jesse Magee (third slide) served on Adak in the Aleutians, loading and unloading ships for 18 months with Company A, 1st Battalion, 364th Infantry Regiment. He was also stationed on the island of Shemya before being sent back to the mainland United States through the end of the war. A quote from Mr. Magee's oral history is featured in the exhibit.

On display at The National WWII Museum now through January 11, 2026, On American Shores: The Aleutian Islands Campaign explores the US military's yearlong efforts to end Japan’s occupation of these remote islands off the coast of Alaska. Explore this new special exhibit and learn more about the brutal conditions troops faced, the strategic lessons learned, and the lasting impacts on native civilian populations. Click the link for more information. https://lnkd.in/g6TjdeuU

Tonight, join us as we open our brand-new special exhibit, On American Shores: The Aleutian Islands Campaign, which explores the often-overlooked 1942 Japanese invasion of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Hear from Museum Curator Ross Patterson, get an exclusive first look at the exhibit, and learn more about the efforts to reclaim the only North American soil seized during World War II. Register here: https://bit.ly/3FnbH11

Join us on April 5 as author Sonia Purnell discusses her book, "Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue," which tells the spectacular story of Pamela Churchill Harriman—beloved daughter-in-law of the British prime minister, “secret weapon” during World War II, and influential activist in American politics. Visit our website to register for this Orlin Russell Corey Memorial Lecture presented in partnership with the Churchill Society of New Orleans. https://lnkd.in/dkVbX2PQ

Join Museum Collections staff members Rhea Miner and Erin Scheaffer on April 8 as they take a closer look at the artwork stolen by the Third Reich, the Allied efforts to recover and repatriate them, and their whereabouts today. This Dinner with a Curator is almost sold out, so visit our website to grab your tickets today! https://lnkd.in/g9-HWF-C

Happy National Rosie the Riveter Day! We were honored to be joined today by over a dozen real-life wartime Rosies who helped pave the way for future generations. Tonight, join us or tune in as we celebrate the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to these pioneering women. To learn more and watch live, click here: https://bit.ly/4krefLN

Teachers, join us on April 3 to explore the Museum after hours and learn more about our special exhibition, Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II—for free! Visit our website to register now. https://bit.ly/3FDCzds