Mobile Outreach Program

Delivering hands-on World War II history to New Orleans schools and beyond 

  
YESTERDAY:

The Red Ball Express was created on August 25, 1944, in Normandy, France, to transport much-needed fuel and supplies to the advancing Allied armies. The Express, one of the most famous support units of WWII, got its name from the railroad slang term for a fast freight train. Thousands of truck drivers—75% of them African Americans—hauled cargo through France almost non-stop from August to November of 1944.

By the time operation of the Express ended in mid-November 1944, it had transported more than 500,000 tons of supplies to the front!  

  
TODAY:

The National World War II Museum revives the mission of the Express.  Rather than delivering crucial wartime supplies, our outreach educators deliver crucial WWII education to students of all ages throughout the Greater New Orleans region in our specially-outfitted Red Ball Express Outreach Van.

The Red Ball Express visits schools, libraries, and community centers supplying unique hands-on programming, including Museum artifacts, that explores the World War II years.

Through the use of artifacts, activities, and teamwork games, the Red Ball Express brings the history and lessons of WWII to life.  And all classroom programming conforms to Louisiana’s Department of Education benchmarks.

Availability:

The Red Ball Express is available for classroom presentations for grades 3-12. The Express makes visits to schools in the Greater New Orleans area and limited trips across the state and to the Gulf Coast.  Programs run 45 minutes to an hour and work best with one class at a time.  The maximum number of students in a session is 35 and we can present up to 3 sessions per school visit.

Current Red Ball Express Programs:

World War Two: 101
Everyone puts on white gloves, becomes curators and historians, “reads” artifacts, and explores the stories each object holds. Students discover how artifacts can teach us about the past and learn the importance of proper handling and preservation. Artifacts explored include letters, posters, ration books, uniforms, helmets, photographs, maps, and other WWII items. The Museum’s most popular hands-on program, WWII: 101 is a great introduction to the war through the material culture of the time.


Home, Sweet, Home Front: The War in Our Own Backyard
“We’re All in this Together!” It was a common refrain on the Home Front during WWII. While millions of Americans went off to war as soldiers, sailors and Marines tens of millions stayed home, working, saving, scrapping, and yearning for victory. Students learn about rationing and Victory gardens, listen to Old Time radio, become Riveting Rosies, while discovering the meaning of civic responsibility and shared sacrifice.

Uncommon Valor: Iwo Jima and The War in the Pacific
More than two million Americans served in the war in the Pacific. From Hawaii to the Philippines, from Guadalcanal to Guam, Americans fought and died facing a determined Japanese enemy. Students try on uniform and gear, endure an equator-crossing initiation, and help raise the flag atop Mt. Suribachi. Strange places become more familiar and the war turns personal as students meet the flag raisers.

Cost:

One or two presentations $100
Third presentation $100

We encourage you to schedule multiple presentations at your school.

Contact:

For more information or to schedule a Red Ball Express visit, please contact:

Walt Burgoyne
Education Programs Coordinator
504-527-6012 x 333
walt.burgoyne@nationalww2museum.org