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
daily 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 will present
up to 3 sessions per 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.
D-Day: The Turning Point of War in Europe
Operation Overlord was the most complex military operation
ever staged. An amphibious operation two years in planning,
D-Day—June 6, 1944—was one of the most important days
of WWII. Exploring maps and artifacts from the time,
students advise General Eisenhower on when, where,
and how to launch the invasion of Western Europe.
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.
For more information
about the Red Ball Express please contact
945 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA 70130, Entrance
on Andrew Higgins Drive
PHONE: (504) 527-6012 · FAX: (504) 527-6088 · EMAIL: info@nationalww2museum.org
TODAY:
