The National WWII Museum mourns the passing of the Honorable Jacquelyn “Jackie” Brechtel Clarkson, Trustee Emerita and a Founders Society Member of the Museum. Clarkson died on June 26, 2024, at the age of 88.

Known by many as a tireless public servant, Clarkson was a member of the Board of Trustees of The National WWII Museum from 1999 to 2007. In recognition of her commitment to the Museum’s mission, many achievements, and lifetime of service, the Museum honored Clarkson with the American Spirit Medallion at the 2022 American Spirit Awards.

An Algiers native, Clarkson dedicated much of her life to public service and the success of the City of New Orleans. After running a real estate business for nearly four decades, she entered politics in 1990, serving three terms as a member of the New Orleans City Council, including a stint as President, and two terms in the Louisiana House of Representatives. By the time she retired from politics in 2014, Clarkson had garnered a reputation as a strong leader with a commitment to public safety, historic preservation, and economic development, as well as a passion for recreational opportunities for children.

Clarkson’s longtime support of the Museum, particularly in its early years, was critical to its later success. Before the Museum’s doors opened in 2000, as a state representative in Baton Rouge, Clarkson played a key role in working with then-Louisiana Governor Mike Foster to secure the first state funding for The National D-Day Museum. Later on, as a City Council member, she was instrumental in encouraging Governor Kathleen Blanco to expedite the disbursement of the state’s capital funding to begin the expansion of the Museum. During Hurricane Katrina, Clarkson stayed in New Orleans and, in its aftermath, assisted in the recovery efforts of the Museum and many other community institutions. Her unceasing advocacy and staunch commitment to the Museum’s mission and values consistently elevated its standing, making it possible for the institution to become one of the top museums in the nation—and the world.

“Jackie was dedicated to veterans and our mission to honor their WWII service in this Museum. She was tireless, good humored, and always had a passion for veteran causes and her beloved city and state,” said Museum President & CEO Emeritus Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller. “Losing Jackie Clarkson is a blow to all of us, but all who knew her will remember that she left us all better for knowing her and her deeds.”

In addition to her support for the Museum, Clarkson was dedicated to protecting the men and women who serve in the military and received multiple accolades for her work with them. As a state lawmaker, when the Naval Support Activity on the West Bank was scheduled for closure, Clarkson authored legislation that created Federal City at that location, which included Marine Reserves and the Coast Guard 8th Naval District, ensuring a significant portion of the military’s economic impact on the region was retained. She also served as a member of the New Orleans Military Advisory Committee, which helped bring more military troops to the city and allowed them to retire locally.

Though widely known for her political career, Clarkson also boasted a successful, 50-year career in real estate, during which she owned or managed three major firms, including her own, Jacquelyn Clarkson Realtors. Additionally, she served as the second female President of the Louisiana Realtors Association.

Clarkson and her family have continued their active involvement with the Museum over the years. Her daughter, actress Patricia Clarkson, has participated in several special events and lent her talents to the What Would You Do interactive and the Beyond All Boundaries 4D experience.

At The National WWII Museum, Clarkson will be remembered as a friend and mentor to many, with a legacy as a champion of New Orleans and dedicated ambassador of the Museum from its earliest days.