On June 10, 2017, The National WWII Museum will open its newest permanent exhibit—The Arsenal of Democracy: The Herman and George R. Brown Salute to the Home Front. Located on the second floor of the Museum’s original Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, the exhibit will tell the story of the road to war and the Home Front, including the political discord of the prewar years, the terror of the Pearl Harbor attacks, the massive mobilization in personnel and manufacturing, and the experience of ordinary Americans. Visitors will find themselves inside the story through nine immersive galleries, which re-create a newsstand, factory floor, 1940s home and more as the evocative backdrop for artifacts, digital interactives and personal narratives.

The National WWII Museum today announced that Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, PhD, will step down as president and CEO of the institution effective June 30, 2017, moving into a part-time role as president and CEO emeritus. The Museum’s national Board of Trustees has appointed Stephen Watson, longtime executive vice president and COO, as Mueller’s successor.

In honor of The Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation’s commitment to honoring Gold Star families, the Foundation has gifted The National WWII Museum with a Gold Star mural located on the side of the institution’s Louisiana Memorial Pavilion. The 26x14-foot painting will act as a lasting tribute to families who have lost a loved one in the service of the nation’s military, while also preserving the memory of the fallen and standing as a stark reminder that freedom is not free.

The National WWII Museum is proud to announce the 10th International Conference on World War II. Presented by the Pritzker Military Museum & Library and the Pritzker Military Foundation, the Conference takes place annually in New Orleans and features the world’s foremost WWII historians in discussions concerning battles, leaders and pivotal moments that shaped World War II. This year’s topics include: The Anglo-American Alliance, The Wehrmacht’s Last Stand, Dunkirk, MacArthur and Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich.

The National WWII Museum today announced new dates for its most popular tour: D-Day – The Invasion of Normandy & Liberation of France. Taking place from September 14 through 20, and again September 21 through 27, this spectacular tour itinerary will provide guests with an in-depth exploration of the sites key to America’s most famous WWII battle. Offering a full week of touring in Normandy, the Museum’s signature tour offers great value and features top guides, superior accommodations in prime locations, comprehensive dining and exclusive access to sites unseen on other programs.

Beginning April 1, The National WWII Museum will offer the public the opportunity to tour and ride restored patrol-torpedo (PT) boat 305 on her home waters of Lake Pontchartrain, where she was originally tested by Higgins Industries more than 70 years ago. For the first time ever, visitors will be able to see and feel the PT boat experience, and learn about the service of the men who called this incredible vessel home. The public launch of PT-305 is the culmination of the Museum’s decade-long effort to restore her, as well as more than 130,000 hours of work from a dedicated corps of over 200 volunteers.

The National WWII Museum today announced a new educational travel program—Writing the War: In the Footsteps of WWII Correspondents. From September 25 through October 3, 2017, renowned WWII historian and best-selling author Donald L. Miller, PhD, will lead an extraordinary journey through Europe in the footsteps of World War II’s best-known combat correspondents. Guests will experience an exciting adventure into some of World War II’s most significant battles, accompanied by the words of Ernie Pyle, Ernest Hemingway, Lee Miller, Martha Gellhorn and “Beachhead Don” Whitehead.

The National WWII Museum today announced two new recipients of the institution’s highest honor, the American Spirit Award. On June 9, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough and patriotic philanthropist David M. Rubenstein will receive the Award, which recognizes individuals who best exemplify the outstanding qualities of the American spirit, including teamwork, optimism and determination. McCullough and Rubenstein both inspire the exploration and expression of these values through their own life and work.

The National WWII Museum today announced two distinct student travel programs that allow high school and college students the opportunity to earn college credit while exploring the leadership lessons and real-life decision-making scenarios of World War II. Both Normandy Academy and Student Leadership Academy will provide students with an unique educational journey that challenges them to learn from choices made during the WWII era.
 

This October, The National WWII Museum will embark on an inspiring seven-day, six-night tour of France, based on Alex Kershaw’s New York Times best sellers—“Avenue of Spies” and “The Bedford Boys”—with the author himself serving as featured historian. Guests will get an up-close view of the beaches of Normandy, while hearing stories of sacrifice about the Bedford Boys who came ashore with Company A, 116th Regiment, 29th Infantry Division during the first wave at Omaha Beach on D-Day.

This October, The National WWII Museum will embark on an inspiring seven-day, six-night tour of France, based on Alex Kershaw’s New York Times best sellers—“Avenue of Spies” and “The Bedford Boys”—with the author himself serving as featured historian. Guests will get an up-close view of the beaches of Normandy, while hearing stories of sacrifice about the Bedford Boys who came ashore with Company A, 116th Regiment, 29th Infantry Division during the first wave at Omaha Beach on D-Day.

The National WWII Museum’s latest travel experience will shine a spotlight on the institution’s home: the city of New Orleans. The exclusive Operation Home Front tour will showcase the best the Crescent City has to offer, including TripAdvisor's top attraction in the city and No. 4 in the nation: The National WWII Museum. Guests traveling on this one-time-only tour will take in VIP experiences of every kind—including a black-tie awards gala, an insider’s tour of the Museum, a ride on a restored patrol-torpedo boat and tickets to grand opening events for the Museum’s newest permanent exhibit.