The National WWII Museum has appointed Robert M. Citino, PhD, a highly regarded WWII scholar and educator, to the position of Samuel Zemurray Stone Senior Historian. Citino comes to the Museum following academic postings at the University of North Texas, Eastern Michigan University, Lake Erie College, the US Military Academy and the US Army War College. In addition to publishing nine books and myriad articles on World War II and other 20th century military subjects, Citino has been a regular speaker at the Museum’s International Conference on World War II and offered lectures during the institution’s D-Day 70th anniversary cruise.

The National WWII Museum today announced new dates for “The Rise and Fall of Hitler’s Germany” tour. Taking place from May 18 to May 29, 2017, the exclusive 12-day trip will explore Germany and Poland through the lens of the rise and fall of the Third Reich. Featuring noted historian Alexandra Richie, DPhil—one of the world's foremost experts on World War II in Europe—the tour will visit Berlin's Olympic Stadium and Reichstag; sites of the Third Reich's exploits and atrocities across Europe at Auschwitz, Wannsee and Warsaw as well as stunning cathedrals and Teutonic castles.
 

The National WWII Museum’s first International Conference on World War II in 2006 set the precedent for outstanding scholarship and public history on the most pivotal event of the modern era. The Museum will continue this important initiative November 17 through 19 in New Orleans at the 2016 International Conference, titled “1946: Year Zero—Triumph and Tragedy,” and covering the immediate postwar period and the new world left in the wake of the global struggle.

The National WWII Museum, Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation are proud to present WWII AirPower Expo 2016 – a celebration of historic 1940s warbirds and the American aviators who flew them. Taking place at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport, the three-day air show will offer thrilling aerial demonstrations, up-close aircraft tours, authentic WWII-era entertainment, hands-on activities and an opportunity to meet some of the men and women who helped win World War II. Visitors will also have the option to purchase tickets for a memorable ride aboard some of the majestic aircraft.

The National WWII Museum today announced it has been recognized as a winner in the 2016 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ awards for museums, ranking No.4 in the nation and No.11 in the world. Other winners include The Metropolitan Museum of Art (No.1), Art Institute of Chicago (No.2), The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum (No.3) and Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (No.5).

This month, The National WWII Museum is celebrating 10 years of Knit Your Bit – a volunteer-based effort to collect and distribute hand-knit scarves to veterans. On September 17, knitters and crocheters are invited to participate in a knit-in beneath the suspended planes of the Museum’s US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center. During the event, which takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., area knitting shops will also display their crafts, and local students will distribute scarves to any veterans who visit the Museum.

The National WWII Museum’s live theater venue, BB’s Stage Door Canteen, today announced its 2016-2017 season featuring a new dynamic male vocal trio, a tribute to beloved Bob Hope and a debut production honoring WWII factory worker turned Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe. The thrilling season lineup serves as a tribute to the men and women who entertained the nation’s troops, while offering a unique opportunity to share the culture of the WWII era with new generations.

Building on the popularity of last year, The National WWII Museum is showing its appreciation to local supporters for the second consecutive year by offering discounted admission to Louisiana residents. This September, locals will be able to enjoy the Museum’s exhibits and galleries for only half the price of regular Museum admission, including the newly opened special exhibit Tom Lea: LIFE and World War II, which features nearly 30 original paintings and illustrations from LIFE magazine war correspondent and artist Tom Lea.

In honor of Bob Hope’s unwavering support for the troops, the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation has committed a $3 million gift to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. The generous donation will support integrating Bob Hope’s wartime legacy comprehensively throughout the Museum’s campus. Hope’s story, which is a significant component of World War II, represents the value of laughter and humanity in even the darkest times.

The National WWII Museum today announced its newest special exhibit: Tom Lea: LIFE and World War II, sponsored by The Woldenberg Foundation. The exhibition, which opened to the public on June 24, features nearly 30 original paintings and illustrations from LIFE magazine war correspondent and artist Tom Lea. On loan from the US Army Center of Military History, as well as private collections and museums, the artworks depict a realistic view of war, while also reflecting Lea’s unwavering bravery as he observed US armed forces fighting on land, at sea and in the air.

On June 10, 2016, The National WWII Museum and Whitney Bank will present the American Spirit Awards in the Museum’s US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center. The awards gala, which will take place in New Orleans for the first time, celebrates individuals and organizations whose work reflects the spirit of those who served our nation during World War II. The 2016 honorees include New Orleans natives and representatives from across the nation, all of whom have inspired others through their own acts of courage, sacrifice, initiative and generosity.

The National WWII Museum President and CEO Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller today received the French Legion of Honor alongside Tom Brokaw and Tom Hanks at a private ceremony at the Grand Chancellery in Paris. The Legion of Honor Medal, which was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, acknowledges services rendered to France by persons of exceptional merit and accomplishments. It is the highest distinction awarded by the French government.