HISTORY

June 6, 2000
The National D-Day Museum officially opens with over two-hundred thousand people in attendance. The Museum was founded by historian Stephen Ambrose and Dr. Gordon “Nick” Mueller, the Museum’s current President and CEO.

December 7, 2001
In an event rivaling the Museum grand opening, the D-Day Invasions in the Pacific gallery is unveiled.

2004
U.S. Congress designated The National D-Day Museum as the nation’s official World War II Museum.

April 22, 2006
The Museum celebrates a milestone in its educational mission with the opening of E.J. Ourso Discovery Hall.

June 2, 2006
The Museum officially becomes The National World War II Museum.

May 22, 2009
The Museum welcomes its 2 millionth visitor.

November 6, 2010
The Solomon Victory Theater, Stage Door Canteen and American Sector restaurant open to the public.

June 6, 2010
The National World War II Museum celebrates its tenth anniversary!

BY THE NUMBERS

2.1 million visitors to the Museum since 2000

80% of visitors travelled from outside New Orleans

30% of visitors indicated that the Museum was the top reason for their visit to New Orleans

400,000+ students and over 1,500 teachers have visited the Museum

526, 528 unique website visitors in 2009

120,000 Charter Members represent all 50 states

3,500 oral and video histories from WWII vets have been collected

89,000 artifacts make up the Museum’s collection
$148 million of the $300 million for the Road to Victory Capital Expansion has been raised

$107 million in annual economic impact by 2015

$424 million in economic impact from construction of the Capital expansion by completion

300,000 square feet of new construction for the completed National World War II Museum

The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world – why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today.  Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org. Follow us on Twitter at WWIImuseum or visit our Facebook fan page.