NEW ORLEANS (February 28, 2008) – As the New Orleans tourism industry continues its post-Katrina recovery, The National World War II Museum hit an important attendance milestone last weekend when attendance topped 1,000 visitors on Saturday, February 24, marking the first time it has reached that level since the storm devastated the city and its top industry on August 29, 2005.

“Reaching this visitor milestone is more than just gratifying news for our Museum,” said Dr. Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, President and CEO. “It is also a clearly positive sign for New Orleans as both our population and our tourism numbers rebound.”

This robust admission figure included individuals, student and adult groups, Museum members, and teachers attending a workshop on tolerance related to the Museum’s current special exhibition, Anne Frank: A History for Today. Since the Museum reopened on December 3, 2005, attendance has grown monthly. The Anne Frank exhibition, a compelling exploration of a timeless Holocaust story, has generated the most dramatic increases. Developed by the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and sponsored in North America by the Anne Frank Center USA, the exhibition will be on view through March 25.

Of additional note, the Museum’s national Board of Trustees re-affirmed its confidence in New Orleans’ future by proceeding with a $300 million capital expansion project which, when complete, will create a six-acre campus of exhibition pavilions illuminating the entire American experience during the World War II years. The expanded destination attraction is expected to draw more than 700,000-visitors-a-year when completed. Ground-breaking for the next phase of the expansion – an advanced format, 4-D theater – will take place within weeks.

The National World War II Museum is designated by Congress as “America’s National World War II Museum.” It interprets the American Experience during World War II years and celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won World War II and promotes the exploration and expression of these values by future generations.

For more information on programs and exhibits at the National World War II Museum, visit www.nationalww2museum.org or call 504-527-6012. To arrange group visits for schools, churches and synagogues, reunion groups and other organizations, please call 504.527.6012, ext. 222.