Press Release

World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum’s "Bob Hope: An American Treasure" to open at National WWII Museum

Traveling exhibition’s next stop highlights Hope’s military ties

NEW ORLEANS (July 25, 2013) — The National WWII Museum is pleased to announce that on Saturday, August 3, a traveling exhibit celebrating legendary entertainer Bob Hope will open to the public.

Bob Hope entertained US troops at locations around the globe during World War II. The image of Hope walking on stage with a golf club at one of his many USO shows is a cherished memory for millions of Americans, especially military veterans. Those days will be revisited when the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum brings the Bob Hope: An American Treasure traveling exhibition to The National WWII Museum.

Created with the generous support of the Bob & Dolores Hope Charitable Foundation, the exhibition highlights several aspects of Hope’s life, including his extraordinary relationship with the US Armed Forces. The exhibition will be on display in the Joe W. and D.D. Brown Special Exhibit Gallery inside the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion through October 31.

"I know my Dad would be proud to have his exhibit available to visitors at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, one of his favorite cities," said Linda Hope, daughter of the entertainer. "The men and women who served during that war had a special place in his heart. Their spirit and love of our country never ceased to inspire him. We hope that the visitors to the Museum and those who see this exhibition will enjoy it and hopefully it will trigger some special memories."

Bob Hope: An American Treasure features more than 160 artifacts, including Hope’s Congressional Gold Medal, honorary Oscar statuette, Honorary Veterans citation and PGA of America money clip. More than 200 vintage photos and seven video displays tell the story of Hope’s early years as a member of an immigrant family in the early 20th century, his rise as a star of stage, screen and radio, his devotion to US military personnel, his relationships with US presidents and his love of golf.

"When touring the Middle East with the USO, we, the performers, would often say 'now I know how Bob Hope felt,'" said Victoria Reed, director of entertainment for The Stage Door Canteen at The National WWII Museum. “He was the pioneer for carrying out this amazing tradition, the king of the morale boosters."

"My grandfather discovered the greatness of the military audience in 1941. At the time, he joked that they were, 'an audience so ready for laughter, it made what we did for a living feel like stealing money,'" said Miranda Hope, granddaughter of the entertainer. "But he truly loved the men and women who defended this country and took pride that his performances spelled, more than anything else, 'home.' He was their favorite comedian, they were his favorite audience, and it was a love affair that lasted more than six decades."

The Museum will host an opening reception on Thursday, August 1, starting at 5:30 pm. Miranda Hope will speak briefly about her famous grandfather, followed by the opportunity for questions. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are appreciated and can be made at 504-528-1944 x 226.

"Bob’s relationship with the military is legendary and we’re delighted to bring this exhibition to The National World War II Museum,” said Jack Peter, Chief Operating Officer of the World Golf Hall of Fame. "We’re also pleased to share Bob’s love of the game with the great golf fans in New Orleans. We must thank the Bob & Dolores Hope Charitable Foundation for its support in bringing this exhibition to another new audience."

Access to the exhibit is included with standard Museum admission. For more information, including photos, about Bob Hope: An American Treasure, visit www.nationalww2museum.org.

As the Founding Partner of the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum and World Golf Village, Shell Oil Company played a lead role in supporting the development and growth of the institution, which opened in 1998. Since then, Shell Oil’s continued involvement has led the way for others to join in support of the Hall of Fame & Museum’s mission.

The National WWII 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 designated by Congress as America’s National WWII 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.

The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum preserves and honors the history of golf and the legacies of those who have made it great. The Hall of Fame and Museum, located at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, FL., serves as a steward of the game through engaging, interactive storytelling and exhibitions featuring artifacts, works of art, audio, video and photography significant to the history of golf and its members.

The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 nonprofit institution and is allied with 26 national and international golf organizations, including The European Tour, LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, The R&A and USGA. To learn more about the Hall of Fame or to lend support, visit www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org.