80th Anniversary End of War Symposium

Eighty years after the end of World War II, this two-day symposium will offer a comprehensive look at the turning points and closing moments of the war in Europe and the Pacific.

August 08, 2025 to August 09, 2025
+ Add to calendar 2025-08-08 5:00:00 PM 2025-08-09 5:00:00 PM America/Mexico_City The Higgins Hotel 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 80th Anniversary End of War Symposium Eighty years after the end of World War II, this two-day symposium will offer a comprehensive look at the turning points and closing moments of the war in Europe and the Pacific.
Location: The Higgins Hotel
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Eighty years after the end of World War II, this two-day symposium will offer a comprehensive look at the turning points and closing moments of the war in Europe and the Pacific. Join scholars, experts, and historians to discuss and debate the pivotal leadership decisions and campaigns that shaped the end of the war and the far-reaching legacies of World War II that continue to influence the world today.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Friday, August 8

  • 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm | Opening Reception
  • 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm | Opening Keynote – The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture
    • Richard Frank

Saturday, August 9

  • 9:00 am – 9:05 am | Welcome
  • 9:05 am – 10:15 am | VE Day and its effects on the Pacific War
    • Chair – Erica Lansberg
    • Guenter Bischof
    • Michael Neiberg
  • 10:15 am – 10:45 am | Break
  • 10:45 am – 12:00 pm | Tightening the Noose by Land, Sea, Air - Roundtable
    • Chair – Jon Parshall
    • John McManus
    • Craig Symonds
    • James Scott
  • 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Break and Lunch
  • 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm | August Storms: The Atomic Bombs and Soviet Invasion
    • Chair – Michael S. Bell
    • John Curatola
    • Jonathan House
  • 2:45 pm – 3:15 pm | Break
  • 3:15 pm – 4:45 pm | From Foe to Friend: MacArthur, Hirohito in Peacetime - Roundtable
    • Chair – Richard Frank
    • Jim Zobel
    • Noriko Kawamura
  • 4:45 pm – 5:00 pm | Closing Remarks and Adjournment

Pricing: 

  • Symposium Only: $499
  • Symposium + Hotel Package*:
    • $799 per person double occupancy
    • $999 per person single occupancy 

*Includes two nights at The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center; check out by noon on August 10.

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Symposium + Experience the Victory Package: Make the most of your trip by extending your stay and adding exclusive guided touring of the Museum!

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