Press Release

The National WWII Museum to Commemorate 85th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor

NEW ORLEANS (October 27, 2026) — To commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, The National WWII Museum will explore that date which lives in infamy through on-campus events, digital content and more, honoring those who served and sacrificed while reflecting on the attack's lasting impact on our nation and the world.

Early on December 7, 1941, citizens and servicemembers alike in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, faced terror as Japanese planes rained fire on the island in a stunning surprise attack on the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet. The assault killed over 2,400 American servicemembers and civilians and destroyed or damaged 19 US warships and 300 aircraft in less than 90 minutes. The following day, the United States declared war on Japan, plunging the country into World War II.  

“Each year, we answer the enduring call to ‘Remember Pearl Harbor,’” said Michael S. Bell, PhD, Museum Vice President of Research and Education. “This milestone anniversary is a moment not only to honor the lives lost that day but also to honor the service and sacrifice of the American men and women who went on to fight, and ultimately win, a global war. The anniversary provides an important opportunity to renew our solemn responsibility to preserve their stories for future generations. The Museum is proud to be a steward of the WWII generation’s legacy, ensuring that the courage and sacrifices of those who witnessed firsthand this pivotal moment in American history continue to inspire generations to come.”
 

Events

  • Dinner with a Curator | Saturday, December 5

    Ahead of the anniversary, the Museum will host a Dinner with a Curator event entitled “The First Shots: Pearl Harbor’s Forgotten Submarines.” Visitor Engagement Specialist Joseph Tingley will explore the story of Japan’s secret underwater operations during the attack on Pearl Harbor and the fates of the two-man mini-submarines deployed to penetrate the harbor’s defenses.

  • Pearl Harbor 85th Anniversary Commemoration | Monday, December 7

    The Museum’s annual public ceremony will begin with a moment of silence at 11:55 a.m. CT (7:55 a.m. HT) to mark the time of the attack. A ceremony will remember those who lost their lives and reflect on the significance of that fateful day. Renowned author and historian Geoffrey Wawro will give a keynote address offering expert perspective on the attack, the Pacific war and why Pearl Harbor continues to matter 85 years later. The ceremony is free and open to the public and will be livestreamed. 
     

Digital Content

  • Secret WWII: The Attack on Pearl Harbor | Premiering November 5, Episodes Available Weekly 
    In the third season of the Museum’s popular Secret WWII podcast, host Bradley Hart, PhD, Senior Historian at the Museum, will explore various angles of the surprise assault, from the rising tensions between Japan and the United States in the interwar period and the intelligence failures in the days before the attack to the military and civilian responses in the aftermath. This season’s episodes will also be available as video podcasts and feature guests like Nicholas Reynolds, Stephanie Hinnershitz and Jeff Rogg as well as historic archival footage from World War II.  
  • Classroom Webinar: 85th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor | Monday, December 7 
    Educators and students can tune in live for a free classroom webinar exploring America's "Day of Infamy," 85 years on. During this webinar, students will learn more about the attack on Pearl Harbor, why and how it happened, and the aftermath. The webinar will include virtual visits to historic sites in Hawaii and Museum galleries, guided by student reporters and historians. Registrants will also receive access to a recording of the webinar following the program.
  • Pearl Harbor Attack, December 7, 1941 
    Discover articles, oral histories, artifacts and more from The National WWII Museum exploring leadup to Pearl Harbor, the attack itself and its aftermath.
     

Artifacts & Exhibits

  • Come Back Fighting: USS New Orleans at War: This special exhibit features the heavy cruiser’s time at the Hawaiian naval base and her participation in its defense. Among the most fascinating stories is that of the ship’s chaplain, Lieutenant Howell M. Forgy, whose battle cry of “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!” became a popular patriotic song and slogan.  
  • Malcolm S. Forbes Rare and Iconic Artifacts Gallery: Museum curators will specially display artifacts related to Pearl Harbor in the Forbes Gallery, where little-seen items from the Museum’s vast collection are exhibited on a rotating basis.  
  • The Arsenal of Democracy: The impactful America Besieged gallery captures the shock and chaos of Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7, 1941, and sets the stage for the dark early months of America’s entry into World War II. Artifacts include a fragment of the USS Arizona, archival newspapers and an original “Remember Pearl Harbor” propaganda poster. 

 

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—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, the institution celebrates the American spirit, teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front. For more information on Tripadvisor’s #1 New Orleans attraction, call 877-813-3329 or 504-528-1944 or visit nationalww2museum.org.

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