Programming: The Pelican State Goes to War

On December 8, 1941, just one day after the Pearl Harbor attacks, the United States officially entered World War II—Louisiana, however, was already front and center in the country’s defense preparations. From 1940 to 1945, Louisiana’s war efforts triggered massive changes throughout the state and the country, and these wartime experiences laid the groundwork for the new, postwar world that emerged from the 20th century’s greatest struggle.

The Pelican State Goes to War: Louisiana in World War II tells that story. Throughout the exhibit's run, we will be holding public programming focused on Louisiana's role in World War II.

Presented by The Alta and John Franks Foundation.

See the schedule:

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The Real Image of War: Steichen and Ford in the Pacific Opening Reception

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USS New Orleans Coconut Log Artifact

After a Japanese torpedo attack, a heavy cruiser survives to fight again -- with the help of a temporary bow fashioned from a tropical tree trunk.
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The Pelican State Goes to War

Watch a replay of the special exhibit's July 27 opening presentation.
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Article

Shreveport Under Attack: A Look Back at the Louisiana Maneuvers

While military maneuvers train and test a force’s capabilities, they can also seem like an “alternate history” at times. Consider these fascinating front pages from September 1941, reprinted here courtesy of The Shreveport Times, describing the US Army’s big Louisiana Maneuvers.
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The Pelican State Goes to War

WDSU-TV previews new special exhibit about Louisiana during World War II.
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Article

Preparing for the Citizen Soldier’s Return: the GI Bill of 1944

"By the war’s conclusion, nearly 16 million men and a half million women would provide military service for their country. Where would the opportunities to create better lives for themselves come from for these men and women who had seen, experienced, and sacrificed so much during the war years?"