The National WWII Museum today announced the official opening of its landmark hotel property The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Family members and Higgins Industries workers and their families gathered at the Museum in October 2017 to remember New Orleans boatbuilder Andrew Jackson Higgins. 

In the late 1930s, the U.S. military began developing small boats that could carry troops from ships to open beaches.

George Kearney talks about working for Higgins Industries during the war.

Beginning April 1, The National WWII Museum will offer the public the opportunity to tour and ride restored patrol-torpedo (PT) boat 305 on her home waters of Lake Pontchartrain, where she was originally tested by Higgins Industries more than 70 years ago. For the first time ever, visitors will be able to see and feel the PT boat experience, and learn about the service of the men who called this incredible vessel home. The public launch of PT-305 is the culmination of the Museum’s decade-long effort to restore her, as well as more than 130,000 hours of work from a dedicated corps of over 200 volunteers.