Andrew Higgins is the man who won the war for us. If Higgins had not designed and built those LCVPs we never could have landed over an open beach. The whole strategy of the war would have been different.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower, to historian Stephen Ambrose, 1964
While the United States officially entered World War II on December 8, 1941, Louisiana had already been front and center in the country’s defense preparations for war. From 1939 to 1945, Louisiana hosted the largest maneuvers in US military history, witnessed massive changes to its industrial base, and saw its citizens become major part of the American victory. Louisiana contributed over $830 million to war bond drives, produced over 20,000 vessels, and more than a billion gallons of 100-octane aviation fuel. Louisianans Claire Chennault and Andrew Higgins rose to fame in World War II, while future leaders Robert Barrow and Lindy Boggs would later draw from their experiences in World War II. The war afforded new opportunities to the state’s citizens that were previously unimaginable. Louisiana’s wartime experiences laid the groundwork for sweeping social and economic changes in the postwar era.
ABOUT THIS EXHIBIT
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 hosted the largest maneuvers in US military history, witnessed massive changes to its industrial base, and saw its citizens become enthusiastic contributors to what President Franklin Roosevelt deemed “The Arsenal of Democracy.” The war afforded new, previously unimaginable opportunities to Louisiana’s residents. Through it all, these wartime experiences in the Pelican State laid the groundwork for sweeping economic changes in the new, postwar world that emerged from the 20th century’s greatest struggle.
Presented by The Alta and John Franks Foundation
Booking Terms
- Six-week minimum booking period
- $2,500 booking fee plus inbound shipping; fee can be waived if exhibit is offered to the general public for free
Travel Schedule
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA
May 3, 2021 to August 27, 2021
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA
November 1, 2021 to December 15, 2021
Hammond Regional Arts Center
Hammond, LA
May 6, 2022 to June 17, 2022
West Baton Rouge Museum
Port Allen, LA
January 22, 2022 to March 20, 2022
Louisiana National Guard Museum, Jackson Barracks
New Orleans, LA
August 14, 2022 to January 07, 2023
Jackson Barracks
New Orleans, LA
August 16, 2022 to January 9, 2023
No longer available for booking
Exhibit Images
Installation Logistics
Host Requirements
- Minimum of 1,800 square feet
- Secure exhibit space that is staffed during open hours
- Gallery lighting (exhibit is not self-lit)
- Minimum of two-person installation crew
- Certificate of Insurance
Support Provided
- Exhibit layout and design assistance from the WWII Museum exhibit designer
- Exhibit installation and packing guide
- Installation supervision and assistance by the WWII Museum Traveling Exhibit Manager
Press and Marketing Materials
The National WWII Museum has created the press and graphic packages linked below to ensure our Pelican State Goes to War: Louisiana in World War II traveling exhibit will reach the widest audience at your venue.
In accordance with the contract, any publicity materials—including e-publicity—must be sent to our traveling exhibitions department for review and approval prior to printing and distribution.
PRESS PACKAGE
GRAPHICS PACKAGE
- Traveling exhibit style guide (Includes exhibit color scheme and templates for advertisements, invitations, rack cards, and signage.)
SUPPORT PROVIDED
- Consultation with marketing and communications staff
Education Resources
Education Package
- Includes exhibit-themed lesson plans, fact sheets, and activity sheets.
- Download
Additional Resources
- One on-site professional development workshop (2–3 hour workshop)
- One distance-learning program for students
- Curator lecture (when available, additional fees apply)
Support Provided
- Consultation with assistant director of education for curriculum, assistant director for public programs, and the assistant director of education for interpretation.
- Additional educational resources