America’s coins and paper money underwent a number of changes to serve the war effort during World War II.

The Hollywood Canteen, which had been in operation since October 1942, closed its doors after one last hoorah on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1945. In all, more than 3,000 volunteers, many famous stars among them, had welcomed and entertained nearly four million servicemen and women.

Grace Thorpe, daughter of famed athlete Jim Thorpe, has a remarkable legacy as a veteran and champion of indigenous peoples. 

While many Americans are familiar with the idea of “code talkers,” knowledge about the fuller lives, stories, and experiences of American Indian Code Talkers is incredibly limited. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, in partnership with Native communities, wants to help change that.

Despite their small, fluffy nature and their propensity to do as they please, even cats had a place in the military.

The 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18, has roots in WWII history.

Halloween today still brings with it traditions that were familiar during the 1940s. However the home front festivities during the war years also held some key differences as well. 

World War II transformed the United States from a midlevel global power to the leader of the “free world.” With this rapid rise in power and influence, the United States had to take on new responsibilities, signaling the beginning of the "American era."

Absentee ballots gave American citizens in uniform a voice in their nation’s government during World War II.

During World War II, a new program gave young men who refused to wear a uniform other ways to serve their country.

Though lasting only 360 days, Operation Magic Carpet was the largest combined air and sealift ever organized.

In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, The National WWII Museum wishes to share educational highlights of Latino WWII experiences for teachers and students.