News Summary
The National WWII Museum marks its 25th anniversary this year with significant events and expansions, honoring the sacrifices of WWII veterans. The museum, founded by historians, continues to educate over 780,000 annual visitors about the D-Day invasion and American involvement in the war. Upcoming plans include the Floyd Education and Collections Pavilion and a series of commemorative events celebrating the 81st anniversary of D-Day, reinforcing its commitment to historical preservation and education.
New Orleans – The National WWII Museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone since its opening on June 6, 2000, coinciding with the 56th anniversary of the historic D-Day landings. Renowned as one of New Orleans’ most popular attractions, it draws over 780,000 visitors annually, emphasizing its role in educating the public about the American experience during World War II.
Founded by historians Stephen Ambrose and Gordon “Nick” Mueller, the museum underscores the sacrifices made by individuals during the war, with a particular focus on the D-Day invasion. This critical operation, which took place on June 6, 1944, involved over 150,000 Allied troops and represented a decisive turning point in the conflict. The museum’s mission includes honoring the valor and memory of WWII veterans, providing a comprehensive narrative that signifies the American involvement in the global endeavor.
The expansion plans for the museum include the recent groundbreaking for the Floyd Education and Collections Pavilion. This facility is set to enhance the museum’s capabilities by serving as a workspace for creating new exhibits while also providing storage for its extensive collection of artifacts. However, it is important to note that this pavilion will not be accessible to the general public. The initiative has a financial backing of $12 million, which includes a generous gift of $7.5 million from Timber and Peggy Floyd.
The second level of the new pavilion, known as the Sanderson Leadership Center, is designed to host seminars and training sessions that relate to WWII history, further broadening the museum’s educational outreach. Over the course of its existence, the museum has expanded to include several pavilions, such as the Liberation Pavilion and the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, contributing to an overall development cost of $420 million.
As part of its 25th-anniversary celebrations, the museum will commemorate the 81st anniversary of D-Day with a series of memorial ceremonies, educational programs, and special exhibits aimed at honoring the sacrifices endured by military personnel during this pivotal moment in history. Additionally, current servicemembers and their families are eligible for free admission until Labor Day through the Blue Star Museums program, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to serving those who have served in the military.
The role of the University of New Orleans (UNO) has been pivotal since the museum’s inception, as it provided substantial financial, staffing, and logistical support for over a decade, ensuring the museum’s foundational success. Thanks to this collaboration and ongoing efforts, the National WWII Museum stands today as a premier institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of WWII and educating future generations about the lessons learned from this global conflict.
As expressed by the museum’s CEO, the organization reflects on its growth journey with pride and optimism for future expansion opportunities. With continuing efforts to honor the past, the museum remains committed to engaging visitors through interactive exhibits and informative presentations that delve into the complexities of World War II.
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Additional Resources
- Biz New Orleans: National WWII Museum Commemorates Memorial Day
- NOLA: National WWII Museum New Orleans Expands
- Biz New Orleans: WWII Museum Offers Half-Price Admission
- Wikipedia: World War II
- Encyclopedia Britannica: World War II
