• The National WWII Museum
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Commemorating the 71st Anniversary of D-Day and the Museum's 15th Anniversary

In fact, the institution we now know as The National WWII Museum was once dedicated entirely to the story of D-Day in Normandy. With founder (and noted author) Stephen E. Ambrose at the helm, it opened in June 2000 in New Orleans—home of shipbuilder Andrew Higgins, whose production of the amphibious Higgins Boats led Eisenhower to describe him as "the man who won the war for us." Now 15 years later, The National WWII Museum is one of the most popular museums in the world, and home to historical collections and scholarship that span the entire scope of America's WWII story. The Museum is also a center for ongoing research and outreach, innovating every day to reach students, teachers, veterans, and visitors like never before.

Come see some of our best on display—from macro-artifacts to personal narratives, lectures to interactives. Then join us as we reflect on the Museum's 15 years, and celebrate our crystal anniversary with some swinging music and sweet treats!

For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 229.

Programming

Throughout the day—
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Higgins Boat Tours
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
Visitors will be afforded the extremely rare opportunity to board the Museum LCVP, or Higgins Boat, as a curator explains the craft's role in the D-Day invasion.

 

D-Day Briefings
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
Museum historian Tommy Lofton will report on the action at Normandy at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, allowing visitors to follow the progress of the Allies.

 

D-Day Remembered
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion: Forbes Theater
Experience the news of D-Day as those on the Home Front did through newsreels and film footage of the day.

 

Hands-On History
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
Curators will exhibit uniforms and equipment used by American and German soldiers during World War II. Visitors will be able to pick up and try on original and reproduction helmets, uniforms, boots, packs, and other personal equipment.

 

Oral History Showcase: Stories of D-Day Veterans
H. Mortimer Favrot Orientation Center
Hear first-person accounts of the day with video oral histories from D-Day veterans via the Museum's collection.

 

Living History Corps and Artifacts from the War in Europe
Battle Barksdale Parade Ground
Museum artifacts will be on display as WWII reenactors wearing the uniforms and carrying the equipment of both the Allied and Axis forces share their knowledge about the day-to-day lives of military men and women and the broader lessons of World War II.

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Military Band Performance
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
USMC Band New Orleans Brass Quintet will perform a selection of anthems, patriotic songs, and marching music.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

D-Day Ceremony and Museum Anniversary Celebration
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Ceremony commemorating 71st anniversary of D-Day and reflections from President Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, PhD, as the Museum celebrates a milestone anniversary.

12:00 pm

The National WWII Museum's 15th Anniversary
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
Join us and enjoy a piece of cake after our Victory Belles sing "Happy Birthday."

Date:
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM


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