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  'Tom Lea: Art and War in the 20th Century'  

Tom Lea: Art and War in the 20th Century

Tuesday, September 6
5:00 p.m. Reception  |  6:00 p.m. Program  |  7:00 p.m. Book Signing
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion and Special Exhibition Gallery

Tom Lea was a muralist, illustrator, war correspondent, portraitist, landscapist, novelist, and historian. During World War II, LIFE magazine sent artists, including Lea, to every front to record in paint all aspects of war, from preparations on the Home Front to battles abroad. Melissa Renn, PhD, author of the essay "From Life: Tom Lea and the World War II Art of LIFE Magazine" in the special exhibit's companion book, will speak about Lea's work as an artist-correspondent for LIFE during the war, and will look at the motivations behind the magazine's wartime art commissions as well as the circulation and reception of the works in the United States and beyond. The program will also feature Adair Margo, founder and president of the Tom Lea Institute, who will share Lea's genius as both painter and writer before, during, and after the war. The special exhibit's companion book, Tom Lea, LIFE Magazine, and World War II, will be available for purchase.


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

Can't make it to the Museum? Watch the event live.

RSVP now.

 
 
 
  EVENTS
 
 


Lunchbox Lecture

Collin Makamson presents Operation: Magic Carpet


Wednesday, September 7
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
H. Mortimer Favrot Orientation Center

September marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the last great troop movement of World War II—Operation: Magic Carpet, the return of more than eight million American military personnel to the United States from the European, Pacific, and China-Burma-India theaters. This lecture will discuss the logistics and "points" system employed during Magic Carpet's 11-month operation, as well as an overview of the return routes and transport craft used in this mammoth military undertaking.


Lunchbox Lectures are free and open to the public on every first and third Wednesday of the month. For more information call 504-528-1944 x 463.


Orlin Russel Corey Memorial Lecture

Sonia Purnell presents Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill


Tuesday, September 13
5:00 p.m. Reception  |  6:00 p.m. Presentation  |  7:00 p.m. Book Signing
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center

By Winston Churchill's own admission, victory in World War II would have been "impossible without her." Until now, however, the only existing biography of Churchill's wife, Clementine, was written by her daughter. Sonia Purnell finally gives Clementine her due with a deeply researched account that tells her life story, revealing how she was instrumental in softening FDR's initial dislike of her husband and paving the way for Britain's close relationship with America. It also provides a surprising account of her relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt and their differing approaches to the war effort.


Join us for the inaugural Orlin Russel Corey Memorial Lecture, in partnership with The Churchill Society of New Orleans, focusing on Clementine's legacy.

This program is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Ensure your spot by RSVPing online or over the phone at 504-528-1944 x 412.

Can't make it to the Museum? Watch the event live.


Knit Your Bit 10th Anniversary

Saturday, September 17
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center

Join local veterans, knitters, and crocheters to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Knit Your Bit at The National WWII Museum!


Since its launch in 2006, more than 10,000 knitters and crocheters in all 50 states have participated in the Knit Your Bit program. Through their efforts, the Museum has distributed 50,000 scarves to veterans' centers, hospitals, and service organizations across the country. To celebrate this important milestone, bring your needles or hooks to the Museum for a knit-in, work on your Knit Your Bit scarf, or bring in other inspiring projects as you swap stories with other knitters under the Museum's B-17.

Area knitting shops will display their crafts and local students will distribute scarves to any veterans who visit the Museum. Talk with local Veterans Affairs representatives and even take an opportunity to write your own thank-you note to a veteran that will be included in future scarf shipments.

Learn more about the Museum's Knit Your Bit Campaign. For details, call 504-528-1944 x 463.


Lunchbox Lecture

John McGuckin presents The Fleet Boat Submarine


Wednesday, September 21
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
H. Mortimer Favrot Orientation Center

After World War I, US Navy submarine development was influenced by a study of captured German U-boats. During the interwar years, the United States built S-boats and V-boats. These vessels, while unsatisfactory in performance, led the way to the first "fleet" submarine prototype, the USS Dolphin SS-169. From 1932 through 1939, the US Navy built the P- and S-class submarines, which further defined the parameters for the first true fleet submarine, the USS Gato SS-212, laid down in 1940.


The presentation will cover shipyards, propulsion, armament, electronics, and the habitability of the Gato class and the later Balao and Tench classes, as well as some wartime boat histories.

Lunchbox Lectures are free and open to the public on every first and third Wednesday of the month. For more information call 504-528-1944 x 463.


Special Presentation, Book Reissue, and Premiere of Museum-produced mini-documentary

American Hero: The True Story of Tommy Hitchcock—Sports Star, War Hero, and Champion of the War-Winning P-51 Mustang


Thursday, September 22
5:00 p.m. Reception  |  6:00 p.m. Panel Discussion and Documentary Premiere
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center

Do you enjoy the inspiring story of the Tuskegee Airmen and their exploits flying the legendary P-51 "Red Tail" Mustang? Be sure to join us for a special presentation about the man whose innovation made the P-51 the long-range fighter that ruled the skies of Europe.


This is the true story of Tommy Hitchcock, a war hero, businessman, husband of a Mellon, and the world's greatest polo player. Subject of the newly reissued biography American Hero: The True Story of Tommy Hitchcock—Sports Star, War Hero, and Champion of the War-Winning P-51 Mustang, Hitchcock was also the idol of author F. Scott Fitzgerald, who fashioned two of his most famous fictional characters in Hitchcock's image. The presentation, which includes the premiere of a Museum-made short documentary about Hitchcock, will be staged beneath our newly restored P-51 Mustang.

Join us to learn more about the man who served as the inspiration for The Great Gatsby's Tom Buchanan. The event will include a reception and panel discussion among Hitchcock family members and distinguished historians, including best-selling author Lynne Olson, who spotlighted Hitchcock in her book Citizens of London.

This program is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Ensure your spot by RSVPing online or by phone at 504-528-1944 x 412.

Can't make it to the Museum? Watch the event live.


Dinner with a Curator

Kenneth Hoffman presents Dr. Seuss and World War II


Tuesday, September 20
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Before Theodor Seuss Geisel became one of the best-selling children's book authors of all time, he drew trenchant political cartoons supporting the Allies during World War II. Think Yertle was the first time he stacked up turtles? Think again! Join Director of Education Kenneth Hoffman as he explores this lighter side of the war for hearts and minds on the Home Front. And, yes, the menu will be Seussian (and delicious).


Purchase tickets.



 
 
  EDUCATION
 
 


Teacher Appreciation Happy Hour

Tuesday, September 13
4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Campaigns of Courage: European and Pacific Theaters


Join us for our next Teacher Appreciation Happy Hour in the Campaigns of Courage pavilion. We'll be providing free refreshments as well as access to our signature exhibits, the Richard C. Adkerson and Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries and The Duchossois Family Road to Berlin: European Theater Galleries. Don't miss this opportunity to mingle with your fellow educators while learning about the latest Museum programs for teachers and students!

Refreshments are on us and the event is free, but advanced registration is strongly recommended. Please call 504-528-1944 x 264 or register online.

 
  ENTERTAINMENT
 
 


The Vic-TonesThe Vic-Tones

Debuting Wednesday, September 14
11:45 a.m. Buffet seating
BB's Stage Door Canteen

The Vic-Tones, a dynamic male vocal trio with their own distinctive sound, are the newest addition to The National WWII Museum's entertainment roster! These talented singers celebrate the music of the 1940s. Swing, big band, jazz, Latin, and country music dominated and defined this decade, and the Vic-Tones bring it all to life in BB's Stage Door Canteen. You'll swoon and swing to the harmonic vocal stylings of ageless classics like Chattanooga Choo Choo, Pistol Packin' Mama, The Way You Look Tonight, Somewhere over the Rainbow, and I'll be Seeing You, among many others.


Purchase tickets at stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943.


'Thanks for the Memories: Bob Hope and His All-Star Pacific Tour'Thanks for the Memories: Bob Hope and His All-Star Pacific Tour

Returning Friday, September 16
BB's Stage Door Canteen

Back by popular demand is this tribute to the incredible shows and stars Bob Hope took to war-zone islands during World War II. A cast of 13 re-creates Judy Garland, The Andrews Sisters, Deanna Durbin, Carmen Miranda, Frances Langford, and Bob himself, along with our Victory Swing band. Just imagine how thrilled our troops were when these stars performed such favorites as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, In the Mood, I'll Be Seeing You, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and, of course, Thanks for the Memories.


Purchase tickets at stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943.

 
 
  CONFERENCE
 
 


2016 International Conference on WWII

1946: Year Zero—Triumph and Tragedy
November 17–19


With WWII double agents, spies, and special operations as its theme and renowned historians such as Sir Max Hastings and best-selling author Alex Kershaw at the helm, it's no wonder our upcoming Espionage Symposium sold out in record time! But there's good news: Additional capacity has been added to meet the unprecedented demand, and additional seats are available now. (But act fast—the shadowy topic of spycraft is drawing a crowd!)

The Symposium is offered exclusively to attendees of the 2016 International Conference on World War II, the world's leading gathering of WWII historians, educators, authors, and enthusiasts since its inception in 2006, back in New Orleans for its seventh annual gathering this November.

Learn more about this year's conference, titled 1946: Year Zero—Triumph and Tragedy.

Book your tickets before it's too late!

 
 
  TRAVEL
 
 


75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Symposium and Tour

December 1–8, 2016


Exactly 75 years after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, The National WWII Museum returns to the sites that defined "a date which will live in infamy." Highlights include an exclusive four-part symposium discussing the events leading up to that fateful day, followed by access to important historic sites, a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, a ceremony commemorating the 75th anniversary of the attacks, and a private, catered dinner on the deck of the USS Missouri. Throughout the trip, lectures by esteemed historians from The National WWII Museum, Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU), and other local authorities on Hawaiian and Asia-Pacific history give depth to site visits, and authentic Polynesian experiences offer rich cultural context in an exquisite oceanfront setting.

Buy your tickets today!

 
 
 
  NOTICE
 
 



Andrew Higgins Drive is temporarily closed to vehicles and pedestrians between Camp Street and Magazine Street for the construction of a new Founders Plaza at The National WWII Museum. The Museum's main entrance for the duration of construction is at 945 Magazine Street.

The Museum's new paid parking garage is open! The garage entrance is on Magazine Street between Andrew Higgins Drive and Poeyfarre Street, directly across from The American Sector Restaurant + Bar.

 
 
  RETAIL
 
 
  'Tom Lea, Life Magazine, and World War II'   'Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill'  
 

Tom Lea, LIFE Magazine, and World War II
$49.95

 

Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill
$30.00

 
  Add to Cart
  Add to Cart
 
  SPECIAL OFFER: Use promo code DISPATCH15 to receive 15% off your entire purchase!
 
  'American Hero'
  Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary Zippo
  75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor T-Shirt
  75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Cap
 
 

American Hero
$29.95

 

Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary Zippo
$23.95

 

75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor T-Shirt
$25.00

 

75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Cap
$24.99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  The National WWII Museum
 

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PHONE: 504-528-1944 | FAX: 504-527-6088
EMAIL: info@nationalww2museum.org

 



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