The National WWII Museum

06/12/2026

The National WWII Museum mourns the loss of WWII USO performer and dear friend Margaret Kerry, who passed away yesterday at age 97.

A teenager during World War II, Kerry did her part on the Home Front as a USO dancer, performing at venues along the West Coast to entertain and lift the spirits of American servicemembers. After the war, while working as an actress in Hollywood, Kerry was cast as the live-action reference model for Tinker Bell in Disney’s 'Peter Pan' (1953), bringing to life one of animation’s most enduring characters and inspiring generations to “think happy thoughts.”

Kerry is featured in the Museum's Voices from the Front interactive exhibit, and we are proud to have her oral history in our Digital Collections. We are grateful for Ms. Kerry's stories and friendship, and our thoughts are with her family.

06/12/2026

Did you know The National WWII Museum has four retail stores? Located throughout campus, these spaces are made to help you bring history home! Stop in to one (or all four) the next time you visit.

06/11/2026

Celebrate Father’s Day at The National WWII Museum with a meaningful day of history and connection! Explore our newest special exhibits, join one of our guided tours, and have an unforgettable time at New Orleans’s top attraction. Plus, all dads who join us for Father's Day brunch at Café Normandie at The Higgins Hotel receive FREE Museum admission! https://www.nationalww2museum.org/events-programs/events/fathers-day-museum

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world - why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today.

06/11/2026

In August 1942, US Marines landed on Guadalcanal in a bold, improvised operation to seize the initiative in the Pacific. What began as a gamble would help turn the tide of the war. Discover the story of Guadalcanal: https://bit.ly/3g11OFm

06/10/2026

In conjunction with the American Spirit Awards, The National WWII Museum recognized 51 students from each state and the District of Columbia with the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award. These students, chosen for their representation of the American spirit in their community, visited the Museum and spent time with real-life Rosie the Riveters, hearing stories of their personal wartime experiences. Learn more about the award and 2026 recipients here: https://bit.ly/3QAAHUu

The Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum and Luncheon was presented by Kevin G. Clifford Family.

06/10/2026

On Saturday, June 6, we held a special screening of the new Focus Features film 'Pressure' starring award-winning actors Brendan Fraser and Andrew Scott. The film focuses on the tense 72 hours before D-Day as General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Fraser) and Captain James Stagg (Scott) face an impossible choice—launch the largest and most dangerous seaborne invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and thank you to Focus Features for helping to make this possible!

06/09/2026

Unlock more history with curated companion content for each new episode of 'World War II with Tom Hanks.' This week, learn about the US Marines on Guadalcanal tasked with stopping Japan's relentless advance across Southeast Asia. Then, see how Hitler’s hateful rhetoric led to anti-Jewish persecution and, ultimately, genocide. Visit The National WWII Museum’s website to dive deeper with expert insights, firsthand accounts, and educational resources. https://bit.ly/4fkwCC2

06/09/2026

This past Saturday marked 82 years since Allied forces launched Operation Overlord and stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. We were joined by Museum guests, WWII veterans, and Rosie the Riveters as we commemorated that historic day. Couldn't join us? Watch the full ceremony here: https://bit.ly/4xqqKhd

06/08/2026

As part of our American Spirit Awards celebration, the Museum welcomed the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra for a special musical tribute to 2026 honoree John Williams. Museum friends, guests, and fellow honorees Steve Gleason and Rosie the Riveters enjoyed selections from Williams's iconic body of work, including themes from 'Schindler's List,' 'Harry Potter,' and 'Star Wars.'

'Inspiring America: The Music of John Williams' was presented by The Sewell and Atkinson Families.

06/08/2026

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us last week for the 2026 American Spirit Awards Gala presented by Patrick F. Taylor Foundation! As The National WWII Museum’s highest honor, the American Spirit Award celebrates those who, through their life’s work, exemplify the values and spirit of the WWII generation and inspire others to do the same. This year, we were proud to recognize America’s women wartime workers known as Rosie the Riveters, legendary composer John Williams, and ALS advocate Steve Gleason.