Do you have questions about the Living History Program or its events?
You can contact the Living History Coordinator, Grant Hanson at ghanson@nimitzfoundation.org
Living History
The Living History Program of the National Museum of the Pacific War is dedicated to bringing the stories of the Pacific War to life. With the help of our dedicated volunteers and the use of real World War II artifacts, these programs create an unforgettable connection to history.
Through experiences like Pacific Valor, Road to Victory Battles, and Outposts, visitors engage with the stories of the Pacific War in a way that feels tangible.
Battle Reenactments
Pacific Valor
Pacific Valor reenactments immerse attendees in the stories of real-life Medal of Honor recipients during World War II. There immersive demonstrations will include restored WWII vehicles, simulated explosives, blank firing weapons for a one-of-a-kind experience brought to you by the living history volunteers of Company K.
Programs are offered at 11:00 and 2:00 at the Pacific Combat Zone with pre-shows occurring 30 minutes before each show.
This presentation is not recommended for small children, pets, or those with a heart condition due to the loud noises and war simulations.
Dates:
- March 14 Pacific Valor Honoring PFC George Benjamin Jr.
- November 14 Pacific Valor Honoring Chester Nez
Road to Victory
Road to Victory Battle programs aim to explore the big questions of Pacific campaigns, "Why were we there?, "What happened?,", and "Why does it matter today?". These programs offer an excellent opportunity to learn about the profound tactical decisions that directed the campaign while also granting the audience an chance feel the heat of battle!
Dates:
- April 25 Road to Victory: Leyte
- May 23 Road to Victory: Kwajalein
- September 5 Road to Victory: Peleliu
- October 3 Road to Victory: Saipan
The Outposts
On selected Saturdays from March to December, Outpost programs are held at the museum. Each FREE Outpost program offers an up-close-and-personal opportunity for visitors to interact with and even handle real artifacts from the Pacific War!
Please click on the event of your interest below for more details.
Our upcoming Outposts are:
- March 7 In the Navy (Nimitzplatz)
- March 28 News from the Front (Nimitzplatz)
- April 4 War Machines (Nimitzplatz)
- April 11 The Spoils of War: Trophies in the Pacific (Nimitzplatz)
- April 18 Artillery (Pacific Combat Zone)
- May 2 Science Goes to War: Technological Innovations in WWII (Nimitzplatz)
- May 9 Women at War (Nimitzplatz)
- May 16 Lions in the Jungle: The British Army as Chindits (Nimitzplatz)
- May 30 Skyjumpers: Paratroopers in the Pacific War (Nimitzplatz)
- June 6 Meanwhile in Europe (Nimitzplatz)
- June 13 Medical Miracles (Nimitzplatz)
- June 20 Marine Assault Squad (Pacific Combat Zone)
- June 27 Communications (Nimitzplatz)
- July 18 Pacific Vice - Law and Order in the Pacific (Nimitzplatz)
- August 8 On a Wing and a Prayer - Pilots in the Pacific (Nimitzplatz)
- August 22 Red Star, Red Sun: Soviet-Japanese Border Battles (Nimitzplatz)
- August 29 The Arsenal of Democracy: Industrial Labor on the Homefront (Nimitzplatz)
- September 12 & 13 First Person Corps: Edson's Ridge (Pacific Combat Zone)
- September 19 Hand to Hand Combat (Nimitzplatz)
- September 26 War Machines (Nimitzplatz)
- October 17 Skyjumpers: Paratroopers in the Pacific War (Nimitzplatz)
- October 24 Gear Up (Nimitzplatz)
- October 31 Heroes on the Homefront (Nimitzplatz)
- November 7 Uncle Sam Wants You! - Recruiting During WWII (Nimitzplatz)
- November 21 STRIKE! The 1945-46 Strike Wave (Nimitzplatz)
- December 12 Marine Assault Squad (Pacific Combat Zone)
Check out our Digital Outposts online HERE
Company K
The Living History Program wouldn't be possible without the support of the 100+ volunteers of Company K. Individuals participating in our programs come from all walks of life and contribute in varying ways! Volunteers can find themselves leading troops into battle, firing the flamethrower, issuing uniforms, preparing meals, maintaining weapons, or even conducting research for a show. The choice is yours!
Please consider joining Company K below! Fill out the form in the link below to become a volunteer today!
