Learning Resource Library

Speaker Round Table Discussion | Nimitz Conference 2026

After a full conference day, all five guest speakers came together and shared additional comments and asked each other questions about personal and professional connections to the subject of pop culture, propaganda, and politics. From psychology to movies, the speakers at this year's conference brought compelling views on the use of propaganda, before, during and after the Pacific War. Watch this engaging conversation and great inciteful questions from the audience.

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition | Janet Davis

This talk explores the critical role that popular culture played in building U.S. public morale in support of the war effort during World War II. It analyzes the historical context of Isolationism that preceded U.S. entry into World War II, and the ways in which the Office of War Information and the Office of Strategic Services collaborated with culture industry leaders in film, music, radio, and news media to build and sustain popular consensus in support of the nation’s successful global fight against the Axis Powers.

Honoring A Hero: Sergeant John Basilone | Guest Dave Holland

Historian and Author Dave Holland will highlight Medal of Honor Marine Sergeant John Basilone’s heroic role in the the Guadalcanal campaign and the fighting around Henderson Field. This webcast features a formal presentation to the museum of three military relics found in Guadalcanal connected to Sergeant Basilone. Museum Collections and Exhibits Director, Nicole Bagley takes possession of these artifacts and will add them to the museum collection.

Fireside Chat with Henry Sledge | Annual Nimitz Conference

Henry Sledge joins General Mike Hagee, USMC (Ret.) to reflect on how With the Old Breed continues to shape our understanding of the Pacific War. He will also discuss his new book, The Old Breed…The Complete Story Revealed, which draws on newly uncovered material from his father’s original manuscript and interweaves his own memories to add depth and context. The result is an intimate portrait of Eugene Sledge’s service, his struggles to return to civilian life, and the enduring impact of his story on future generations.

Stories of Admiral Nimitz | Jon Parshall and John McManus

This is a webcast with renowned historians Jon Parshall and John C. McManus sharing their favorite stories about Admiral Nimitz. Members of the National Museum of the Pacific War were able to join the live chat and ask questions in real time, making this a truly interactive experience with the guest authors.

Their Greatest Season: The Greatest Generation's Greatest College Basketball Season

This webcast explores West Point’s undefeated 1944 basketball season and the wartime paths of the graduating seniors who entered combat just 100 days after their final game against rival Navy.

Hollywood at War: WWII Propaganda | Rob Buscher

In his presentation at the annual Admiral Nimitz Conference Rob Buscher explores anti-Japanese propaganda in entertainment-based Hollywood films (fictional scripted narratives), cartoons, and documentary news reels – and how they failed to distinguish between the Japanese Imperial Army, and persons of Japanese ancestry living in the United States.

National Guard in the Pacific War: The 40th Infantry Division | Robert Kim

Often overlooked in histories of the Pacific War, the National Guard provided much of the U.S. ground forces in the theater from 1942 to 1945. In his presentation, author Robert Kim highlights the 40th Infantry Division, composed of units from California, Utah, Nevada, and New York, and examines its role in major island-hopping campaigns, including the liberation of the Philippines. By the summer of 1945, the division was among the most experienced fighting forces in the Pacific.

Fear Appeals as Propaganda | Ambyre Ponivas

At the Annual Nimitz Conference Dr. Ambyre Ponivas gives an overview of the science of fear appeals, when and how they are used, potential consequences, and highlights specific instances of fear appeal propaganda utilized during World War II.

Shoichi Yokoi : No Surrender Soldier | Christine Kohler