#USA #Pearl Harbor #WWII Heritage #Aviation Museum #Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Launches National Campaign

On December 7, 2025, marking 84 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum initiated an ambitious fundraising campaign titled "Remember Pearl Harbor" with a goal of raising $51 million. This campaign is aimed at restoring the historical site of America's WWII aviation battlefield and preserving its rich aviation heritage while paying tribute to the valiant heroes of Pearl Harbor.

Gen. Raymond E. Johns (USAF ret.), Board Chair of the Museum, stated, “Here on Ford Island, in the heart of Pearl Harbor, the Museum is the guardian of the history of America's World War II aviation battlefield.” The initiative seeks not only to refurbish the existing facilities but also to create a compelling educational narrative around the historical events that transpired on that tragic day.

The campaign's vision is encapsulated in the words of Museum CEO John Hiltz, who emphasized that, “In this iconic place, history is felt through the stories of the aircraft, artifacts, and courageous people who defended freedom…” Hiltz highlighted the need for these historical narratives to inspire future generations with lessons of bravery, sacrifice, and hope.

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum serves as the custodian of this legacy, offering visitors a chance to explore authentic artifacts, video accounts, and firsthand narratives from those directly impacted by the attack. The museum’s facilities include galleries, hangars, a historical archive, and more, all designed to evoke the emotional weight of history. General Richard Myers (USAF Ret.) and Mary Jo Myers, co-chairs of the campaign, articulated the significance of experiencing the attack's original structures, stating, “These are not replicas. They are the authentic witnesses to the attack that drew our nation into World War II.”

The "Remember Pearl Harbor" campaign will notably transform Hangar 79, a historical structure from 1941 which has preserved its original purpose as a maintenance and engine repair facility for naval aircraft throughout the war. This restoration is set to include various exhibitions that articulate the broader societal impacts following the Pearl Harbor attack. One of the key exhibits, "America Responds," focuses on how Americans, including entertainers like Bob Hope, rallied to support the war effort—a vital aspect of maintaining morale at home.

In addition to celebrating the patriotism reflected during WWII, exhibits will spotlight trailblazing women in aviation through the WAC, WAVES, and WASP programs, allowing visitors to recognize their profound contributions to the war effort. Moreover, the campaign will also highlight National Mobilization's impact on the home front, from the Arsenal of Democracy to efforts in civil defense and community engagement during wartime.

Among the stories that will be showcased, the legendary B-17E Flying Fortress known as "Swamp Ghost" and the North American B-25 Mitchell will draw attention to significant aircraft and their roles in pivotal missions during the Pacific air war.

Each exhibition promises not only to commemorate the past but to inspire and educate, ensuring that the sacrifices made by previous generations resonate with visitors long into the future. The significance of this campaign cannot be overstated; it marks a turning point in the museum's mission to engage visitors with authentic, impactful storytelling.

As the fundraising efforts progress, additional phases of the campaign will focus on more comprehensive renovations to enhance visitor experience, archival protections, aircraft restorations, and ultimately a drive to establish a museum capable of thriving for years to come.

Hiltz eloquently remarked on this vision, asserting, “It is our responsibility to pass the baton to future trailblazers—those who will shape our future as keepers of the flame.” The "Remember Pearl Harbor" national campaign thus stands not just as a fundraising initiative, but as a lasting legacy endeavor to remember and honor those heroes who sacrificed so much on that fateful day.