Living History Day 2026: Back To The Mighty Mo!
Celebrating 40 Years Since the Mighty Mo’s Return to Service
Living History Day commemorates two milestone moments in the USS Missouri's story — January 29, 1944, when the USS Missouri launched into service, and January 29, 1999, when she opened to the public as the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor.
Each year, we honor these historic dates by bringing history to life aboard the ship, connecting past and present through stories of service, innovation, and the people who shaped our nation’s history.
This year, we’re adding another milestone to celebrate: the 40th anniversary of the USS Missouri’s 1986 Re-Commissioning.
We’re going back to the late 1980s - when big hair, classic rock, and the Mighty Mo made her comeback! Join us for Living History Day 2026 as we mark her return to active duty during one of the most dynamic eras in Navy history.
Explore history through interactive exhibits, special displays, and hands-on activities. Local historic sites, military commands, and community organizations will join us on the pier and aboard the ship to showcase how they preserve the past and honor service across generations.
And that’s not all - we’ll be introducing a familiar face from Missouri’s modern history: Chuck the Iguana! Chuck first came aboard in 1987 and lived alongside the active-duty crew of the USS Missouri. His story will make its debut during Living History Day with fun activities and sneak peeks of what’s to come next year.
Bring the whole family for a day that’s part history, part throwback, and all Mighty Mo!
SAVE THE DATE
Date: January 24, 2026
Event Time: 9:00am - 3:00am (HST)
Location: Battleship Missouri Memorial
Admission:
- All activities on the pier are free and open to everyone.
- Admission to tour the Battleship Missouri Memorial is free for Kamaʻāina, Military, and Mighty Mo Members.
- Regular admission rates apply for all other guests.
Complimentary round-trip shuttle service from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center will be available between 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Parking Information & No Bag Policy
Do you represent a historic site, military command, museum, or community organization on Oahu? Join us as an exhibitor and help bring history to life for visitors of all ages! For questions, please contact our Education Department at (808) 455-1600 ext. 240 or via e-mail at Edu@ussmissouri.org