The Battleship Missouri Memorial Launches Back to School Campaign Highlighting Place-Based Educational Programs

Engage, Explore, and Experience History Aboard the Mighty Mo

Pearl Harbor, HI – September 3, 2024 – As the new school year begins, the Battleship Missouri Memorial is proud to invite educators and students to experience history in a way unlike any other. The "Mighty Mo" serves as a unique floating classroom, offering a variety of educational programs designed to engage and inspire learners of all ages. Located in the heart of Pearl Harbor, the Battleship Missouri Memorial is not just a piece of history—it's a gateway to hands-on learning that brings history to life.

This year, the Battleship Missouri Memorial is excited to introduce a new program, the Guided Tour PLUS Exhibit Experience. This program features the historic ship’s latest exhibit, "Life After Infamy: The Resilience of the Aloha Spirit in Wartime Hawaii," which delves into the history of World War II on the islands and honors the remarkable story of Dorinda Nicholson, who witnessed the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. Students participating in this program will have the opportunity to walk the historic decks, explore the exhibit, and develop an understanding of Hawai’i during wartime. Additionally, participating schools and students will be entered into a raffle to win educational items related to the experience, including the Nanea™ doll and accompanying teacher’s packet from the American Girl® doll series, that was inspired by Nicholson's story and prominently featured in the exhibit.

"Education is at the core of our mission," said Michael Carr, president & CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association. "We are committed to providing students with an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. The programs we offer allow students to explore history in a dynamic and engaging environment, fostering a deeper understanding of our nation’s past."

Another standout program this year is Journey with the Stars, an interactive learning experience that parallels the lessons of the Hōkūleʻa with navigation on the open waters. This program offers fourth-grade students an immersive exploration of celestial navigation, Hawaiian voyaging traditions, and modern-day aquatic technology.

In addition to these new offerings, the Battleship Missouri Memorial continues to provide a range of educational programs, including:

• History Tours: Students can explore the battleship through self-guided or guided tours, learning about the Mighty Mo’s role in World War II, the Korean War, and Operation Desert Storm. The guided tours provide an in-depth look at life aboard the ship and include a visit to the historic Surrender Deck, the site of Japan's official surrender marking the end of World War II.

• Education Outreach and Video Teleconference Programs: For schools unable to visit in person, the Battleship Missouri Memorial offers a free 30-minute traveling historic presentation and virtual tours, bringing the ship’s history to classrooms across the globe.

• Overnight Encampment: Our most popular program, this unique overnight experience allows students to live like Sailors, participate in tours, activities, and even sleep in the ship's bunks. The program includes a historical overview and a powerful presentation on the Surrender Deck.

• Music Exhibition Program: School bands, choirs, and dance groups are welcome to perform aboard the Battleship Missouri, paying tribute to veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

• Third Grade In-School S.T.E.M. Activity: Third-grade students participate in a NO-COST in-school S.T.E.M. activity, building and testing paper helicopters, analyzing data, and creating histograms, while learning about life aboard the Battleship Missouri.

• Mighty Mo Robotics: Fourth to sixth-grade students participate in a S.T.E.M.-focused program aboard the USS Missouri, where they design and program robots using LEGO® Mindstorms EV3 to tackle Naval-inspired missions, combining engineering skills with hands-on learning in a unique shipboard experience.

• And more!

For more information and how to schedule a visit, check out our "Mighty Mo Campus" brochure and education website.

To download images, click here. Please credit photos to the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 10-million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.

The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations.

Safety is our top priority. The Battleship Missouri Memorial is taking additional steps to assure guests will have a safe and healthy experience touring the Mighty Mo. We respectfully ask all visitors to abide by state of Hawaii safety guidelines while on site.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Military, kama‘āina (local resident) and school group pricing is available. For information or reservations, call (808) 455-1600 or visit USSMissouri.org.

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