The National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that future generations will know the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, the institution celebrates the American spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front. Since opening, the Museum has become one of America’s leading cultural institutions—welcoming over 8 million visitors, ranking as the #1 attraction in New Orleans by TripAdvisor, providing resources and training for hundreds of thousands of students and teachers, and reaching millions through its online historical content exploring one of he most catastrophic and transforming events of the 20th century.

PRESENTING SPONSOR
Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation

Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation was established to provide for and to assure the continuation of the humanitarian and philanthropic values of the founders, Bob and Dolores Hope, by supporting organizations that bring HOPE to those in need, and those who served to protect our nation. The Foundation also honors and preserves the “Spirit of Bob Hope” and his legacy as an entertainer, comedian, patriot, humanitarian, philanthropist, golfer, and supporter of US military service members. In addition to its generous support as Presenting Sponsor of Expressions of America, Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation advances the Museum’s educational mission and preserves the legacy of Bob Hope through its support of numerous Museum programs, including BB’s Stage Door Canteen, Tickets for Troops, Bob & Dolores Hope Summer Theater Camp, Bob Hope Dog Tag Experience, So Ready for Laughter: The Legacy of Bob Hope traveling exhibit, and more.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT for Expressions of America
Provided by U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration

NARRATOR
Gary Sinise

Gary Sinise’s stage, film, and television career has spanned more than four decades. In 1974, at 18 years old, he co-founded Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and 20 years later, his memorable performance as Lt. Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump earned him Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Academy Awards nominations. Film and TV credits include Apollo 13, The Green Mile, Truman, George Wallace, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, and CSI: NY among others. For nearly 40 years, Sinise has also stood as an advocate on behalf of America’s servicemembers, forming the Lt. Dan Band in 2003 to entertain troops serving at home and abroad and establishing the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011 to serve and honor America’s defenders, veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, and those in need. Sinise has made it possible for more than 850 WWII veterans to tour The National WWII Museum through his Foundation's Soaring Valor initiative and has funded an oral historian position at the Museum to preserve the stories of these veterans and share them with future generations.

MUSICAL SCORE
With Music Featuring Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Preservation Hall presents intimate, acoustic concerts featuring bands made up from a current collective of 60 masters of traditional New Orleans Jazz. These musicians have learned the traditional style from the greats who played before them and are now working to pass it on themselves. Preservation Hall Jazz Band has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 50 years, all the while carrying it enthusiastically forward as a reminder that the history they were founded to preserve is a vibrantly living history. The band has shared festival stages from Coachella to Newport with legends like Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, and the Grateful Dead and modern giants like My Morning Jacket, Arcade Fire, and the Black Keys.

CONCEPT DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Mousetrappe

Mousetrappe is an award-winning media design and production studio that creates and develops inspired ideas into unforgettable cinematic experiences. The studio’s work is featured in shows, spectaculars, immersive films, exhibits, attractions, and live events for the most treasured museums, events, theme parks, and IPs in the world. Led by a team of multi award-winning creative and technological talent, Mousetrappe’s spectacular experiences magically entertain millions of visitors annually. Mousetrappe previously collaborated with The Hettema Group on media production of the Museum’s Beyond All Boundaries 4D experience and is assisting in the development of another cinematic experience for the Museum’s capstone exhibit hall, Liberation Pavilion, scheduled to open in 2023.

TECHNICAL DESIGNER
Solomon Group

Solomon Group is the experiential production company behind some of the biggest media-driven experiences, cultural events, and broadcasts of our time. Their passionate team of artisans, technologists, and fabricators thrive on the complexity of delivering what’s next. They leverage their range and talent to produce experiences that matter. From the biggest ephemeral live moments to sustainable timeless exhibitions – they turn artistic visions into cultural realities. For over a dozen years, Solomon Group has been a proud partner of The National WWII Museum on several of their immersive exhibits, entertainment spaces, and events.