PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum today announced a major milestone in its Remember Pearl Harbor National Campaign—the groundbreaking to transform its 80,000-square-foot Hangar 79. This battle-scarred World War II aircraft hangar on Ford Island still bears visible evidence of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

“This groundbreaking represents much more than the beginning of construction,” said John Hiltz, President and CEO of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. “It represents the confidence thousands of supporters have placed in our mission to preserve this sacred historic site.  It is a national imperative that the stories born here and the lessons of December 7, 1941 continue to inspire future generations. Every gift brings us closer to protecting Americas WWII aviation battlefield and creating experiences that help visitors understand not only what happened at Pearl Harbor, but why those events continue to matter today.”

Hangar 79 will feature immersive exhibits highlighting stories of service, sacrifice, and resilience from the Pacific air war to the home front.  Its Si Robin Aviation Gallery will showcase some of America’s most treasured aircraft while exploring the remarkable history of military aviation and the people whose service shaped America’s airpower legacy. The America Responds Galleries will examine the unprecedented national mobilization that followed the attack on Pearl Harbor, highlighting the industrial achievement, technological innovation, military service, and civilian commitment that helped define what became known as the Greatest Generation. The amazing service of Bob Hope and the many celebrities who joined him, not only in bringing “hope” to the tens of thousands stationed at the front lines, but also to their families at home will be showcased in a special “Hope for Humanity” gallery. 

These new galleries will become central components of the Museum’s continuing transformation into one of the world’s premier destinations for aviation history, leadership education, and the preservation of the Pacific War story. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is the only museum housed in authentic structures that withstood the 1941 attack. 

The Museum’s transformation is being designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates, one of the world’s largest and most renowned museum exhibition design firms. Locally, PHAM has contracted MASON Architects, Hawaii’s foremost firm combining architecture, historic consulting, and sustainability, and Nan, Inc., the state’s largest locally owned and operated general contractor.

Launched in December 2025, the $51 million Remember Pearl Harbor National Campaign to restore America’s World War II Aviation Battlefield is the most ambitious preservation and education initiative in the Museum’s 20-year history. With more than $22 million raised to date, the campaign continues to build momentum as supporters across the United States invest in the future of one of America’s most significant historic and educational sites.

The Remember Pearl Harbor National Campaign supports a broad range of initiatives beyond the new galleries planned for Hangar 79.  The campus wide plan includes preservation and restoration of historic Hangar 37, the iconic Ford Island Control Tower, and battlefield grounds, featuring expanded educational programming, innovative exhibitions, enhanced collections care, and new immersive experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages.

Museum leaders noted that surpassing the $22 million mark demonstrates growing national support for preserving the birthplace of America’s entry into World War II. Campaign contributions have come from veterans, military families, corporations, foundations, civic organizations, and individual donors who share the Museum’s commitment to honoring our veterans and all men and women who serve, ensuring that the lessons of Pearl Harbor remain relevant for future generations.

As construction progresses, fundraising efforts will continue nationwide to secure the remaining support needed to complete the campaign’s $51 million objective. Museum officials expect additional announcements regarding new exhibitions, restoration projects, and campaign milestones in the coming months.

“Our responsibility extends far beyond preserving historic aircraft and buildings,” Hiltz said. “We are preserving the stories, values, and sacrifices that shaped our nation. This campaign helps ensure that future generations will continue to learn from one of the defining moments in American history.”

For more information about the Remember Pearl Harbor National Campaign, or to support the Museum’s mission, visit the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum website at pearlharboraviationmuseum.org.

About Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum:

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is more than a museum—it’s a place where history, innovation, and inspiration come together. Located on Historic Ford Island, the site of the December 7, 1941 attack, the Museum stands on America’s World War II aviation battlefield. Visitors can walk through bullet-scarred hangars, see legendary aircraft like the Japanese Zero and B-17 Swamp Ghost, and hear the powerful stories of the heroes who changed the course of history. Beyond preserving the past, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is committed to shaping the future. Through youth programs, scholarships, and workforce development initiatives, the Museum educates and empowers the next generation. From signature events like PHAMily Fun Day to hands-on STEM experiences, flight simulators and more, the Museum connects people of all ages with the wonder of flight and the importance of history. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Museum relies on donations, volunteers, and members to fulfill its mission: to steward America’s WWII aviation battlefield and inspire future generations through education and remembrance. Join us, support our work, or plan your visit at PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org

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SOURCE Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum