PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (KHON2) -- The Battleship Missouri Memorial is inviting educators, students and the public to experience history in a new, unique way.
WakeUp2Day's Chris Latronic went live from Pearl Harbor to learn more about their new educational experiences aboard the Mighty Mo's "floating classroom."
The Guided Tour PLUS Exhibit Experience 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 can walk the historic decks, explore the exhibit and develop an understanding of Hawai’i during wartime.
Participating schools and students will also 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, inspired by Nicholson's story and prominently featured in the exhibit.
"Education is at the core of our mission," said Michael Carr, president and 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.
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
This is the most popular program. It features a unique overnight experience that 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.
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The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Military, kama‘āina and school group pricing is available. For information or reservations, call (808) 455-1600 or visit the USS Missouri website.