If you have never experienced the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, or if it's been too long since you've been, this is perfect opportunity for you. The National WWII Museum has announced Louisiana residents can take advantage of half-price admission throughout the month of September.

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The National WWII Museum first opened as the D-Day Museum on June 6th, 2000, which was then the 56th Anniversary of America's and allied forces D-Day landing in France. New Orleans was selected as the location of the museum because the amphibious landing craft, known as Higgins boats, were designed and built in New Orleans by Higgins Industries, owned by Andrew Higgins.

nationalww2museum.org
nationalww2museum.org
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Higgins Industries had been known for designing and producing small shallow-draft boats designed to be operated in the shallow marsh areas common to Louisiana.  The adaptation of this design was perfect for the larger flat-bottomed craft, known as LCVP's (Landing Craft, Vehicles, Personnel) used during the allied invasion. The Higgins boats could carry large amounts of troops, or jeeps, tanks or other equipment, driven directly to the beach where the large front of the boat would drop directly down, allowing easy off-loading of troops or equipment.

matthew puffenbarger/TSM
matthew puffenbarger/TSM
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Over the years, the museum continued to grow and expand, adding new pavillions and buildings. The focus eventually shifted from not just D-Day, but the entire US involvement in WWII.  Expansion started with the opening a second gallery exploring the amphibious invasions of the Pacific War in the original building, known as the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion.  But over the years, expansion projects have included the Solomon Victory Theater, the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion, the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, and the Campaigns of Courage pavilion.

Discounted tickets are available through September 30th, and can be purchased on the museum's website: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/   You must present a valid Louisiana ID, and there is a 4 admission limit per ID.  The museum is located in downtown New Orleans in the warehouse district at 946 Magazine St.

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