Full speed ahead! National WWII Museum unveils Restoration Pavilion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Kacey M. Hill
Communications Director
504-528-1944 x 357
504-858-7092 (mobile)

                            Full speed ahead! National WWII Museum unveils Restoration Pavilion
                            Visitors to watch curators refurbish historic PT-boat, tanks and other artifacts

WHAT:
The National WWII Museum hits another milestone in its ongoing $300 million expansion project with the June 4 opening of the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion. Visitors will be able to see first hand the techniques that conservators use to repair and restore boats, vehicles, weapons, military equipment and other artifacts which played an important role in winning World War II for the Allies.

The $3.2 million project is partially funded by an award from the United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration.

WHO:
Herschel Abbott, Board Chairman, The National WWII Museum
Councilmember Jackie Clarkson, New Orleans City Council
Pedro Garza, Regional Director, Southwestern Regional EDA Office
Mayor Mitch Landrieu, City of New Orleans (Invited)
Barbara Kushner, widow of John E. Kushner
Dr. Gordon “Nick” Mueller, President & CEO, The National WWII Museum
Phil Satre, Past Board Chairman, The National WWII Museum

Also on hand – The Victory Belles, The National WWII Museum’s Andrews Sisters-style trio, will sing the National Anthem. Chevron Perfect Attendance Students and volunteers from the PT-305 Restoration Project will be special guests.

WHEN:
Saturday, June 4, 2011
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Large WWII artifacts on display
10:00 am – 10:30 am Grand Opening Ceremony
11:00 am – 4:00 pm Free kids activities
11:00 am – 4:30 pm Tours of the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion
Visitors will need to reserve a free, timed ticket in advance at the main ticket desk in the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion or the Museum Store at Magazine and Andrew Higgins.
11:00 am – 5:00 pm Debut of exclusive PT-305 merchandise from the Museum Store.

Museum exhibits will be open for the regular hours of 9:00 am ––5:00 pm. Showings of the 4-D experience, Beyond All Boundaries, are hourly from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Grand Opening public activities are generously sponsored by Chevron.

For more information on activities, the public can call 504-528-1944 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org.

WHERE:
The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA