Submitted by: Haley Hull, Marketing Director
National Museum of the Pacific War
Fredericksburg, TX – The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW) invites the public to two powerful upcoming events that highlight both the end of World War II and the machines and men who helped make victory possible. From a hands-on educational Outpost to a poignant evening of remembrance on the 80th anniversary of V-J Day, the museum continues its mission to connect visitors of all ages with the stories of the Pacific Theater.
Outpost: War Machine
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Location: Pacific Combat Zone, Austin Street
Admission: Free and open to the public
During the Pacific campaign, tanks played a vital role in breaching fortified Japanese positions and supporting ground troops. At this free, drop-in event, visitors will have the rare opportunity to explore the M3 Stuart light tank up close and learn about the tank crews who operated under some of the most extreme conditions of the war. This program takes place within the Pacific Combat Zone and offers a compelling look at how teamwork and technology came together on the battlefield.
No ticket is required—entry fee can be paid on-site at the PCZ.
V-J Day Commemoration: 80 Years Later
Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Time: 5:15 PM–6:45 PM
Location: National Museum of the Pacific War (311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624)
Admission: Free | RSVP Required
Reserve your spot here
Eighty years ago, on September 2, 1945, Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri, bringing World War II to a close. This year, NMPW will mark the milestone with an evening of remembrance, insight, and community.
The program begins at 5:15 PM with a cocktail hour and tribute space. At 6:00 PM, renowned WWII historian Jon Parshall will deliver a keynote address reflecting on the significance of V-J Day and its enduring global legacy. A brief Q&A will follow his remarks.
About the Admiral Nimitz Foundation
The Admiral Nimitz Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) Texas Corporation to provide additional development funding for the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Naval Museum, a museum honoring Fredericksburg’s native son and Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces, Pacific Ocean Area. The sole purpose of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation is to raise funds for the National Museum of the Pacific War and to manage its operation.
About the National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), founded in 1967, is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. The Museum annually welcomes more than 120,000 visitors, including at least 15,000 students from across the state. The museum sits on six acres in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas featuring three galleries with more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space, 40 media installations, approximately 900 artifacts, 15 macro-artifacts, and hundreds of photographs. The Museum is a Texas Historical Commission Property, managed and supported by The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org. Follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Smithsonian Affiliations
Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums, educational, and cultural organizations to share Smithsonian collections, build collaborative networks, and engage learners of all ages with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at www.affiliations.si.edu.