Red Ball Express Celebrates Louisiana Bicentennial

The National WWII Museum’s Red Ball Express brought a special set of hands-on activities to the Louisiana Bicentennial Family Homecoming Celebration in Baton Rouge. The Louisiana Bicentennial Celebration brought together representatives from all 5 regions of the state: Greater New Orleans, Sportsman’s Paradise in North Louisiana, Cajun Country in Southern Louisiana, Crossroads in Central Louisiana, and Plantation Country along the Mississippi River. Louisiana’s diverse food, music, and culture were on display throughout the State Capitol Grounds with each region showcasing its specialty.

Stationed in the shadow of the Louisiana Capitol, the Red Ball Express brought WWII artifacts, photo booths, and coloring sheets to provide exploratory learning for all those who came to celebrate 200 years of Louisiana statehood. Students from across Louisiana were able to explore artifacts such as a 70-year-old can of emergency drinking water, a WWII Navy life belt, and a Civil Defense helmet. The photo booths were a hit with people of all ages as festival-goers dressed up as either a Tuskegee Airman or Rosie the Riveter and starred in their own propaganda posters. 

With the school year winding down, The National WWII Museum is proud to announce that its Red Ball Express mobile outreach program is gearing up for another busy summer season, delivering hands-on, educational fun for all ages to day camps, scout troops, libraries and community centers across the greater New Orleans region all summer long.  Book a visit from the Red Ball Express today by calling 504-528-1944, ext. 304 or emailing collin.makamson@nationalww2museum.org.