• The National WWII Museum
dividing bar

Special Exhibit: Souls of Valor
Entrance of BB's Stage Door Canteen

Special Exhibit: Souls of Valor
February 1 – March 3, 2023
Location: Entrance of BB’s Stage Door Canteen

In recognition of Black History Month, The National WWII Museum is proud to display Souls of Valor special exhibit by photographer and historian Jim Thorns Jr. This exhibit will be on display from February 1 to March 3 and will coincide with the showings of the stage play Fly, directed by Tommye Myrick, which will take place in BB’s Stage Door Canteen.

On February 3, 2001, Thorns captured powerful and poignant images of a ticker tape parade that departed New Orleans’ Ernest Morial Convention Center and concluded at historic Congo Square. The parade was part of a three-day tribute to the African American heroes of World War II organized by The National WWII Museum (then known as The National D-Day Museum), the Southern University at New Orleans, the Amistad Research Center, and the Eisenhower Center for American Studies.

During the celebration, Thorns photographed the proud participants as well as the throngs of onlookers, highlighting African American soldiers, aviators, sailors, and Home Front workers who fought bravely and sacrificed greatly to preserve the American way of life.

The National WWII Museum is honored to display a selection of the images created by Thorns, as well as service era photography and a special video presentation highlighting some of the Louisiana area men who joined the Army Air Forces and served overseas with the famous Tuskegee Airmen.

Start Date:
End Date:  


Register