World War II Museum hosts Bob Hope exhibit
The National World War II Museum in New Orleans

World War II Museum hosts Bob Hope exhibit

On Aug. 3, a traveling exhibit featuring entertainer Bob Hope will open at The National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

Hope was known for entertaining U.S. troops around the world during World War II, often walking on stage at a USO show with a golf club. The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum is helping to rekindle those memories with the traveling exhibit, Bob Hope: An American Treasure.

The exhibit highlights several aspects of Hope’s life, including his extraordinary relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces. The exhibition will be on display in the Joe W. and D.D. Brown Special Exhibit Gallery inside the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion through Oct. 31.

"I know my dad would be proud to have his exhibit available to visitors at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, one of his favorite cities," said Linda Hope. "The men and women who served during that war had a special place in his heart. Their spirit and love of our country never ceased to inspire him. We hope that the visitors to the museum and those who see this exhibition will enjoy it and hopefully it will trigger some special memories."

Bob Hope: An American Treasure features more than 160 artifacts, including Hope’s Congressional Gold Medal, honorary Oscar statuette, Honorary Veterans citation and PGA of America money clip. More than 200 vintage photos and seven video displays tell the story of Hope’s early years as a member of an immigrant family in the early 20th century, his rise as a star of stage, screen and radio, his devotion to U.S. military personnel, his relationships with U.S. presidents and his love of golf.

"When touring the Middle East with the USO, we, the performers, would often say ‘now I know how Bob Hope felt,’" said Victoria Reed, director of entertainment for The Stage Door Canteen at The National WWII Museum. "He was the pioneer for carrying out this amazing tradition, the king of the morale boosters."

Access to the exhibit is included with standard museum admission. For more information, including photos, about Bob Hope: An American Treasure, click here.