National Museum of the Pacific War Announces Upcoming Programs Exploring Japan’s Decision for Peace and the Battle of Bougainville
Fredericksburg, TX – The National Museum of the Pacific War will present two powerful programs this September, offering visitors the chance to deepen their understanding of pivotal moments in World War II.
Enduring the Unendurable: Japan’s Decision for Peace, 1945
Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: ONLINE
Admission: Free | RSVP Required
Details: https://www.pacificwarmuseum.
Register: https://streamyard.com/watch/
In this ONLINE program, renowned WWII historian and author Jonathan Parshall will examine the torturous deliberations that led to Japan finally laying down arms in World War II. Despite overwhelming American military and scientific might in the final days of the conflict, Japan’s hardliners nearly succeeded in pushing the nation toward continued fighting, which would have cost millions more lives. Only the Emperor’s direct intervention, an American leaflet operation, and a measure of good fortune prevented an even greater catastrophe across Japan and Asia.
About the Speaker
Jonathan Parshall is an independent WWII scholar and co-author of Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway, considered the definitive account of that battle. He is also a co-author of Fighting in the Dark: Naval Combat at Night, 1904–1944 and the forthcoming 1942: Crux of War, to be published by Oxford University Press in 2026. Parshall lectures for the U.S. Naval War College and is a frequent speaker at leading military history institutions. He has been featured on the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, History Channel, Smithsonian, the BBC, and Netflix’s Road to Victory series.
Road to Victory: Bougainville
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Location: Pacific Combat Zone, National Museum of the Pacific War
Admission: Adults $10 | Students (6–17) $5 | College Students (with ID) $5 | WWII Veterans Free | Children 5 and under Free
Details: https://www.pacificwarmuseum.
On November 1, 1943, U.S. Marines landed on the shores of Bougainville in the Solomon Islands. The battle would continue from that day until the end of the war. Visitors are invited to explore key questions about the campaign: Why did the Allies attack Bougainville, what happened during the battle, and why does it matter today?
The living history volunteers of Company K will present a dynamic battle reenactment featuring simulated explosives, blank firing weapons, and authentic WWII vehicles. This program is not recommended for small children, pets, or individuals with heart conditions. Online ticket purchase is highly encouraged, and seating is first come first served.
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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.
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.