PEARL HARBOR, HI (January 31, 2025) – Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (PHAM) proudly announces the grand opening of its newest exhibit, Timeline on the Terrace, on February 1, 2025. Located on the new Rooftop Terrace, atop the historic Ford Island Operations Building, this immersive experience offers visitors a unique perspective on the infamous events of December 7, 1941, through a mix of audio, visual, and tactile elements.

The Museum will host a private blessing on February 1, 2025, followed by a public grand opening celebration at 11:00 a.m. as part of the Museum’s PHAMily Fun Day: a family friendly community day. Be among the first to experience the newest exhibit designed to complement the Museum’s iconic Ford Island Control Tower. The exhibit will offer visitors an elevated view of Ford Island and its surrounding historic landmarks while guiding them through a timeline of the Pearl Harbor attack. This engaging new exhibit is an opportunity to connect visitors to history.

“The opening of Timeline on the Terrace represents our continued effort and commitment to stewarding America’s World War II aviation battlefield, said, Janeen Woellhof, PHAM’s Interim Executive Director. “We want to mahalo the many people part of this project, especially our supporters including Historic Hawaii Foundation, National Park Service, McInerny Foundation, State of Hawaii, and U-Haul International, as well as the many others.”

EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS

Geographical Insights and Immersive Views: From the Rooftop Terrace level of the Operations Building, guests can take in breathtaking views of Ford Island and other key landmarks that shaped the geographical and strategic context of the December 7, 1941, attack. Enhancing this experience, the exhibit reader rails explain the timeline and detail the aircraft involved, while viewfinders bring distant Oahu landmarks into focus. Together, these features deepen visitors’ understanding of the history and landscape of the battle.

Aerological Tower Media Table: Situated in the Aerological Tower on the Ford Island Control Building Rooftop, this immersive audiovisual media table recreates the two-phased Pearl Harbor attack with motion graphics, archival maps, and a spatial soundscape. Visitors will experience the roar of aircraft overhead, distant explosions, and the tense communication of controllers guiding aircraft under fire.

Oral History Benches: Guests can sit and listen to first-hand accounts from those who witnessed the attack, bringing the personal stories of service members to life in a compelling way.

GRAND OPENING AND PHAMily FUN DAY

This month’s PHAMily Fun Day will focus on the opening of the Museum’s newest exhibit and have activities for keiki including open cockpits, scavenger hunt, kite flying, straw rocket making. Kama‘aina and military receive $5 admission when they pre-register - $10 at the door. Enjoy a fun day out with the ‘ohana and discover the stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped the course of World War II. Visit PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org/events for more information.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is located on Historic Ford Island, where bombs fell during the attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941. Walk the Pearl Harbor battlefield where the attack began, enter the bullet-scarred hangars, and see the control tower and aircraft of the battle, including a Japanese Zero and the B-17 Swamp Ghost. Hear the stories of World War II heroes and their response to the attack that changed our nation and world. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s mission is to steward America’s first aviation battlefield of World War II. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on membership, volunteers, and donations for support. To join, volunteer, or support, visit www.PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org.