Welcome to
The South Pacific WWII Museum
From the birthplace of Tales of the South Pacific and the legendary heroism of aviators, soldiers, and sailors, comes a forgotten wartime history. On Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu, tranquil coconut plantations were transformed into Base Button, the largest military base in the South Pacific during World War II, hosting over 500,000 service members.
Today, we honour this legacy by sharing it with descendants of those who supported the Allied war effort with the South Pacific WWII Museum. Plans are underway to create a larger, world-class museum, preserving the remarkable history of the New Hebrides for future generations of Ni-Vanuatu and visitors worldwide.
Honouring the many
Latest news from the Museum project.
Beyond the tourist trail
News in brief
June 5 – Quite a varied newsletter this month. We received a fabulous donation of a US Navy uniform from the daughter of a Navy pilot who spent some time on Santo. We learn about ‘Santo U’ – a place of learning for Navy personnel away from home. Plus Museum Project Manager Jimmy Carter visits Hiroshima and brings us a moving piece on that city’s undeniable resilience almost 80 years after the atom bomb was dropped. Enjoy it here.
May 4 – April is a special month for Australians and New Zealanders. April 25 is Anzac Day when both countries honour those who have served in their armed forces. A ceremony is held every year in Luganville and that’s out lead story this month. We also have a story of the spy who provided the Japanese with intel for their attack on Pearl harbour, the seven brothers who all served on the same ships in the US Navy and lots more. Enjoy it here.
Apr 6 – Very much a diverse mix of fascinating stories this month. A new photo collection heads up news from the museum with some fabulous new display pieces to add to our Luganville home. There’s a story on Japanese spies on Santo, some new news on Elwood J Euart and a great piece on author James Michener. All that and more in the March issue of our newsletter. Enjoy it here.
Mar 6 – An exciting newsletter this month with five different authors contributing a diverse range of stories. Author Robert Richardson’s new book about a crash on Santo is out, plus Robert has written a fascinating insight into the defence of Santo. Andy Werback tells us about the sinking of a pontoon on the floating dry dock. Dennis Strand provides some family history about Matthew Wells on Malo. Enjoy the newsletter here.
Feb 3 – We’re kicking 2025 off with a fascinating collection of stories. We’re publishing a wonderful letter home from a soldier based on Santo – well… we think it was Santo. We also report on a Japanese submarine that was likely sunk not far from Santo. Plus there’s a great story on the Native American ‘Code Talkers’ who created an uncrackable code for the Pacific theatre. Enjoy the newsletter here.
Museum creates Strong memorial
The Museum has created a special memorial to the lives lost on the USS Strong. (story)
New Museum gallery opens
Say hi to Raymond Lemy Nacisse
Our newest Museum staff member comes from a diverse background of volunteering. (story)
