The excitement is building
The South Pacific World War II Museum will be unlike any museum in the world today. Not only will it be a fully immersive, interactive experience about the Pacific Theatre during World War II, it will stand in the middle of where everything took place – on the site of a former World War II US Navy base in Luganville, on the island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu. Not only will the museum be an exciting tourist destination, but it will create jobs and provide unique training opportunities for the local Santo people and bring a welcome source of income for the local economy.
Museum Sponsorship Deal Takes Wings
The South Pacific World War II Museum is delighted to announce that Air Vanuatu has joined as a sponsor of the Museum’s new Navara Fund.
The Navara Fund has been created to allow Vanuatu businesses and other commercial sponsors to directly assist the Museum Project Office as it works to fundraise for this exciting project on Espiritu Santo.
The Project Office manager Alma Wensi said Air Vanuatu is a key link for growing tourism into Espiritu Santo.
“We believe this museum will be a significant drawcard and yet another reason for people to visit this wonderful island. We see Air Vanuatu’s support as a vote of confidence in us, and we look forward to a partnership that benefits both organisations.”
Paul Pio, Public Relations and Marketing Officer for Air Vanuatu said, “Air Vanuatu is delighted to support the South Pacific World War II Museum. Given the significant role played by Vanuatu in supporting the allied war effort, the museum will be a fitting tribute to the tireless efforts and sacrifices made by Ni-Vanuatu people throughout the archipelago”.
Alma Wensi says many Ni Vanuatu people are visiting the museum project office and learning about a history that many of them, until now, were unaware of.
“The Navara Fund is a way that local businesses, in particular, can demonstrate their commitment to a museum that will also serve as an economic and educational boost to our people.”
“You could effectively say we will be the biggest museum in the world because it covers all of the south corner of Santo. You can go out, see it, feel it, and get that warm fuzzy feeling if you like for where it actually took place.”
Where will the Museum be located?
The South Pacific World War II Museum will be built on the island of Espiritu Santo, one of the islands that make up the Pacific Islands nation of Vanuatu. You can zoom in to see just where that is on the map below.
Dreams and aspirations
Bradley Wood, Founding Chairman of the South Pacific World War II Museum, has been a passionate supporter and driver behind the establishment of a museum on Santo. In this interview Bradley describes the plans for the construction of the museum in Luganville, the major city on Santo in Vanuatu and the role he sees the museum playing in educating visitors.