The objective of the Memorial’s education department is to use the life and times
of General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) to enable students and adults to explore American history and learn
about their heritage.
Who is General MacArthur?
At the MacArthur Memorial, we believe that history is an exciting, invaluable
part of any education. To provide “windows” into the past, the Memorial’s education programs utilize
a wealth of unique historical materials contained in the museum’s collections, exhibits, and archives.
Schools
The MacArthur Memorial offers outreach programs, museum tours, special
programs, and teaching aid packets. We are happy to work with teachers to arrange a tour, program,
or outreach for any group or class. The Memorial Archives also houses over two million documents
and photographs that can be used as teaching aids to give students access to important moments in
history – from the Civil War to the Korean War.
All education programs and tours are FREE. Admission to the MacArthur
Memorial is FREE. For more information,
contact the Education Manager.
Tours
Primary Resources
Other Activities
Outreach Programs
World War II Traveling Footlockers
Homeschoolers
The MacArthur Memorial is committed to being a homeschool friendly museum. All education programs are
available to homeschoolers, and can be designed to compliment any curriculum. Programs, tours, or teaching
aid packets can be arranged for individual families or groups of all sizes and grade levels.
All education programs and tours are FREE. Admission to the MacArthur Memorial is FREE.
Museum Tours
| The Life and
Times of General Douglas MacArthur |
All Ages
|
Tour the changing worlds of the 19th and 20th centuries. Follow several wars, a cold war, as well as political, social, and technological changes through the life and achievements of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. Includes a 24 min. movie about the life of General MacArthur.
(1.5 - 2 hours) |
Exploring How History
is Written |
8th-Adult
|
Ever wonder how museums get all of the information about the people, places, and artifacts that they feature? Come explore the Memorial’s archives – see the documents that write the history in your textbooks. Then walk through the Memorial and see first hand how this “evidence” is used to tell the story of the life and times of General MacArthur.
(1.5 - 2 hours)
|
| MacArthur and Leadership |
9th-Adult
|
This tour explores General MacArthur’s development as a leader and discusses his leadership philosophy. This tour is ideal for JROTC, ROTC, Military, and corporate groups, but can be tailored for other groups. Includes a 24 min. movie about the life of General MacArthur.
(1.5-2 hours)
|
| Schedule a Group Tour On-line. Please specify which tour you would like in the Comments field. |
Other Activities
History
Scavenger
Hunt |
All Ages
|
K-12 Students hunt for items within the museum that tell a story about General MacArthur’s life.
(30min)
Groups can also arrange special themed Scavenger Hunts by contacting the Education Manager.
|
Hands
on History |
All Ages
|
In our experience, nothing makes history more tangible that a “hands-on” experience. The Memorial has a “hands-on history” collection of military artifacts and uniforms that can be used as part of a trip to the Memorial or can be brought to classrooms. |
Living
History |
All Ages
|
Want to know what life was like for ordinary soldiers during the Civil War or World War II? The Memorial has a reenactor on staff who can teach students about life during the Civil War and World War II. The reenactor can be a featured part of a trip to the Memorial or can visit classrooms.
|
Outreach Programs
These short programs involve PowerPoint presentations and feature artifacts and documents from the MacArthur Memorial collection.
The Life and Times
of General Douglas MacArthur |
All Ages
|
Douglas MacArthur was born in the midwest, at a time when outlaws like Jesse James were alive and when electric lights were being installed for the first time. By the time MacArthur died, it was an age of nuclear powers, jetliners, and television.
This program uses the life and achievements of General MacArthur to explore the dramatic changes that took place in American history from 1880-1964.
|
World War II in the Pacific
(1941-1945) |
6th
Grade
and
up
|
This program covers the basic history of World War II in the Pacific Theater and General MacArthur’s service. Students will understand the causes of the war with Japan, identify the major players, and examine how the role of the United States in Asia evolved as a result of this conflict.
SOL Reinforcement: USII.1a, b, i; USII.7; WHII.1a; WHII.12; VUS.1a, h, i; VUS.11
|
Hunter, Hunted,
Home Front |
6th
Grade
and
up
|
This program teaches students about life on board submarines in the Pacific during World War II and addresses the impact of World War II on the home front. Students will understand how the United States mobilized its resources for the war, and how civilians, regardless of age, gender, or race, contributed to the war effort. This program is offered in partnership with the Hampton Roads Naval Museum.
SOL Reinforcement: USII.7; VUS.12
|
Winning the Peace:
Macarthur and the
Occupation of Japan |
8th
Grade
and
up
|
Considering the bitter fighting that took place in the Pacific during World War II, in 1945 the occupation of Japan was a daunting prospect. This program evaluates the success of the occupation and examines its impact on our world today.
SOL Reinforcement: WHII.12c
|
Current Events:
The Korean War
(1950-1953) |
8th
Grade
and
up
|
Although considered the “Forgotten War,” the Korean War is significant because it marked a very important shift in American foreign policy. This program explains the causes and major events of the war and also makes connections between the Korean War and current events in the news. Students are encouraged to discuss how the events of the Korean War continue to impact our lives today.
SOL Reinforcement: USII.1b; USII.8c, WHII.13a, b, c; VUS.13a, b, c
|
The Right to Fight:
African-American
Military Service
1776-2010 |
All Ages
|
This program highlights the service and accomplishments of African-American servicemen and women from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror.
|
| Women and the Military |
All
Ages
|
This program explores the various ways women have served our country at war and at peace.
|
| Leadership Seminar |
9th
Grade
and
up
|
This presentation explores General MacArthur’s development as a leader and discusses his leadership philosophy. It highlights three foundational components of successful leadership that can be observed in General MacArthur’s life and service: Values, Vision, and Proficiency. Participants will understand the ways in which they can apply these leadership traits.
|
| The Monuments Men |
8th
Grade
and
up
|
While World War II presented an enormous threat to the cultural heritage of both Europe and
Asia, it also marked the first conflict in which there was a concerted effort by the U.S.
Army to protect cultural objects and historic buildings.
This program tells the story
of the U.S. Army’s “Monuments Men” during World War II and explores the legacy of these
soldiers and their mission.
SOL Reinforcement: USII.7; WHII.12; VUS.11a, e; Visual Arts 7.30; 8.17, 20; AI.29
|
Be a volunteer or an intern
For more information contact the Education Manager at
amanda.williams@norfolk.gov or 757.441.2965
|
