Help Restore America's WWII Aviation Battlefield
Join us in the “Remember Pearl Harbor” Campaign to restore historic Hangar 79 and preserve the powerful stories of service and sacrifice that shaped our nation’s history. With your support, we will transform this iconic landmark honoring the heroes and events of that fateful day.
The stories cemented in history
Walk through Hangar 79, and you’ll experience more than the gleam of aircraft or the echoes of engines past. You’ll see one of the most important parts, the human story written — quite literally — into the concrete itself.
Here in Hangar 79, seventeen young men etched their names forever into the hangar floor in wet cement. These men were Navy sailors and civilian contractors. Next to some of those names are dates like November 12, 1943, and inscriptions such as “Shop 726” and “Mass Boys.” We believe these men wanted to leave a mark — a way of
saying “We were here.”
One of them, Arthur B. Bovino, etched his name – “Art Bovino”
clearly in the concrete. It’s a powerful reminder of the human factor, that every foot of this hangar tells a story of service, sacrifice, and humanity.
The launch of “Remember Pearl Harbor”
Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors and friends, and the extraordinary leadership of the Si Robin
Foundation — the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum has launched an ambitious “Remember Pearl Harbor” Campaign to restore and transform Hangar 79.
The renovated Hangar 79 will feature:
- America Responds, an exhibition showing how Americans reacted after the attack on Pearl Harbor, including
- The Humanity of Bob Hope, highlighting Bob Hope and other entertainers who boosted
morale and supported our troops. - Hollywood and WWII, focusing on the entertainment industry’s major role in building morale,
selling war bonds, and supporting our troops. - WAC, WAVES, & WASP, honoring the courage and impact of these trailblazing women in aviation.
- National Mobilization, showcasing the impact of the war on the home front, from building
the Arsenal of Democracy to rationing, scrap drives, civil defense and war bonds.
- The Humanity of Bob Hope, highlighting Bob Hope and other entertainers who boosted
- Dynamic displays of legendary aircraft, many that took part in the Pacific air war.
- Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress “Swamp Ghost,” telling the story of this long-lost B-17E and
its emergency landing in New Guinea after bombing Rabaul. - North American B-25 Mitchell, sharing the story of Lt. Col. James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle’s April
18, 1942 raid on Japan.
- Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress “Swamp Ghost,” telling the story of this long-lost B-17E and
- Aces of the Pacific, highlighting fighter aces such as Maj. Joe Foss, Maj. Thomas B. McGuire, and Maj.
Richard Ira Bong. With your help, these spaces will come alive with stories of innovation, courage,
and sacrifice, inspiring visitors with lessons of honor, service, and resilience.
double the impact to complete Hangar 79
The Si Robin Foundation has made a remarkable commitment—a $500,000 Matching Gift Challenge to help us finish the restoration of historic Hangar 79.
We are so close to completing this vital project, and now is your chance to make history. Every dollar you give will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000.
That means:
- Your $100 becomes $200
- Your $500 becomes $1,000
- Your $5,000 becomes $10,000
This is your opportunity to double your impact and help preserve one of America’s most important historic landmarks—a place that tells the story of resilience, sacrifice, and freedom.