Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Breaks Ground on Hangar 79 Restoration

The project marks the most ambitious preservation effort in the institution's two-decade history. Designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates in partnership with MASON Architects and Nan, Inc., the renovation aims to convert the battle-scarred hangar into a premier educational hub. The space will house three distinct exhibits: the Si Robin Aviation Gallery, the America Responds Galleries, and a dedicated tribute to Bob Hope, titled Hope for Humanity. These installations are intended to bridge the gap between wartime mobilization and the civilian experience during the conflict.

John Hiltz, President and CEO of the museum, emphasized that the site serves as a national imperative for preserving the narrative of the December 7, 1941, attack. With over $22 million raised toward the $51 million goal, the Remember Pearl Harbor National Campaign has drawn support from veterans, military families, and private donors across the country. Beyond Hangar 79, the capital campaign encompasses the restoration of the Ford Island Control Tower and Hangar 37, alongside the expansion of youth-focused STEM programming and battlefield site stewardship.