Special Exhibit for March 31-May 2: Remembering the Holocaust
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is presenting an exhibit to remember the Holocaust, Hitler’s program to commit genocide against those he deemed unworthy, especially Europe’s Jews. This exhibit will open on Tuesday, March 31 and be on display at the museum until Saturday, May 2. The museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. There is no charge for admission, but donations are gladly accepted.
Beginning in 1933, the German Government established prison, labor, concentration, and extermination camps throughout their territories, including in countries they occupied before and during the war. Groups that were arrested and detained included Roma, Communists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, the disabled and especially Jews. Some 12 million people perished in the more than 44,000 facilities, ghettos and killing fields across Europe, including 6 million Jews. The Museum acknowledges the need for all citizens to understand this dark period of history, what caused it, who perpetrated it, and how some resisted and fought their captors. Eyewitnesses such as survivors and the soldiers that liberated these camps are aging and dying, but many have told their stories. Visitors are invited to come see this sobering exhibit and help our society remember those that were victims of atrocity, prejudice, and hate.
The internationally recognized date for Holocaust Remembrance Day corresponds to the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar and it marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising which started on April 19, 1943. In Hebrew, Holocaust Remembrance Day is called Yom Hashoah. In 2026, Yom HaShoah will be recognized beginning at sunset on the evening of Monday, April 13 – Tuesday, April 14.
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located in Carrabelle, directly across from Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1873 Hwy 98 West. For more information, contact Camp Gordon Johnston Museum at (850) 697-8575 or museum@campgordonjohnston.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.
Special Exhibit for May 5-May 30: U. S. Women of WWII
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is presenting an exhibit on the U.S. Women of WWII. This exhibit will open on Tuesday, May 5 and be on display at the museum until Saturday, May 30. The museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. There is no charge for admission, but donations are gladly accepted.
During WWII, American women played a crucial role, serving in the war effort as members of the Women’s Army Corps (WACs), Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) of the U.S. Navy, the SPARs of the United States Coast Guard Women’s Reserve (Semper Paratus, Always Ready), the U. S. Marine Corps Women’s Reserve (MCWR), and as WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots), as well as civilians working in war industries throughout the country. Over 350,000 American women served in the U. S. Armed Forces during World War II, taking on over 200 different roles. Their work filled vital positions that supported the war effort both at home and overseas and ranged from mechanics, pilots, and drivers to gunnery instructors, nurses, postal workers, and translators. During their service, 432 servicewomen lost their lives and 88 were taken prisoner.
This exhibit will showcase the many contributions of women during WWII and explain the important roles they played in the war effort. Featured displays will include historic photos and authentic artifacts such as uniforms, handbooks, and even a practice aptitude test given to women applicants hoping to enlist. The exhibit will also highlight individuals like U.S. Navy Flight Nurses, who were among the first women to arrive at battles such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and will remember and honor many of the local women of Franklin County who served during World War II.
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located in Carrabelle, directly across from Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1873 Hwy 98 West. For more information, contact Camp Gordon Johnston Museum at (850) 697-8575 or museum@campgordonjohnston.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.
Past Events
Sidney A. Winchester Building Dedication at Camp Gordon Johnston Museum
The Camp Gordon Johnston Association and WWII Museum was honored to dedicate our museum building on September 21, 2019 to the late Sidney A. Winchester, a Carrabelle native, U. S. Army veteran and key supporter of Camp Gordon Johnston Museum. We were joined by U.S. Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02) who made two very special presentations during the ceremony. Congressman Dunn presented a container of sand from Utah Beach, Normandy, France to the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum and then presented an American Flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. to Sidney Winchester’s wife, Bobbye, who accepted the flag on behalf of the Museum in honor of Sidney’s service both as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne and as a charter member and champion of the Camp Gordon Johnston Association. The sand from Utah Beach and the flag will be on display at the Museum. Also on this day, Camp Gordon Johnston Museum celebrated Smithsonian magazine’s 15th annual Museum Day. This national celebration honors museums that follow the example of the Smithsonian with free admission.
Click Here to see the Video of the Dedication Ceremony and Congressman Neal Dunn’s special presentations. Thanks to Mayor Brenda La Paz for this video! Click here to learn more about these events.
