MacArthur Memorial

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

On this day in 1932, a large group of WWI veterans, later named the Bonus Army, gathered in Washington D.C. to pressure Congress to receive their bonuses for their wartime service early. The World War Adjusted Compensation Act of 1924, scheduled for the bonuses to be paid in 1945. The hardships of the Great Depression made the veterans grow desperate for early payments. These demands pressured the House of Representatives and Senate to consider new legislation to provide early payment. The Senate would reject this legislation, and the veterans continued their protest by remaining in the city and establishing campsites nearby. Tensions escalated when federal troops, led by General Douglas MacArthur, Major Dwight Eisenhower, and Major George Patton, were ordered to clear the camps. This would result in many veterans becoming injured or killed as they cleared the camps.

This month, we take a look at the Bonus March of 1932 and MacArthur’s actions and decision making during this controversial event. In popular culture, MacArthur has played the role of villain of the Bonus March – he did after all help to evict ho...

06/16/2026

It’s 🍫 and the Donut Girls of WWI are getting a “sweet” spotlight again! These women boosted the morale of soldiers with fresh donuts, fudge, and other treats. Thanks to Captain Margaret Sheldon, her diary offers her perspective of daily life in WWI France. Her entries often describe the long days of baking, and she would be rewarded by seeing the pure joy on the soldiers’ faces. When these sweets arrived, many soldiers reacted with child-like excitement giving them a small break from the horrors of war.

06/15/2026

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Jean MacArthur Research Center library and archives will temporarily close to in person research as staff and collections move to an interim space near the MacArthur Memorial campus. During this period, staff will continue responding to research inquiries by email, phone, and mail. We anticipate welcoming researchers back onsite in late September 2026. Updates will be provided.

This temporary closure supports an exciting new project in partnership with the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation. More details to follow.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The museum, visitors center, and all other services will remain open and fully accessible throughout this period.

06/15/2026

On June 15, 1917, Congress passed the Espionage Act of 1917, providing national security that would enable the establishment of the Naval Operating Base at Sewell's Point in Hampton Roads, Virginia, later renamed Naval Station Norfolk in 1953. Signed by President Woodrow Wilson, this act authorized the expansion of naval facilities cementing a continuous growth of military forces and a training center that would shape generations of sailors.

06/14/2026

Special thanks to everyone who attended today's Flag Day ceremony! Thank you Great Bridge Chapter NSDAR for 56 years of partnership! Thanks also to keynote speak Jeb Raitt with the Norfolk Chapter NSSAR, Councilman Jeremy McGee with City of Norfolk Government, Granby High School NJROTC Color Guard, and Jim Roberts with Tidewater Pipes & Drums!

06/14/2026

We're open today for Flag Day! Visit the museum and attend a special Flag Day ceremony hosted by the Great Bridge Chapter NSDAR at 2pm!

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

Don't forget! We'll be open for special holiday hours tomorrow, June 14 from 10am-5pm and happily welcoming back the Great Bridge Chapter NSDAR for their annual Flag Day ceremony! Like museum admission, this ceremony is free and open to the public!