Bob Hope Exhibit Opening At National Museum Of The U.S. Army

FORT BELVOIR, VA — A traveling exhibit dedicated to comedian and actor Bob Hope will debut at the National Museum of the United States Army Saturday.

The exhibit, titled "So Ready for Laughter: The Legacy of Bob Hope," comes from the National WWII Museum with sponsor Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation. The exhibit, open through January 2023, centers around Hope's 50 years performing United Service Organizations shows to millions of military service members. Hope was nicknamed "G.I. Bob" by service members.

Highlights of the exhibit include nearly 50 artifacts, an 11-minute documentary, rare and unpublished photographs of Hope, wartime correspondence between Hope and service members, World War II-era relics engraved to Hope, videos of Hope’s traveling wartime troupe, programs and scrapbooks for the Hollywood Victory Caravan fundraiser tour, an interactive touch-table and a video wall.

During the opening weekend, the following activities are planned:

• Hands-On History, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Discover the hardships and challenges Soldiers experienced during World War II through this interactive program. Museum educators use reproduction objects for visitors to explore the food, clothing, shelter, and equipment that made up the soldier’s load.
• Jokey Karaoke, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.: Learn how Bob Hope inspired the modern comedy monologue and share your best clean comedy jokes from behind the microphone. School-aged children are encouraged to participate.
• Family Craft Activity, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Create funny cards and letters for doldiers and mail them through a special USO mailbox.
• Swing Dance Demonstration, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Dancers from “GottaSwing” will demonstrate moves like the Jitterbug and the Lindy Hop set to swing-style jazz music.
• A golf Putting competition all weekend
• Bob Hope Lemon Meringue in the Museum Café all weekend
• 10 percent discount all weekend on Bob Hope specific products

The National Museum of the United States Army is located at 1775 Liberty Drive Fort Belvoir, VA on a publicly-accessible area of Fort Belvoir. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. For more information on visiting, see www.thenmusa.org.