Norfolk Historical Society Lecture: The Mathews Men, Seven Brothers and the War Against Hitler's U-boats
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Join us for a free presentation on local history!
More details to come.
Arts and Entertainment
Norfolk Historical Society Lecture: The Mathews Men, Seven Brothers and the War Against Hitler's U-boats
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Join us for a free presentation on local history!
More details to come.
Helen Martell, conductor
Benjamin Britten: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
Sergei Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf
Created to introduce young people to the instruments of the orchestra, these timeless works contain beloved music that will entertain symphony audiences of all ages.
Come celebrate Earth Month and help make the Elizabeth River a cleaner, healthier place for everyone by joining a community litter cleanup!
Removing trash from the shoreline protects the river’s water quality, prevents plastics and debris from harming fish and birds, and creates a safer habitat for the wildlife that depends on this ecosystem.
All cleanup supplies are provided.
Legacy of War: Guardian of the Sky Film Screening
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Ralph Blackman introduces the documentary film that follows his journey of discovery into his family history as he tracks his father’s service as part of a bomber crew in the Pacific during WWII.
Ralph Blackman joins the MacArthur Memorial to introduce the documentary film Legacy of War: Guardian of the Sky, which follows his journey of discovery into his family history as he tracks his father’s service as part of a bomber crew in the Pacific during WWII. An audience Q&A will follow the screening. This event is free and open to the public. More details to come.
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Special Exhibit: No Turning Back, MacArthur and the Occupation of Japan 1945-1951
In 1945, Japan lay in ruins at the end of World War II. General Douglas MacArthur, stepped into this devastation not as a conquer seeking retribution, but as Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, tasked with demilitarizing and democratizing Japan. He faced a monumental challenge. In a speech following Japan’s surrender, MacArthur warned of humanity’s “matchless advances” in the ability to destroy but limited success in achieving peace. After such a brutal war, true peace between enemies seemed impossible. MacArthur’s response was to boldly move forward, to pursue lasting peace against all odds. There was to be no turning back, for the sake of the American and Japanese people. From 1945 to 1951, he led Japan’s stunning transformation into a key U.S. ally. This remarkable feat showcased the resilience of the Japanese people and MacArthur’s visionary leadership. Still, his power had limits, and No Turning Back presents the occupation’s success as a layered story, full of nuance and voices often ignored.
No Turning Back opened on August 23, 2025, and will remain on display through 2027. Admission is free.