Affiliations
Shared
Histories
Working together
Since its inception, the South Pacific World War II Museum has developed affiliations with a number of organisations connected to the story of Base Button and the wider Pacific war.
These partnerships strengthen our research, broaden our perspective, and help ensure that the history of Espiritu Santo is understood within its global context.
B-24 Liberator Memorial
Werribee, Australia
The B-24 Liberator Memorial is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, one of the most important heavy bombers of the Second World War. Located at the former Werribee airfield, the museum is home to an extraordinary volunteer-driven restoration project that has been ongoing for decades.
During the war, B-24 Liberators operated extensively from Espiritu Santo, flying long-range missions across the Pacific. This shared history creates a natural and meaningful connection between the two organisations, linking the aircraft themselves with the places from which they flew.
Visit the Liberator Memorial site at b24australia.org.au/
Darwin Military Museum
Darwin, Australia
Located at East Point on the site of former coastal defence positions, the Darwin Military Museum presents the story of Australia’s role in the Pacific War, including the bombing of Darwin and the defence of the nation’s northern frontier.
Housed within restored wartime bunkers, the museum’s extensive collection provides important context for understanding the broader strategic network of bases across the Pacific. Its connection to Santo reflects the shared role both locations played in supporting Allied operations during the war.
Visit the Darwin Military Museum at darwinmilitarymuseum.au
Friends of Rathmines
Rathmines, Australia
The Friends of Rathmines preserve the history of the former Royal Australian Air Force flying boat base on Lake Macquarie, once the largest seaplane base in the southern hemisphere. Their work focuses particularly on the Catalina flying boats that operated long-range maritime patrols during the war.
Espiritu Santo was also home to a significant seaplane base, and this shared aviation history forms the foundation of the relationship. Together, both organisations help tell the story of maritime air operations that stretched across vast distances of the Pacific.
Visit Friends of Rathmines at facebook.com/friendsofrathmines
Connected Histories
Through these affiliations, the South Pacific World War II Museum continues to build a network of institutions committed to preserving and sharing the history of the Pacific war—connecting places, people and stories across the region.