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Stories from Santo
From major milestones to quiet discoveries, our news archive captures the ongoing story of the South Pacific World War II Museum. Here you’ll find updates on new exhibits, research developments, community contributions and the many moments that continue to shape the Museum’s journey. Each story offers a glimpse into the people, places and history behind the project—building a record that grows richer with every passing year.

Bunkers, Wrecks and Wonders
Local tour operator and long-time Luganville resident Mayumi Green is now offering fully customised World War II history tours across Espiritu Santo, designed especially for visitors who want a deeper, more personal connection to the island’s wartime past. With over three decades of experience living on Santo, Mayumi has developed an extraordinary understanding of the island’s rich World War II history, shaped by its role as a major Allied base during the Pacific campaign. Her boutique tour company is widely regarded as one of the most respected and knowledgeable in the region. What sets Mayumi’s tours apart is not just her local expertise, but the personal care and attention she brings to each visitor’s experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a returning descendant of a WWII servicemember, or simply curious about the wartime remnants scattered across the island, Mayumi will tailor the journey to suit your interests. Yoshiyuki Takahashi & Aiko Tomioka. Visiting a crashed B-17 bomber. The old Aviation Supply Depot. The South Pacific WWII Museum. Visiting a WWII ammunition bunker. The images shown here are from her most recent bespoke tour for Japanese visitors Yoshiyuki Takahashi and Aiko Tomioka. They asked Mayumi to take them to surviving wartime

Whistle set to sing
Last month we reported on the amazing progress being made with the restoration of the S.S. President Coolidge whistle in Luganville. We are delighted to

VTO supports commemoration
On October 26, we will be commemorating the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. President Coolidge off the coast of Santo in 1942.

Million Dollar Point like never before
Museum Chairman Bradley Wood said he is absolutely thrilled to have the support of VTO. “We’ve been working towards this event for a very long

Coolidge 79th Commemoration
Today marks the 79th anniversary of the sinking of the SS President Coolidge off the south east coast of Espiritu Santo. Each year, the South

Locals snap up bargains at Bigfala 2021
From the moment we threw open the flaps on the marquee, we knew we were going to be busy. The Museum’s annual Bigfala Sale concluded

Brad Wojcik Coolidge donation
Early in June, we were contacted by Brad Wojcik in the United States. He told us the wonderful story of his father’s career in the

Alma Ambulance
Earlier today in Espiritu Santo, the Ambassador for Japan Mr Hirohisa Chiba handed over the keys to a brand new, state-of-the-art Toyota 4WD ambulance to

Fundraiser
It’s been quite a year for the South Pacific WWII Museum. With Vanuatu’s borders closed, one of our major sources of income has all but

Mayor Award
Saturday in Luganville started like any other for South Pacific WWII Museum Project Office Manager Lengkon Tokon and Support Officer Marina Moli. And then the