Honoring the Homefront

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHNSON PICTURES, INC.

On April 8, 1942, a German U-boat 123 torpedoed the SS Oklahoma and SS Esso Baton Rouge just 13 miles off the coast of St. Simons Island, killing 22 merchant mariners. The beach was covered with oil for weeks following the devastating attack on the tankers, the true effects of the Battle of the Atlantic on our coastal home were much longer lasting. The World War II Home Front Museum, located in both buildings (continues on page 43)

The Historic Coast Guard Station, which was active from 1937-1995, is a fitting home for the new Museum, as the Coast Guard became an active part of the U.S. War Department in 1941 and played its own role in World War II. Visitors can try their hand at spelling words in nautical code or tying knots, just like the “Coasties” who were stationed here.

The Museum features an A&P Food Store with rationing interactive, a rotary pay phone listening station, and a war bond stand photo opportunity. Here, visitors are invited to do some grocery shopping to experience what it was like for civilians when food was rationed.

ABOVE: Every American citizen had a role in supporting the war effort and visitors will have the opportunity to learn what their role might have been during World War II with the “Do Your Part!” interactive exhibit.

of the Historic Coast Guard Station at East Beach on St. Simons Island, recounts how this quiet coastal region was transformed when our country went to war and brings to life the extraordinary contributions made by Coastal Georgia following that internationally significant event.

Glynn County’s unique and multifaced home front story is detailed with galleries of immersive exhibits and interactive experiences in this museum developed by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society and designed by Gallagher & Associates. The World War II Home Front Museum not only shares an important chapter in Georgia’s history when residents of small communities in Glynn County worked together and sacrificed for the greater good, it tells the story of the brave men and women on America’s home front who supported those on the battlefields in the fight for freedom and democracy. While it illustrates the common experiences of many (continues on page 47)

RIGHT: From the Liberty Ship gallery, an Engine Order Telegraph. Moving the lever on the telegraph communicated orders for change in speed or direction from the bridge to the engine room of the ship.

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Shipbuilding had the greatest impact on Glynn County during the war, and artifacts from the J.A. Jones Shipyard are on display in the Liberty Ship gallery. The loss of thousands of merchant ships made the speedy construction of replacement cargo vessels that provided vital supplies to battlefields around the world essential to Allied victory. These were dubbed “Liberty Ships.” In less than three years, more than 16,000 men and women, 80% of whom came to Brunswick from towns throughout Georgia, built 85 Liberty Ships. Visitors can build and launch one of five of Brunswick’s Liberty Ships and follow them on their most treacherous voyages around the world.

The Naval Air Station Glynco gallery conveys the massive size of Navy airships and their hangars. Brunswick was home to the airships of Squadron ZP-15, which took part in hundreds of anti-submarine patrols in relay-style coordination with four other stations stretching from Maine to Florida. Once the system of airship escorts was fully implemented, the U-boat threat to shipping ceased. This was considered a critical lynchpin to winning the war.

NAS St. Simons took over the island’s airport and several resort facilities to train fighter pilots before transitioning into the Navy’s advanced radar training school. Navy and Marine Corps officers who showed an aptitude for coordinating complex radar operations were singled out and sent to St. Simons to become Fighter Directors, the officers who used radar to direct pilots to intercept enemy aircraft. Using primary sources, historical photographs, and extensive interviews, the new Museum recreates the NAS St. Simons’ Combat Information Center training room as an interactive gallery where can see if they have what it takes to be a Fighter Director.

(continued from page 43) Americans of military recruitment, buying war bonds, food rationing, and blackouts, it also highlights Glynn County’s significance as the location of three critical wartime facilities, an airship base, a radar training school, and a shipyard.

Using primary sources, historical photographs, and extensive interviews, the museum recreates the Naval Air Station St. Simons radar training school as an interactive gallery. Allowing visitors to see if they have what it takes to become a Fighter Director, or to engage in other interactive experiences like testing their skill at plane spotting, or building a Liberty ship and joining its crew makes history come alive in a way that resonates with adults and children alike.

Everyone is invited to visit the World War II Home Front Museum to keep the stories of our past as Americans and as Coastal Georgians alive. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for ages 6-12, children under 6 and Coastal Georgia Historical Society members are admitted free of charge. There is a $2 military discount with ID. Visit coastalgeorgiahistory.org for more information and volunteer opportunities.

Logan Jones

Financial Advisor 1430 Newcastle Street Brunswick, GA (912) 264-8865

Ginny Johnson

Financial Advisor 219 Edwards Plaza St. Simons Island, GA (912) 634-0200

Jeff Jones

Financial Advisor 1430 Newcastle Street Brunswick, GA (912) 264-8865

Dale McNabb

Financial Advisor 29 Coral Park Way, Ste. 102 Brunswick, GA (912) 267-9374

Will McKenzie

Financial Advisor 559 Ocean Blvd. St. Simons Island, GA (912) 634-6557

James Sexton

Financial Advisor 3409 Frederica Road St. Simons Island, GA (912) 634-9796

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