'So Ready for Laughter' an homage to Bob Hope's WWII legacy

Feb. 16—Bob Hope carved out a niche for himself during his lifetime.

The comedian, vaudevillian, actor, singer and dancer used his talents to bring joy to the world, often traveling to entertain military members who were deployed around the world with the United Service Organizations.

"So Ready for Laughter: The Legacy of Bob Hope," a new exhibit at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, will pay homage to Hope's influence.

According to Bernadette C. Robin, museum director of communications, the exhibit has about 50 artifacts in it, as well as an 11-minute documentary.

"Bob Hope is so connected to the history of World War II," Robin says. "It's been curated by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. It does tell about Bob's place in history and how he lightened the spirits of over 11 million troops. We thought it would be a perfect alignment to our museum."

The exhibit opens on Friday, Feb. 17 and runs through April 30.

Hope came to the United States as an immigrant with his family in the early 1920s, initially working as a newsboy, butcher's assistant, shoe salesman and amateur boxer.

He went on to eventually shape his art on the vaudeville stage, and by the start of World War II, he was just emerging as one of America's most popular radio and film stars. When the nation went to war in 1941, Hollywood recognized the need for contributions and responded by entertaining troops, raising funds and boosting morale. Hope's work quickly gained new meaning when he took his wartime programs on the road to military camps and bases across the country, inspiring other entertainers to join him.

"From the first time my father, Bob Hope, entertained the troops at March Field in 1941, he knew he had discovered a most meaningful audience," says Linda Hope, Bob Hope's daughter and Chair/CEO of Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. "He truly appreciated the men and women who were sacrificing to defend America on the home front and abroad. It was his honor, along with the entertainers with whom he collaborated, to connect these individuals with a touch of home and let them laugh — even if only for a brief moment."

Highlights of the exhibit include rare and unpublished photographs of Hope; wartime correspondence between Hope and service members; WWII-era relics engraved to Hope; videos of his traveling, wartime troupe and Hollywood Victory Caravan programs and scrapbooks.

"It is a great honor to welcome the story of this comedic and inspiring American icon into the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History," says Jennifer Hayden, Nuclear Museum executive director. "To highlight the legend who brought such happiness to those serving on the front lines during World War II will be a wonderful reminder to all who visit the museum that laughter truly is the best medicine."

'So Ready for Laughter: The Legacy of Bob Hope'

WHEN: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Exhibit opens Friday, Feb. 17 and runs through April 30

WHERE: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank Blvd. SE

HOW MUCH: $15/$11 adults (18-59), $13/$9 (seniors 60+), $11/$9 youth (6-17), $8 veterans, $7 active military and dependents, children under 5 are free