Historical Tour Of Noumea

OVERVIEW

Trace New Caledonia’s history at two museums, one reflecting the island’s strong ties to the sea, the another revealing the island’s strategic role in World War II. Much of this seafaring past is displayed in the Museum of Maritime History, whose thousands of artifacts date to the early Melanesian and Polynesian settlers. Other historical marine highlights include two frigates that were sunk in the late 18th century but not found until 2005 when one of the ship’s sextants was discovered at the bottom of the sea. The second museum reflects Noumea serving as a headquarters for the United States military during World War II. From 1942 until the end of the war, more than one million U.S. and Australian soldiers were stationed on New Caledonia, and their presence left a lasting impact. Before the war, the island was known for little more than being a French penal colony.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse two museums whose collections reveal New Caledonia’s maritime and wartime history.
• See maritime artifacts dating back thousands of years when the Melanesians settled the island.
• Gain an understanding of Noumea’s vital role in World War II as a U.S. military headquarters.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.