The USS Hornet Museum will hold a ceremony on Sept. 9 to unveil three new exhibits aboard the historic aircraft carrier. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. for members and 6 p.m. for the public.

Alameda Mayor Trish Herrera will lead the ribbon-cutting celebration. The exhibits offer more windows into the history of the historic aircraft carrier:

• The Hornet Legacy — This gives visitors a sense of the ship’s history, from the earliest Hornet – a 10-gun sloop in 1775, to the part it played from World War II to the Space Age, and its proud role as a leading American museum.
• Entertaining the Troops — Life aboard an aircraft carrier was rarely lonely, but it could be monotonous. To improve moral, ease tension and avoid boredom, events for the sailors were scheduled regularly, including sports, holiday dinners and visits from celebrities.
• Blue Jacket Family Activity Room — The Hornet crew realizes that long visits can be a tad hard on younger children, and this helps break up the tour with interactive exhibits, including uniforms they can try on, knot tying and how to use signal flags.

A special members-only part of the celebration includes a hosted cocktail party with appetizers. To become a member, go to www.uss-hornet.org or sign up when you come aboard that night. Membership is perfect way to visit this American icon repeatedly and discover how the Hornet played an amazing role in our nation’s history.

On a lighter note, attendees can also view the 1959 Cary Grant/Tony Curtis classic, “Operation Petticoat.” Popcorn will be served.