Manhattan Project National Historical Park

The Manhattan Project was a top-secret project focused on building the world's first atomic weapons.
The Manhattan Project is one of the most transformative events of the 20th century. It ushered in the nuclear age with the development of the world’s first atomic bombs. Most of this development took place in three secret communities located in Hanford, WA, Los Alamos, NM and Oak Ridge, TN. Today, you can visit these three sites that make up Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
Map showing location of park.
Dozens of people gather, waving and holding newspapers.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park Marks 80th Anniversary of VJ Day With Special Program in Oak Ridge
Marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, the Oak Ridge, TN unit of Manhattan Project National Historical Park is offering a special guided tour of Jackson Square on Thursday August 14, 2025 from 12:30-1:00 PM EST.
A white bag with a black peace sign drawn on it is illuminated at dusk with a lake in the background and reflecting lights.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park hosting days of Peace and Remembrance in Los Alamos, NM in Observation of the 80th Anniversary of Atomic Bombings of Japan
- Manhattan Project National Historical Park (NHP), in partnership with Pearl Harbor National Memorial (NM), will host "Days of Peace and Remembrance" across its three sites and at Pearl Harbor NM to commemorate and reflect on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945. This commemorative programming acknowledges and interprets the conflicting viewpoints, both historical and modern, that surround the development and use of the world’s first atomic weapons. These events provide an opportunity for somber, quiet reflection.
Luminarias line a path around a large bronze bell in a city park.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park hosting days of Peace and Remembrance in Oak Ridge, TN for 80th Anniversary Observance of Atomic Bombings of Japan
Manhattan Project National Historical Park (NHP), in partnership with Pearl Harbor National Memorial (NM), will host "Days of Peace and Remembrance" across its three sites and at Pearl Harbor NM to commemorate and reflect on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945. This commemorative programming acknowledges and interprets the conflicting viewpoints, both historical and modern, that surround the development and use of the world’s first atomic weapons. These events provide an opportunity for somber, quiet reflection.
White bags on a green lawn illuminated with candles with people in the background watching a band that is performing.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park to host commemoration events in Richland, WA in observation of the 80th anniversary of atomic bombings of Japan
Manhattan Project National Historical Park will observe the 80th anniversary of the 1945 atomic bombings of Japan in the waning days of World War II with two events. The first is a Messages of Peace program on Friday, August 8, at the REACH Museum starting at 12:00 pm, followed by a Lights for Peace program on Saturday, August 9 starting at 8:00 pm at the Fingernail Stage in Howard Amon Park.
A luminaria in the foreground at the International Friendship Bell
Dawn Ceremony on August 6 at Bissell Park in Oak Ridge
Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee is inviting the public to ring the International Friendship Bell at A.K. Bissell Park 80 times at dawn (6:47 am EDT) Wednesday, August 6th to commemorate the number of years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. An hour before dawn park rangers will light luminarias that have been decorated with messages of peace by community members. The luminarias will remain lit throughout the commemoration event. An Oak Ridge Civic Music Association quartet will be on site throughout the event to provide accompanying music.
Historic photo of two men standing next to a mangled piece of metal equipment in the desert.
Photo by Los Alamos National Laboratory
Gray factory building like stacked boxes with single taller smokestack beneath cloudy blue skies.
Photo by NPS
Uniformed park ranger talks animatedly to visitors on a hillside overlooking a sprawling urban area.
Photo by NPS
Two-story white house with two small windows, a single door, and flat roof stands in a gravel lot.
Photo by NPS
Uniformed park ranger points to distance of fountain and trees as visitors sit enraptured.
Photo by NPS
Wooden chair sits amid light blue paneling covered in dials, meters, screens, and buttons.
Photo by NPS
Uniformed park ranger stands with youth along path lined with green broadleaved trees.
Photo by NPS