Guam Museum exhibit “So We Leapt,” honors CHamoru World War II resilience

A new, compelling photography exhibit titled, “So We Leapt - Para I Hinanao-ta Mo’na: Guam after Liberation & CHamoru WWII Survivors,” featuring many never-before-seen images that offer a glimpse into Guam's post-liberation era to honor the enduring spirit of the CHamoru people.
The exhibit opens at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Guam Museum in Hagåtña, with a brief opening ceremony. The exhibit will remain open until Aug, 18.
The museum will remain open until 4 p.m. on opening day; general museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
"So We Leapt” will showcase over 100 photographs captured by Army photographer Frank Buchman between 1944 and 1946. Many of these images depict everyday life for CHamorus across the island during a challenging period in Guam's history.
The photos have been meticulously curated and digitally restored by Pulitzer Prize winner Manny Crisostomo from a collection of over 500 prints, negatives, and color transparencies taken by Buchman.
The captivating story of how this collection came to light is narrated in a companion book, also titled "So We Leapt - Para I Hinanao-ta Mo’na: Guam after Liberation & CHamoru WWII Survivors."
This book will be released on the same day as the exhibit opens and will be available for purchase for $50 at the Guam Museum, and online in August at Sanlagu.com.