The nonprofit organization that has long supported the USS Arizona Memorial has changed its name to reflect its broadening mission.

The Arizona Memorial Museum Association on Tuesday changed its name to Pacific Historic Parks.

The association was created in 1979 as a nonprofit cooperating association with the National Park Service to support and fund educational programs, museum displays and exhibits, and interpretive programs for the USS Arizona Memorial.

Many charter members of the association, originally from the Fleet Reserve Association, had been involved in the fundraising for the construction of the USS Arizona Memorial in 1961 and the original visitor center in 1980, officials said.

The Arizona Memorial visitor center now is part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.

The Arizona Memorial Museum Association grew over the years to support interpretive and visitor activities at three additional national parks: American Memorial Park on Saipan; War in the Pacific National Historical Park on Guam; and Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Moloka'i.

"Our association's new name, Pacific Historic Parks, better reflects our expanded scope of support at historical sites throughout the Pacific," said chairman George Sullivan. "Although our name has changed, our mission remains the same. We will continue to preserve and support these historical landmarks ..."