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Tom Lea: Art and War in the 20th Century
Tuesday, September 6
5:00 p.m. Reception | 6:00 p.m. Program | 7:00 p.m. Book Signing
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion and Special Exhibition Gallery
Tom Lea was a muralist, illustrator, war correspondent, portraitist, landscapist, novelist, and historian. During World War II, LIFE
magazine sent artists, including Lea, to every front to record in paint
all aspects of war, from preparations on the Home Front to battles
abroad. Melissa Renn, PhD, author of the essay "From Life: Tom Lea and
the World War II Art of LIFE Magazine" in the special exhibit's companion book, will speak about Lea's work as an artist-correspondent for LIFE
during the war, and will look at the motivations behind the magazine's
wartime art commissions as well as the circulation and reception of the
works in the United States and beyond. The program will also feature
Adair Margo, founder and president of the Tom Lea Institute, who will
share Lea's genius as both painter and writer before, during, and after
the war. The special exhibit's companion book, Tom Lea, LIFE Magazine, and World War II, will be available for purchase.
For more information call 504-528-1944 x 229.
Can't make it to the Museum? Watch the event live.
RSVP now.
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Lunchbox Lecture
Collin Makamson presents Operation: Magic Carpet
Wednesday, September 7
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
H. Mortimer Favrot Orientation Center
September
marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the last great troop movement
of World War II—Operation: Magic Carpet, the return of more than eight
million American military personnel to the United States from the
European, Pacific, and China-Burma-India theaters. This lecture will
discuss the logistics and "points" system employed during Magic Carpet's
11-month operation, as well as an overview of the return routes and
transport craft used in this mammoth military undertaking.
Lunchbox Lectures are free and open to the public on every first and
third Wednesday of the month. For more information call 504-528-1944 x
463.
Orlin Russel Corey Memorial Lecture
Sonia Purnell presents Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill
Tuesday, September 13
5:00 p.m. Reception | 6:00 p.m. Presentation | 7:00 p.m. Book Signing
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
By
Winston Churchill's own admission, victory in World War II would have
been "impossible without her." Until now, however, the only existing
biography of Churchill's wife, Clementine, was written by her daughter.
Sonia Purnell finally gives Clementine her due with a deeply researched
account that tells her life story, revealing how she was instrumental in
softening FDR's initial dislike of her husband and paving the way for
Britain's close relationship with America. It also provides a surprising
account of her relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt and their differing
approaches to the war effort.
Join us for the inaugural Orlin Russel Corey Memorial Lecture, in
partnership with The Churchill Society of New Orleans, focusing on
Clementine's legacy.
This program is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Ensure your spot by RSVPing online or over the phone at 504-528-1944 x 412.
Can't make it to the Museum? Watch the event live.
Knit Your Bit 10th Anniversary
Saturday, September 17
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Join local veterans, knitters, and crocheters to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Knit Your Bit at The National WWII Museum!
Since its launch in 2006, more than 10,000 knitters and crocheters in
all 50 states have participated in the Knit Your Bit program. Through
their efforts, the Museum has distributed 50,000 scarves to veterans'
centers, hospitals, and service organizations across the country. To
celebrate this important milestone, bring your needles or hooks to the
Museum for a knit-in, work on your Knit Your Bit scarf, or bring in
other inspiring projects as you swap stories with other knitters under
the Museum's B-17.
Area knitting shops will display their crafts and local students will
distribute scarves to any veterans who visit the Museum. Talk with local
Veterans Affairs representatives and even take an opportunity to write
your own thank-you note to a veteran that will be included in future
scarf shipments.
Learn more about the Museum's Knit Your Bit Campaign. For details, call 504-528-1944 x 463.
Lunchbox Lecture
John McGuckin presents The Fleet Boat Submarine
Wednesday, September 21
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
H. Mortimer Favrot Orientation Center
After
World War I, US Navy submarine development was influenced by a study of
captured German U-boats. During the interwar years, the United States
built S-boats and V-boats. These vessels, while unsatisfactory in
performance, led the way to the first "fleet" submarine prototype, the
USS Dolphin SS-169. From 1932 through 1939, the US Navy built
the P- and S-class submarines, which further defined the parameters for
the first true fleet submarine, the USS Gato SS-212, laid down in 1940.
The presentation will cover shipyards, propulsion, armament,
electronics, and the habitability of the Gato class and the later Balao
and Tench classes, as well as some wartime boat histories.
Lunchbox Lectures are free and open to the public on every first and
third Wednesday of the month. For more information call 504-528-1944 x
463.
Special Presentation, Book Reissue, and Premiere of Museum-produced mini-documentary
American Hero: The True Story of Tommy Hitchcock—Sports Star, War Hero, and Champion of the War-Winning P-51 Mustang
Thursday, September 22
5:00 p.m. Reception | 6:00 p.m. Panel Discussion and Documentary Premiere
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Do
you enjoy the inspiring story of the Tuskegee Airmen and their exploits
flying the legendary P-51 "Red Tail" Mustang? Be sure to join us for a
special presentation about the man whose innovation made the P-51 the
long-range fighter that ruled the skies of Europe.
This is the true story of Tommy Hitchcock, a war hero, businessman,
husband of a Mellon, and the world's greatest polo player. Subject of
the newly reissued biography American Hero: The True Story of Tommy Hitchcock—Sports Star, War Hero, and Champion of the War-Winning P-51 Mustang,
Hitchcock was also the idol of author F. Scott Fitzgerald, who
fashioned two of his most famous fictional characters in Hitchcock's
image. The presentation, which includes the premiere of a Museum-made
short documentary about Hitchcock, will be staged beneath our newly
restored P-51 Mustang.
Join us to learn more about the man who served as the inspiration for The Great Gatsby's
Tom Buchanan. The event will include a reception and panel discussion
among Hitchcock family members and distinguished historians, including
best-selling author Lynne Olson, who spotlighted Hitchcock in her book Citizens of London.
This program is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Ensure your spot by RSVPing online or by phone at 504-528-1944 x 412.
Can't make it to the Museum? Watch the event live.
Dinner with a Curator
Kenneth Hoffman presents Dr. Seuss and World War II
Tuesday, September 20
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Before
Theodor Seuss Geisel became one of the best-selling children's book
authors of all time, he drew trenchant political cartoons supporting the
Allies during World War II. Think Yertle was the first time he
stacked up turtles? Think again! Join Director of Education Kenneth
Hoffman as he explores this lighter side of the war for hearts and minds
on the Home Front. And, yes, the menu will be Seussian (and delicious).
Purchase tickets.
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The Vic-Tones
Debuting Wednesday, September 14
11:45 a.m. Buffet seating
BB's Stage Door Canteen
The
Vic-Tones, a dynamic male vocal trio with their own distinctive sound,
are the newest addition to The National WWII Museum's entertainment
roster! These talented singers celebrate the music of the 1940s. Swing,
big band, jazz, Latin, and country music dominated and defined this
decade, and the Vic-Tones bring it all to life in BB's Stage Door
Canteen. You'll swoon and swing to the harmonic vocal stylings of
ageless classics like Chattanooga Choo Choo, Pistol Packin' Mama, The Way You Look Tonight, Somewhere over the Rainbow, and I'll be Seeing You, among many others.
Purchase tickets at stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943.
Thanks for the Memories: Bob Hope and His All-Star Pacific Tour
Returning Friday, September 16
BB's Stage Door Canteen
Back
by popular demand is this tribute to the incredible shows and stars Bob
Hope took to war-zone islands during World War II. A cast of 13
re-creates Judy Garland, The Andrews Sisters, Deanna Durbin, Carmen
Miranda, Frances Langford, and Bob himself, along with our Victory Swing
band. Just imagine how thrilled our troops were when these stars
performed such favorites as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, In the Mood, I'll Be Seeing You, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and, of course, Thanks for the Memories.
Purchase tickets at stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943.
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