Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day 1944-2024

From April-November 2024, the Museum will present a series of events and exhibitions that explore and remember the daring airborne operations and the largest amphibious invasion in military history and a significant turning point in World War II. Check back regularly for programming updates.

Friday, April 5

2024 Symposium – D-Day 1944. Free day-long symposium open to the public, featuring presentations by notable historians and military experts on the invasion’s planning, execution and historic significance. Attendees also receive a sneak peek of the Museum’s latest special exhibit, “D-Day: Freedom from Above.” (see exhibit description below) Virtual and in-person attendance options with advance registration here.

Saturday, April 6

New Special Exhibit – “D-DAY: FREEDOM FROM ABOVE.” Visitors will explore the D-Day invasion through the true stories of U.S. Army paratroopers brought to life by interactive HistoPad technology. The exhibit will also feature the four Medals of Honor awarded for actions performed on D-Day. Learn more about these heroic Soldier stories and see their medals on display together for the first time. Included with free admission. Visit the Special Exhibition Gallery for more information.

Exhibit Opening ~ Weekend Events
Saturday and Sunday, April 6-7

Opening weekend for the new exhibit, “D-DAY: FREEDOM FROM ABOVE” will include special D-Day-themed and family-friendly activities. Saturday’s schedule includes a “then and now” demonstration of equipment and parachute packing by U.S. Army paratroopers from Fort Gregg-Adams.

Family Craft Activity: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Parachute Packing Demonstration by U.S. Army Aerial Delivery Unit Soldiers: 
9 a.m.-2 p.m. (Saturday only)

Hands-On History – World War II Paratroopers: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Join a Museum educator to learn more about U.S. Army paratroopers, in and out of the air, by exploring the food, clothing and equipment that made up a Soldier’s load.

Volunteer Showcase: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Museum volunteers share their Soldier stories about being U.S. Army paratroopers.

Special demonstrations, gallery talks and family activities will take place throughout the year. All programs and events are FREE and more information is posted on the Museum’s events calendar here.

MAY:

May 8, 15 and 22: History Talk – “Can’t Anything Stop These Men?” U.S. Army Paratroopers Creating Turning Points in World War II
May 16: Book Talk – “Earning Their Wings: The WASPS of World War II” by Sarah Parry Myers

JUNE:

June 1: Documentary Screening – “Sunken Roads: Three Generations After D-Day” with the filmmaker, Charlotte Juergens
June 4 and 11: Battle Brief – Tactical Intelligence for D-Day, 1944 with Mike Bigelow
June 6: D-Day 80th Anniversary—will include special D-Day-themed and family-friendly activities.
June 20: Book Talk – “Divided on D-Day: How Conflicts and Rivalries Jeopardized the Allied Victory at Normandy” with Edward Gordon

JULY:

July 10: History Talk – Making a Way Out of No Way: African American Experience
in World War II
July 17: History Talk – “No Mail, Low Morale”: The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion
July 24: History Talk – Fighting for Freedom: Nisei Soldiers in World War II

AUGUST:

August 7: History Talk – Women’s Army Corps: Marching into History
August 14: History Talk – The Accomplishment of the ENIAC and the Women Computing Pioneers
August 15: Book Talk – “Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II” by Lena S. Andrews
August 21: History Talk – “Can’t Anything Stop These Men?”: U.S. Army Paratroopers Creating Turning Points in World War II