Commemorating the D-Day 80th Anniversary 1944-2024
Explore the new, “D-DAY: FREEDOM FROM ABOVE” special exhibit, learn more from D-Day artifacts and Soldier stories featured in the Global War Gallery and enjoy special D-Day-themed and family friendly activities throughout the year.
The exhibit also features 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.
From April-November 2024, the Museum will present a series of public program 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. All programs and events are FREE and more information is posted on the Museum’s events calendar here.
D-Day 80th: Public Programs
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
SEPTEMBER:
September 19: Book Talk – “No Sacrifice Too Great: The 1st Infantry Regiment in World War II,” by Gregory Fontenot
OCTOBER:
October 2, 9 and 16: History Talk – The Monuments Men: Preserving Cultural Heritage During World War II.
Previous Public Programs and Activities
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 and Sunday, April 6-7
Exhibit Opening ~ Weekend Events
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 Activity: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 – 3 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.
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 6, 2024: D-Day 80th Anniversary at the Museum
On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Museum visitors can try augmented reality in “D-DAY: FREEDOM FROM ABOVE,” explore D-Day artifacts and Soldier stories featured in the Global War Gallery and enjoy special D-Day-themed activities to remember one of the most storied days in U.S. Army history.
Family Activity: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Craft a mini-parachute and see if it floats!
Art Display: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
A special display of ink and pencil sketches by Pvt. Ugo Giannini who landed on D-Day and created the only known artwork in real-time depicting the first moments shortly after H-hour on Omaha Beach.
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.
Gallery Talk: 12 p.m.
The chief curator shares the stories behind treasured D-Day artifacts and hear about their journey from restoration to their display in the Global War Gallery.
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 20: Book Talk – “Divided on D-Day: How Leadership Failures Threatened the Normandy Invasion” with Dr. Edward Gordon