June 1944: One Month in the War that Changed the World

In honor of the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion at Normandy, The National World War II Museum is mounting its most ambitious special exhibit to date.  June 1944: One Month in the War that Changed the World will focus not only on June 6, 1944, but will examine the global nature of World War II.

The exhibit will explore pivotal events occurring in June 1944 including the liberation of Rome, the landings at Normandy, the landings at Saipan, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, Operation Bagration, the lifting of the Siege of Imphal, the Battle of Kohima and the signing of the G.I. Bill of Rights.

The 3,000 square-foot exhibit will showcase items from the Museum’s collection as well as artifacts from other museums and private collectors all over the world. The result will be an assemblage of artifacts never before exhibited together, providing the visitor with an unparallel experience and collection of touchstone artifacts to relate to these pivotal events.

June 1944 will not only present an array of artifacts but will also present them in a number of ways, a precursor to the exhibits planned for the Museum’s expansion. Artifacts large and small will be interpreted in semi-immersive settings, touch screen technology will highlight the personal stories of veterans and computerized maps will orientate the visitor.

• Fighting for Democracy: Who is the "We" in "We, the People"
• Lives Remembered: Portraits of a Community Lost
• When Baseball Went to War
• Incredible Victory: The Battle of Midway
• Boats of Wood, Men of Steel: Wooden Combat Vessels in WWII
• Anne Frank: A History for Today
• Beyond the Call of Duty: The Medal of Honor in World War II