A US Army veteran, Tom received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master’s degree from Texas Tech University. Tom started his museum career at the Texas Transportation Museum in San Antonio. He began working at The National D-Day Museum in October 2000, shortly after it opened, and held a number of positions, supervising the growth of the collections as the Museum transformed into The National WWII Museum until his retirement as the Museum’s Senior Curator and Restorations Manager in 2022.
Tom Czekanski
Senior Curator and Restoration Manager
More from the Contributor
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Stories My Father Told Me: The Invasion of Sicily
Tom Czekanski recalls the story his father Alphonse told him about the friendly fire incident in Sicily.
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Curator’s Choice: The Words of God Will Be Upon Your Doorpost
Staff Sergeant Robert Wolf served with the 343rd Infantry Regiment, 86th Infantry Division, in both the European and Pacific theaters. On his dog tags he added a mezuzah.
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Curator’s Choice: Swagger Stick Trench Art
The story of a swagger stick presented to T/3 John Sweitzer by his German prisoners.
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Steel Memories: From USS Arizona to the World Trade Center
We remember events in different ways. Tangible objects can serve as a reminder of past events.
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SHOP TALK: Frame Off Restoration, Part II: Disassembly
Thoughts and tips for a frame off restoration continues as we begin disassembly.
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SHOP TALK: Frame Off Restorations Part I
There are many ways to restore a vehicle but the frame off method is considered the gold standard.
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SHOP TALK: I See Stars
Although the star was used as the main identification for Allied vehicles in World War II, its design changed over time.
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SHOP TALK: Painting the German le IG 18 75mm Infantry Support Gun
Painting a German cannon presents interesting challenges to the restoration staff.
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SHOP TALK: Three Jeeps
When restoring a vehicle, paint is one of the most important aspects.
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Curator's Pick: The St. Lo Collection
Learn the story of one of the early collections acquired by the Museum.