Event: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Reception: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public. Register today to join us in person or to view the event online.

Join us in conversation with Sonia Purnell, author of Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue, which tells the spectacular story of Pamela Churchill Harriman—beloved daughter-in-law of the British prime minister, “secret weapon” during World War II, and influential activist in American politics. With a wealth of fresh research, interviews, and newly discovered sources, Purnell unveils for the first time the full story of how Harriman left an indelible mark on the world today.

Purnell will sign copies of her book following the presentation. Preorder your copy of Kingmaker from the Museum Store.

For additional information, please email Connie Gentry, Conference and Programs Manager, at connie.gentry@nationalww2museum.org.

This Orlin Russell Corey Memorial Lecture is presented in partnership with the Churchill Society of New Orleans.

About Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue

When Pamela Churchill Harriman died in 1997, the obituaries that followed were predictably scathing—and many were downright sexist. Written off as a courtesan and social climber, her true legacy was overshadowed by a glamorous social life and her infamous erotic adventures. Much of what she did behind the scenes—on both sides of the Atlantic—remained invisible and secret. During World War II, Harriman strategically wined, dined, and seduced diplomats and generals to help win over American sentiment (and secrets) to the British cause against Hitler. After the war, she helped to transform US politics, bringing a struggling Democratic Party back to life, facilitating Bill Clinton's rise from obscurity to the presidency, and playing major roles part in what was arguably the high-water mark of American global supremacy. Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue reasserts Harriman’s rightful place at the heart of 20th century culture and history.

About the Author

Sonia Purnell is a biographer and journalist who has worked at The Economist, The Telegraph, and The Sunday Times. Her book Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill (published as First Lady in the UK) was chosen as a book of the year by The Telegraph and The Independent, and was a finalist for the Plutarch Award. Her first book, Just Boris, was longlisted for the Orwell prize.