Soldiers run onshore from a boat during WWII

Historian Speakers Bureau

Lectures and Presentations

Explore the Lessons of World War II

World War II brought about significant political, economic, scientific, and social changes in America and across the globe that still have the power to inspire us today. Our world-class experts bring these key moments, lessons, and legacies to life through engaging presentations and discussions that will enrich your understanding of the war that changed the world. 

To schedule a Historian Speakers Bureau presentation or for additional information, including pricing, please contact us at speakersbureau@nationalww2museum.org or 504-528-1944 x 458.

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Topics

Choose from 20 topics in our catalog below. Each presentation runs for one hour and includes a Q&A session with the presenting historian. Presentations can be virtual (via Zoom) or in-person (on or off campus). Ahead of your booking, you will receive an email introduction to your historian along with suggested reading.

Leadership in World War II

Step into the war rooms and onto the battlefields where some of history’s greatest leaders shaped the fate of the free world. This dynamic talk reveals how political visionaries, military masterminds, and industrial titans worked in tandem—from Washington to the Western Front—to inspire and engineer Allied victory. Tailor-made for audiences fascinated by leadership under pressure, it can spotlight strategic giants or drill down to the gritty brilliance of battlefield commanders. 

The Arsenal of Democracy: American Industry and Victory

Discover the story of how America’s factories, workers, and innovators transformed the nation into the world’s greatest wartime manufacturing machine. From assembly lines to airfields, see how ordinary citizens contributed to the “arsenal of democracy” and helped turn the tide of World War II even before the United States officially entered the conflict, and how they continued to have a decisive impact on the war’s outcome.  

D-Day in Normandy

Relive one of the most dramatic and pivotal months of the 20th century. From secret planning to the cross-channel assault on five beaches, this gripping presentation brings to life the courage, chaos, and critical decisions that led up to June 6, 1944, and ultimately delivered Allied victory on the beaches of Normandy —and set the stage for the liberation of Europe.  

The Air War

Soar above enemy territory in Europe and the Pacific and explore the Allied quest for dominance in the skies. From bloody bomber raids to daring dogfights, discover how innovation, tenacity, and bravery shaped the battle for air superiority and helped win the war. 

Louisiana in World War II

Journey into Louisiana’s unique role in World War II, where local industry, military training grounds, and patriotic residents became a powerhouse for victory. From Higgins boats to Home Front heroes, this talk celebrates how the Pelican State’s contributions echoed across the globe in the fight against fascism. 

Wartime Popular Culture

Step back into an era when movies, radio, and music became tools of persuasion in the war effort. Explore how American pop culture mobilized hearts and minds, inspiring soldiers overseas and citizens at home.  

Food and the War

From rationing to victory gardens, discover how food became both a weapon and a morale booster during World War II. This talk explores the ingenuity, shortages, and surprising culinary innovations that helped feed militaries and civilians alike. 

WWII Engineering and Innovation

Uncover the technological marvels and engineering feats that made Allied victory possible. From codebreaking machines to revolutionary aircraft and amphibious landing craft, this talk highlights the creativity, innovation, and boldness that defined a generation of inventors and problem-solvers. 

Andrew Higgins: “The Man Who Won the War for Us”

Learn the colorful story of larger-than-life New Orleans boatbuilder Andrew Jackson Higgins whose innovations and contributions led former President Dwight D. Eisenhower to dub him “the man who won the war for us.”  

The Road to Berlin

Follow the story of American forces from the deserts of North Africa to the heart of Nazi Germany. This vivid retelling of the Campaigns of Courage Road to Berlin exhibit showcases epic battles, strategic gambles, and the unyielding spirit of Allied troops as they pushed toward victory. 

The Road to Tokyo

Dive into the dramatic saga of the war in the Pacific—an unforgiving theater of war defined by island-hopping campaigns, brutal combat, and staggering challenges presented by the vast distances. Inspired by the Campaigns of Courage Road to Tokyo exhibit, this talk highlights the key moments that culminated in one of the most significant decisions in history.  

The Atomic Bomb

Go inside the top-secret Manhattan Project to uncover the race against time to build the world’s deadliest weapon. Explore the scientific, military, strategic, and moral dilemmas surrounding the use of the atomic bomb and its enduring legacy in our world today. 

Liberation and the Legacy of World War II

Trace how World War II reshaped the world—politically, socially, and technologically. From civil rights movements to global alliances, see how the war’s aftermath continues to influence the 21st century. 

Wartime Women

Celebrate the remarkable women trailblazers who answered the call of duty—pilots, nurses, factory workers, and soldiers—forever transforming their roles in American society. This talk captures their courage, achievements, and the lasting impact of their wartime contributions. 

African American Experiences in World War II

Explore the powerful story of African Americans who battled fascism abroad and racism at home. This talk brings to life their experiences, challenges, and triumphs—setting the stage for postwar civil rights movements. 

Asian American Experiences in World War II

From heroic service in segregated units to the injustices of incarceration camps, this presentation examines the complex and moving experiences of Asian Americans during the war years and their fight for recognition and rights. 

Jewish American Experiences in World War II

This talk delves into the lives of Jewish Americans during World War II, their contributions to the war effort, and how the war and Holocaust reshaped their communities and identities in the United States. 

Hispanic American Experiences in World War II

Celebrate the often-overlooked stories of Hispanic and Latino Americans in World War II. This talk highlights their military service, Home Front efforts, and how their sacrifices helped propel postwar civil rights movements. 

Native American Experiences in World War II

Discover the inspiring story of Native Americans in World War II—from battlefield bravery to Home Front contributions—and how their wartime service affected their tribal communities and reshaped US policy in the years that followed. 

The National WWII Museum

Hear the inspiring story of how the vision of two historians grew into America’s National WWII Museum. From its origins in New Orleans to its rise as a world-class institution, learn how the Museum keeps the spirit of the war alive for future generations. 

Historians

Historian

Michael S. Bell, PhD (COL, USA, Ret.)

Mike Bell is the Executive Director of the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy. Commissioned in Armor following graduation from the US Military Academy at West Point, he is a combat veteran, historian, and strategist who has served at every level from platoon through theater army, as well as with US Central Command, the Joint Staff, the West Point faculty, and the National Defense University. As a civilian faculty member at the National Defense University, he also served details to the Office of the Secretary of State and as a National Security Council Senior Director and Special Assistant to the President of the United States. Bell holds an MA and PhD in American history from the University of Maryland College Park and an MS in national  security strategy from the National Defense University, where he was a distinguished graduate of the National War College. His monograph on the role of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was published by the Strategic Studies Institute. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award, Joint Staff Badge, and Combat Action Badge.

Historian

Sean Scanlon, PhD

Sean Scanlon is a Military Historian at the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy. He received his BA in history and religious studies from Stonehill College and his MA and PhD in history from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. A specialist in 20th-century US diplomatic, military, and political history, Scanlon has done research at six presidential libraries and is a member of both the American Jewish Historical Society and the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. Before joining The National WWII Museum, Scanlon was a visiting assistant professor of history at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and the University of Mississippi, where he taught a wide range of undergraduate courses in modern US history. He is proud to honor his three grandparents who served during World War II, including Thomas S. Scanlon Jr., who joined the US Army Air Forces in 1942 and retired from the US Air Force in 1971 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Sean Scanlon
Military Historian

Bradley W. Hart, PhD

Bradley Hart is a Military Historian at the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy. Hart earned his PhD in history from Churchill College at the University of Cambridge and is the author of two books, including Hitler’s American Friends: The Third Reich’s Supporters in the United States (2018), recipient of the 2019 German Studies Association Sybil Halpern Milton Memorial Book Prize. Hart has also published numerous articles on interwar politics, diplomacy, and intelligence history. His current research focuses on information warfare in World War II. Before joining the Institute, Hart taught at California State University, Fresno and worked as an international affairs fellow on Capitol Hill. 

Research Fellow

Haley Guepet

Haley Guepet is the Research Fellow at the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy. She is finalizing her PhD in medieval history at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, focusing on the role of ancient and medieval Danish women and queens in Saxo Grammaticus’s Gesta Danorum. During her PhD, Guepet taught undergraduate courses on Vikings and humans’ relationship with the ocean. Prior to her PhD, she received a BA in history and English literature from Louisiana State University in 2016. She also received her JD in civil law from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2019 and is an attorney in Louisiana. Guepet is proud to honor her grandfathers Boyd P. Guepet Sr. and Robert “Top Todd” Todd Sr. and her great aunt Verna Heinrich who served during World War II.

Historian

Jeremy Collins

As a student pursuing his history degree at the University of Missouri, Jeremy Collins joined The National WWII Museum in 2001 as an intern with the Collections & Exhibits Department. In 2008, he moved to the Travel & Conference Department, which saw him scout, lead, or manage tours all over the world including the Philippines, the Mediterranean, England, and Northwest Europe. 
 
A member of the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy, Collins also oversees the creation, planning, marketing, and execution of many of the Museum marquee public programs, including book launches, distinguished lectures, symposia, and the Museum’s annual International Conference on World War II.  
 
Selected Articles:
"Everyone Has a Katrina Story”: 15 Years of Reflection
Private Joseph Pantillion Martínez: Medal of Honor Series
Operation Manna-Chowhound: Deliverance from Above

Historian

John Curatola, PhD

John Curatola is the Samuel Zemurray Stone Senior Historian at the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy. A Marine Corps officer of 22 years, he graduated from the University of Nebraska and is a veteran of Operation Provide Hope in Somalia, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the 2005 Indian Ocean tsunami relief effort. He holds master's degrees in both American and military history. With a PhD from the University of Kansas, John’s research focuses upon World War II, airpower, and the early Cold War period. Previously he taught history at the US Army’s Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. His first book, Bigger Bombs for a Brighter Tomorrow, addressed the nature of the American atomic monopoly, and his latest, entitled Autumn of Our Discontent, assessed US national security policy development in 1950. Additionally, his works are available in compendium books, popular magazines, and academic journals with his many presentations available for viewing on CSPAN and YouTube.

Executive Director of the Sanderson Leadership Center

Colombia A. Barrosse

After a 35-year career in the US Foreign Service, Colombia Barrosse returned to her native New Orleans to join The National WWII Museum as Executive Director of the Sanderson Leadership Center. As a diplomat, Barrosse engaged in democracy-building and strengthening of the rule of law in Latin America; providing strategic civilian support for US military in the Mediterranean; protecting American citizens during violent uprisings in the Caribbean; and managing international cultural, educational, and professional exchanges. Her Washington experience includes oversight of the design and implementation of an unbiased Foreign Service entrance exam, direction of global cultural programs, and service as Special Assistant to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Barrosse retired from the Foreign Service in 2024 with the rank of Minister Counselor, having been responsible for consular operations in support of COVID-19 recovery, the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in France. She holds a BS in Biology and a JD from the College of William and Mary in Virginia.