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Samantha Pryor
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Abilene, Kan. - The Eisenhower, Roosevelt, and Truman Presidential Libraries are proud to present our third annual emerging scholars symposium to commemorate D-Day. The 2023 theme is “Difficult Decisions: Beyond the Battlefield.” This symposium seeks to explore decisions influencing World War II not related to combat strategy and tactics. Our goal is to enhance the future of WWII scholarship by examining lesser-known topics and showcasing new and emerging scholars.
This year's program kicks off with a keynote presentation and book signing event featuring Linda Hervieux. Each of the symposium programs will be streamed live on YouTube and also have an in-person component at the Eisenhower Presidential Library.
Wednesday, June 7 - 11 a.m. (central time)
Keynote Speaker Linda Hervieux
Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Day's Black Heroes, at Home and at War
Visitors Center Auditorium
YouTube Livestream: youtube.com/watch?v=KvZmeedngLE
Author Linda Hervieux will discuss her book on the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion and their involvement in the D-Day landings. In the early hours of June 6, 1944, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, a unit of African-American soldiers, landed on the beaches of France. Her book titled Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Day's Black Heroes, at Home and at War is available in our gift shop. A book signing will follow the author's presentation.
Linda Hervieux is a journalist and photographer whose work has appeared in publications including The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, the New York Daily News, and the Daily Beast. A native of Lowell, Massachusetts, she lived for many years in Brooklyn before moving to Paris, France, with her husband. This is her first book.
Thursday, June 8: Christopher McNulty
Presentation: 11 a.m. (central time) | Scholar Spotlight: 12 p.m. (central time)
Library building indoor courtyard
YouTube livestream: youtube.com/watch?v=h5h6uTef0hk
“A Special Compliment to our Allies from the United States of America: the Visiting Forces Act and Anglo-American relations, 1942"
Thursday, June 8: Benjamin Schneider, Ph.D.
Presentation: 1 p.m. (central time) | Scholar Spotlight: 2 p.m. (central time)
Library building indoor courtyard
YouTube livestream: youtube.com/watch?v=c3vcls5KNGc
“No Good Options: Eisenhower, American War Crimes, and the Legacy of the Second World War”
Friday, June 9: Rob Williams, Ph.D.
Presentation: 11 a.m. (central time) | Scholar Spotlight: 12 p.m. (central time)
Library building indoor courtyard
YouTube livestream: youtube.com/watch?v=tl9wdz-hbh8
“Our Problem Children: Masculinity and the Airborne in World War II"
Friday, June 9: Jared T. Frederick
Presentation: 1 p.m. (central time) | Scholar Spotlight: 2 p.m. (central time)
Library building indoor courtyard
YouTube livestream: youtube.com/watch?v=gH79tjC0tVI
“Dispatches of D-Day: Freedom of the Press and the Normandy Invasion”
Additional details are available on the Commemorate D-Day page of our website.
About the Eisenhower Presidential Library
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is one of 15 Presidential Libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Presidential Libraries promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. They preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire. Public programs and exhibits at the Eisenhower Presidential Library are made possible in part through the generous support of the Eisenhower Foundation. To learn more, visit eisenhowerlibrary.gov.