WWII Archives - What To See In Washington DC

“Fortress Under Fire”: Learn the Story Behind This Air and Space Mural

ExhibitAugust 14, 2026839Views 0Likes 0Comments

It'll always be 11:45 am on August 15th, 1944, in this gallery at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC. This giant mural, "Fortress Under Fire", captures a moment of the gigantic air battle fought just weeks after D-Day, when the Eighth Air Force launched 932 heavy bombers and 443 fighters against…

The Air and Space Museum Opens “WWII in the Air” Exhibit Next Week

ExhibitJune 26, 2026651Views 0Likes 0Comments

After closing the WWII exhibit for renovations over the last several years, the new gallery opens this Wednesday, July 1st. From the Battle of Britain to the brutal combat on the Eastern Front to the carrier wars in the Pacific, this exhibition tries to cover the breadth of the war in a 6,000 square foot…

A Family-Friendly D-Day Adventure at the National Museum of the U.S. Army

MuseumsJune 6, 2025550Views 0Likes 0Comments

Looking for a meaningful way to commemorate D-Day with your family this year? Head to the U.S. Army Museum, a short 25-minute drive from the National Mall. This newer museum offers an engaging experience that brings the history of D-Day to life for kids and adults. Step into the D-Day Gallery The D-Day Gallery is…

Millions of Letters Boosting Morale: Remembering V-Mail 81 Years Later

MuseumsJune 17, 2023438Views 0Likes 0Comments

V-Mail launched 81 years ago this week. When William H. VanZee wrote these two letters to his wife, Laura, the Victory Mail system was a well-oiled machine. It allowed millions of families around the world to stay in touch in spite of their separation. William's letters to his wife, Laura What is V-Mail? V-Mail was a…

Monuments Men Diary Donated to the National Archives

EventsMay 2, 2019373Views 0Likes 0Comments

The Monuments Men Foundation donated the diary of S. Lane Faison, Jr. to the National Archives this week. This continues the piecemeal reconstruction of records related to the immense theft of art in Europe by the Nazi during WWII. Now 74 years after the meticulous kept Nazi records fell in Allied hands, the records are…