Ep 5. Triumph of the Spirit: the National D-Day Museum

Triumph of the Spirit: The National D-Day Museum is the fifth episode of the second season of the Great Museums television series. This poignant episode provides an illuminating look at the comprehensive and moving tribute of The National D-Day Museum to the men and women who fought so valiantly for the cause of freedom during World War II.

Viewers are first brought to New Orleans, home to The National D-Day Museum, where they get a sense of the history that surrounds this unique museum. The episode tells the story of the museum's founder, Stephen E. Ambrose, a renowned historian who was determined to create a museum that honored the sacrifice and valor of the men and women who fought in the deadliest conflict in human history. It also chronicles the museum's evolution from its early days as a small exhibit to the establishment of its impressive permanent galleries and exhibits that have become a defining feature of the museum.

As viewers explore the museum, they are greeted by unique and dynamic exhibitions, which showcase a broad range of artifacts and stories from the war. The film captures the spirit of the museum, as each exhibit tells a unique and powerful story of wartime sacrifice, courage, and heroism. From the Higgins boat (the workhorse of the invasion force) to facing the enemy in a reconstructed beach landing, viewers are taken on a journey through the history and significance of D-Day.

Triumph of the Spirit: The National D-Day Museum also spends time focusing on some of the specific exhibits and details of the museum, digging into the meaning and history behind each one. We are introduced to the museum's Actors' Stage, which uses authentic wartime propaganda films to provide an unfiltered view of the war's impact on the American home front. We also learn about the museum's stunning collection of aircraft, jeeps, and other vehicles, which lend viewers an intimate perspective of the equipment used during the invasion.

In addition to highlighting the museum's artifacts, the episode also uses interviews with historians and museum staff to provide a unique perspective on the importance of The National D-Day Museum. The guests bring a wealth of knowledge, featuring their connections to the war, experience of loss, and emotional reactions to the stories that the museum tells. This provides an intimate look at the human aspect of history that is often lost in textbooks.

The film also explores the museum's future plans, including expansions and new exhibitions that will bring visitors closer to some of the lesser-known aspects of the war. With more states, organizations, and individuals recognizing the importance of the museum's mission, it's clear that its legacy and the stories it tells will continue to attract and inspire visitors for generations to come.

In conclusion, Triumph of the Spirit: The National D-Day Museum is an eye-opening and emotional journey that provides a unique and intimate perspective on one of the most defining conflicts of the 20th century. Through a mix of dynamic exhibitions, amazing artifacts, and firsthand accounts of the war’s impact, viewers are given a sense of the courage, sacrifice, and heroism of the men and women who fought for freedom.