Pearl Harbor, World War II is focus of new exhibit at Daytona's Museum of Arts & Sciences
As the sacrifices and accomplishments of World War II veterans are saluted nationwide on Pearl Harbor Day, the day that still lives “in infamy” also will be part of an exhibit now open at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach.
Here’s what you need to know about the exhibit:
What’s the focus of the World War II exhibit at MOAS?
“World War II: Stories From the American Experience” takes visitors on a chronological journey through the events of World War II, starting with the emotional attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
It explores how the stories of those involved and affected by the war live on from generation to generation through a display of rare artifacts accompanied by the personal memories of those who owned them.
Those items will recount the history of the war’s three theaters of operation in Europe, the Pacific and the United States’ home front through more than 100 artifacts and images from the collection of historian Ryan Lowry.
How did historian develop an interest in World War II?
A University of Florida graduate with a master’s degree in history from American Military University, Lowry has been collecting World War II stories and artifacts for nearly two decades. His collection now includes some 10,000 items.
His first artifact was a Purple Heart medal bought for $20 at an antique fair in 2006, shortly after a Time magazine article about the D-Day invasion sparked his interest in World War II history.
“When I had it (the medal) in my hand, I was changed forever,” Lowry said in a press release about the exhibit. “I now knew that you could hold and own history, tell stories about it and experience it first-hand, not just see it on TV or read it in a book.
“I met collectors, veterans, families of veterans, archivists and many other incredible people on my journey working with World War II artifacts, holding objects at times that I simply couldn't believe I was holding. Documents, uniforms, flags, swords, diaries, and much more, all telling a story.”
How are the WWII artifacts presented at MOAS?
With the help of Zach Zacharias, MOAS senior curator of history, the historic artifacts are presented with attention to the war’s chronology, starting with the Pearl Harbor invasion, Lowry said.
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“As I collected World War II in chronological order of campaigns and events of all types, that's how I felt the exhibit should be planned out,” Lowry said. “People need to see this major world event in order of how the survivors experienced it. In the exhibit you see Pearl Harbor, then Europe, the Pacific, the home front and the legacy.”
How long will the exhibit be on display at MOAS?
“World War II: Stories From the American Experience” will be at the museum’s Edward E. and Jane B. Ford Gallery through Jan. 21, 2024.
Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. During the holiday season, the museum will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
The exhibit is included with the museum’s regular admission of $12.95 for adults, $6.95 for ages 6-17, and free for museum members. Admission to “World War II: Stories from the American Experience” also is free for veterans and active military with ID.
Where can I find more information?
Visit moas.org for more information on “World War II: Stories From the American Experience” and other museum exhibits and programs. Museum admission also can be purchased online at the website.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Pearl Harbor, World War II history recounted in Daytona Beach exhibit
