A new traveling exhibit, ‘D-Day, Omaha Beach,’ will be on display at the Curtis Laws Wilson Library at Missouri S&T from Friday, April 4 through Thursday, May 15. Designed to captivate audiences of all ages, this visually stunning exhibit is a poignant remembrance of the D-Day invasion and the sacrifices made by those who served their nation on June 6, 1944. It recreates the dramatic and harrowing assault on Omaha Beach, the bloodiest and most contested of the five invasion beaches during the Allied invasion of Normandy.
The exhibit is based on The Dead and Those About to Die, D-Day: The Big Red One at Omaha Beach, a book published by Dr. John C. McManus, one of the leading authorities on the Normandy invasion. Dr. McManus is the Curators’ Distinguished Professor of U.S. Military History at Missouri S&T and has authored 15 books on the topic. His expertise, shared in recorded video snippets, provides valuable historical context for the exhibit, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those who fought on Omaha Beach.
Created by a dedicated team of volunteers, the exhibit blends art, cutting-edge technology, and historical insight to immerse visitors in the events of D-Day. Through a combination of sights and sounds, ‘D-Day, Omaha Beach’ offers a world-class museum experience that brings this crucial moment in history to life.
The exhibit features works by Keith Rocco, an acclaimed American painter and narrative artist with over 80 paintings featured in the National Park Service. Known for his mastery of figure painting and historical accuracy, Rocco’s detailed artwork serves as a powerful visual representation of the courage and sacrifices made during the D-Day assault.
Mark Fastoso, an Emmy Award-winning producer with over 15 years of experience working for PBS, has used his expertise to craft an interactive and immersive experience for visitors. His work integrates the latest broadcast and web technologies, allowing attendees to engage with the exhibit in a highly dynamic way.
Bernard Kempinski, a nationally recognized professional model builder, has contributed his highly detailed models and photography to the exhibit. Kempinski’s award-winning craftsmanship enables visitors to visualize the scale and intensity of the Omaha Beach invasion through realistic, miniature recreations of the battlefield.
‘D-Day, Omaha Beach’ offers a timely and immersive opportunity to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the men who fought to secure freedom.
The exhibit, located on the first floor of Wilson Library, will be open to the public through May 15. This is a unique chance to experience history in a dynamic and personal way—honoring the legacy of those who served on that fateful day.
This exhibit has been made possible thanks to the support of the Maxwell C. Weiner Distinguished Professorship in the Humanities and the Department of History and Political Science at Missouri S&T. A gift from the estate of Maxwell C. Weiner as part of the Missouri Endowed Chair and Professorship program, the Weiner professorship is designed to attract exceptional faculty, support academic excellence, and enhance the visibility of the humanities at Missouri S&T.
