Bright Lights Revealed: Liberation - Preserving the Legacy of World War II Hear from co-founder of the National WWII Museum, Dr. Nick Mueller, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities' 2024 Champion of Culture

“Bright Lights Revealed: Liberation - Preserving the Legacy of World War II” A lecture presented by Dr. Gordon "Nick" Mueller Thursday, December 12 6–8 p.m. Admission is free, and registration is encouraged. Recently the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the parent organization of The Helis Foundation John Scott Center, recognized Dr. Gordon "Nick" Mueller as the 2024 Champion of Culture of the Year. On Thursday, December 12, Dr. Mueller, who was a co-founder of the National World War II Museum, will present a lecture on liberation and preserving the legacy of World War II. About the Lecture Though World War II ended nearly 80 years ago, the lessons learned and lasting legacies continue to impact our country and the world to this day. From the liberation of the concentration camps to the prosecution of those who committed crimes against humanity, and also the United States embracing its new role in the world as a champion for freedom while adjusting to domestic changes within, World War II’s impact is ever-present. These and many more issues were considered, discussed, and debated while the leadership of The National WWII Museum planned and brought into being its capstone campus gallery – Liberation Pavilion. Hear from the Founding President & CEO, Dr. Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, PhD, as he discusses the war, its legacies, and the institution he helped build. About the Speakers: Dr. Gordon “Nick” Mueller is President and CEO Emeritus of The National World War II Museum. Dr. Mueller assisted historian Stephen Ambrose in founding the institution, initially known as The National D-Day Museum; he led the organization as Chairman of the Board from 1998 through its construction phase to the Grand Opening on June 6, 2000. His appointment as full-time President and CEO in 2000 allowed him to shape the Museum’s exhibits and educational programs focused on the American experience in World War II. He played a lead role in raising the funds and international prominence for the Museum’s expansion efforts. Dr. Mueller transitioned into semi-retirement in July 2017 as President and CEO Emeritus, and is now engaged in research, book writing, and advising on exhibits for the Museum’s Liberation Pavilion Before shifting into his career in the museum world, Dr. Mueller enjoyed a 33-year career as a Professor of European History at the University of New Orleans. During his tenure, he served as Dean, Vice Chancellor, and founding President of the Research and Technology Park. The university recognizes Dr. Mueller as the founder of UNO’s Metropolitan College and the university’s International Study Programs in Innsbruck, Austria. Dr. Mueller earned his Bachelor’s degree at Stetson University and both his MA and PhD at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Dr. Mueller was awarded Honorary Doctorate degrees from Stetson University and the University of New Orleans; he is also a recipient of the Legion of Honor, Chevalier, from the Republic of France.