Exploring Destinations

US Freedom Pavilion The Boeing Center

Telling the ‘World-altering’ Story

By Pamela A. Keene Photography courtesy of National WWII Museum

In a six-building campus, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans continues to preserve and explain the war’s history for future generations.

Not many veterans of World War II are left to tell their stories and remind us to remember the bravery and accomplishments of what journalist Tom Brokaw calls “The Greatest Generation.” Veterans’ foundations and numerous museums across the country in Quonset huts and old airplane hangars on nearly abandoned landing fields and army training camps share their collections of uniforms, weapons, flags, and medals. But no place in the United States brings together the story with such depth and detail as the New Orleans National WWII Museum. Located on six blocks in the city’s Warehouse District, the museum comprises six buildings totaling approximately 300,000 square feet. To take in all the museum’s collections might take several days. “The National WWII Museum is the definitive place to come for a comprehensive perspective about World War II,” says Tom Czekanski, senior curator of the museum that opened in 2000. “The collections and exhibitions tell the story of the war through the American viewpoint and delve into our nation’s experience of this great global conflict both

Merchant Marine Gallery

US Freedom Pavilion interior Road to Berlin

Road to Tokyo

at home and abroad.” Czekanski always has been a history buff, but the stories of World War II hold special meaning for him. “My father was in the 82nd Airborne Division on D-Day and also in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. After he came home, he again went to serve in the Korean War,” he says. “My father often spoke of his experiences. However, most veterans did not. They regarded the true heroes as those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” The museum’s multimedia experiences, immersive interactive exhibits, and extensive collections of memorabilia and artifacts are complemented by first-person oral histories. Permanent exhibitions are grouped in galleries that delve into central themes of the war in both theaters, Europe and the Pacific, as well as on the home front. The Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, the museum’s original building, houses the newest permanent exhibition, “The Arsenal of Democracy.” Showcasing the commitments from people back home through interactive displays, artifacts, and audio recordings, the exhibit includes glimpses inside the aircraft manufacturing plants, uniform factories, and homes where families planted Victory Gardens. “America initially wanted to stay out of the war, but Pearl Harbor galvanized the country,” Czekanski says. “Americans set aside their differences and united in the war effort.” Other exhibits, “Road to Tokyo” and “Road to Berlin,” detail the struggles and triumphs of the military’s major campaigns through films, photographs, artifacts, uniforms, and interactive displays. Traveling and special exhibitions are featured throughout the year. From now through Jan. 2, 2022, pieces from the museum’s collection not often displayed comprise the special exhibit “SOLDIER | ARTIST: Trench Art in World War II.”

The National WWII Museum Campaigns of Courage exterior

“Focusing on the detritus of battle, this exhibit of more than 150 pieces includes trench art, such as ash trays made from shell casings and necklaces created from foreign coins, sent home to loved ones,” Czekanski explains. “Crafted by soldiers, many of these items have been donated to us by family members or by collectors who may have purchased them at flea markets. The backstories of these objects are fascinating and show a different side of battle.” For the past dozen years, the museum has hosted the International Conference on World War II as well as other educational conferences and symposiums that bring together people from around the world.

“Themed ‘Memory Wars: World War II at 75,’ this upcoming conference examines how museums, filmmakers, memorials, and historians help shape the memories of the conflict,” Czekanski says. “It is vital that we accurately maintain the history of this world-altering conflict.” A program of the museum’s Institute for the Study of War and Democracy, this year’s event takes place in September at the Higgins Hotel & Conference Center that’s part of the campus.

One of New Orleans’ newest hotels, The Higgins is named for boatbuilder Andrew Higgins, who designed and built more than 20,000 amphibious craft used throughout the war in both theaters, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Décor reflects the style of the pre-war era through vintage photographs and ’30s- and ’40s-style furnishings. The Higgins offers fine dining, a rooftop bar, well-appointed rooms and suites, and nearly 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space. It’s the official hotel of the National WW II Museum. “Even with a campus covering six city blocks the museum can only touch on the broad story of the war,” Czekanski says. “As we lose our veterans and the civilians that supported them it is important for people to visit the museum and learn about what America can do when we all come together.”

Nationalww2museum.org.

Verna Gates is a freelance writer in Birmingham and the author of “100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die.”

Abbey Massey & Charles Brock

October 3, 2020 The Engagement: The couple were engaged on the beach in Orange Beach, Ala. on May 5, 2019 surrounded by close friends.

The Big Day: Abbey, from Sardis, Miss., and Brock from Batesville, Miss., were married at beautiful Cedar Ridge Events in Coldwater, Miss.

The Cake: Patricia Farris The Food: Cedar Ridge The Music: Chris Lott The Flowers: Cedar Ridge The Photographer: Haley Marie Photography

Abbie Dill & Justin Jackson

October 3, 2020

The Big Day: Cypress Hall in Hernando, Miss. The Cake: Cupcake Cutie The Food: Barbecue The Music: Robert Johnson The Flowers: Ena Fowler The Photographer: Brittany Morgan Mitchell The Honeymoon: The couple traveled to Montego Bay, Jamaica, for seven days at the Royalton Blue Waters Resort.

Jill Pitcher & John Allen

August 30, 2020

The Big Day: Originally planned for October 13, the wedding was moved up and limited to family because of Covid. It took place at Kincaid Manor in Holly Springs, Miss.

The Reception: Reception was held at Mike and Patti Allen’s home in Southaven, Miss. The Cake: Annie Guy The Food: Corky's BBQ The Music: Hank Parks The Flowers: Dawn Edwards The Photographer: Jackie McGuiness

Leah Thompson & Garrison Brigance

May 30, 2020

The Big Day: Due to COVID-19, the couple's original plans changed. They got married under a 400+ year old oak tree at Garrison's parent's house. They were so thankful the plans changed... and changed for the better!

The Cake: Old Towne Bakery The Food: Germantown Commissary The Music: DJ Rockin' A - Aubrey Coleman Decor: Bride of Boaz The Flowers: Darling Flowers The Photographer: Steph Segars Photography The Honeymoon: The couple enjoyed massages, a jet ski tour, and traveling by scooter in Key West, Florida.

Montana Easley & Brenden Blankenship

November 7, 2020

The Big Day: Montana and Brenden were married in the chapel at the Barn at Snider Farms in Dickson, Tenn.

The Gown: Montana wore a beautiful fit and flare satin gown with jeweled waistline and long train from Low’s Bridal and Formal Shop in Brinkley, Ark. The Cake: How Sweet It Is by Tim The Food: Gourmet Your Way, Jackson Tenn. The Music: Deep Blu Entertainment The Flowers: J. Kent Freeman Floral Design, Jackson, Tenn. The Photographer: Kelly Ginn Photography The Honeymoon: The couple spent a week at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake in Whitefish, Mont.

Victoria Sanders and Elijah McGee

April 16, 2021

The Big Day - The First Presbyterian Church Hernando, Miss.

The Reception: The Gin, Nesbit, Miss.

The Cake: Sam’s Club The Food: Germantown Commisary The Flowers: Dawn Edwards - Made Ya Look The Photographer: Thankfully Taken Photography

Kimberly Tupper & Aaron Boyd

October 3, 2020

The Big Day: Mallard's Croft Chapel in Byhalia Miss. The Gown: The bride wore a beautiful flowing gown with a chapel length veil. The Cake: Frost Bake Shop The Food: Heart and Soul INC. Catering The Music: Brad the DJ The Flowers: Ena Fowler Floral Design. The Bride's bouquet consisted of loose greenery with florals in shades of cream and white roses, hydrangea, ranunculus and other seasonal flowers along with one white Gerber daisy in remembrance of her cousin Lizzie. The Photographer: Thankfully Taken Photography

Amy Redden-Smith & Tommy Agner

January 1, 2021

The Engagement: Tommy proposed on Petit Jean Mountain in Morrilton, Ark. Amy and Tommy dated for five years in high school and college. Thirty years later, they reconnected in March 2020 through a "Happy Birthday" message on Facebook.

The Big Day: CCC Lookout at Petit Jean State Park on New Year's Day. The couple went back to the same spot as their engagement to proclaim their love for each other through personally written vows. The theme was simple western frontier.

The Cake: Patticake Bakery, Conway, Ark. The Flowers: Ye Olde Daisy, Conway, Ark. The Photographer: Steve Herlihy Photography, Nashville, Tenn.

Laura Johnson & Ian Bennie

April 17, 2021

The Big Day: The gardens at Annesdale Mansion in Memphis. The art nouveau theme was chosen to represent the old and charming character of the house, while also bringing a modern feel to it through the flowers and other decorations.

The Cake: Miss Muff'n Bakery Germantown, Tenn.' The Food: Pink Flamingo Catering The Music: The Jamm Bandits The Gown - Laura wore a DESI gown from Nicole Barre' Memphis. The Flowers: Olive Branch Florist The Planner: Just Weddings, Lisa Childers The Photographer: Ben and Colleen Photography, Atlanta, Ga.

on the road again | CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MISS. Crystal Springs, Mississippi

8:15 a.m. – If you are ‘nuts’ about dough, then start your day with a cup of delicious coffee and the freshest, house-made donuts at USA Doughnuts on US Hwy. 51. If you are extra hungry, try the sausage egg bagel or a spicy kolache.

9:00 a.m. – Experience all things tomato at the Crystal Springs Tomato Museum in the Chautauqua Park Visitors Center at 114 Chautauqua Dr. This free museum is open throughout the year, and explains how Crystal Springs became the “Tomatopolis” Capital of the World.

9:45 a.m. – Take advantage of the cooler morning air for a walk around the trails and gardens at the 74-acre Chautauqua Park. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. the park also includes historical sites, playgrounds, and a 35-acre lake. Field guides are available for purchase at the Visitors Center.

10:30 a.m. – Completely unique to Crystal Springs is the Robert Johnson Blues Museum. Blues fans will find a treasure trove of information and memorabilia about Robert Johnson, known as the king of Delta Blues singers. Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.

11:45 a.m. – The locals recommend Pappas Pizza Pi, next door to the Blues Museum. While the pizzas are popular, this eatery owned by Terry Pappas, also offers authentic Greek flavors with its housemade Spanakopita, Tiropita, and Wild Greek subs or salads. The “semi” sandwich is made with a wedge of fresh-baked pizza crust and is much lighter than a sub. Gluten-free options are available.

1:15 p.m. – Crystal Springs offers a several hands-on studios where visitors can make their own treasured gifts. Make colorful mosaics at Touch of Glass Mosaic Studio on Marion Avenue or try your hand at clay or chalk paint at Cottonwood Giftery and DIY Studio on East Georgetown.

3:15 p.m. – That Perfect Piece on Marion Avenue is an antique store that is exactly what it sounds like – full of perfect pieces, including upcycled home décor, custom-made and monogrammed items, and more. Other nearby boutiques like Simplicity or M.M.T. offer unique items.

4:30 p.m. – Gardening enthusiasts won’t want to miss Four Seasons Garden Art on Utica Road. Displays include over 300 running fountains and five acres of home and garden products. Four Seasons Garden Art has offered high-quality fountains and cast stone statuaries for more than 70 years.

5:45 p.m. – Stop for dinner at Shivers Creek Fish House of Crystal Springs on Highway 27, just outside of the downtown area. Farm-fresh never-frozen Mississippi catfish is the house specialty but you’ll also find po’ boys, shrimp, oysters and chicken. Save room for one of the homemade dessert specials.

mainstreetcrystalsprings.com cityofcrystalsprings.com robertjohnsonbluesfoundation.org wisteriainnbandb.com fourseasonsgardenart.net

Events

Please check websites or call ahead for updated information.

Crystal Springs’ Farmers Market

Saturday, June 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Farmers from the region pack The Shed at Railroad Park on the first Saturday of each month, offering the freshest produce, plants, and home-baked goods.

25th Annual Tomato Festival

Saturday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Railroad Park (W Railroad Ave S) Celebrate Crystal Springs’ tomato heritage at this annual festival, always held on the last Saturday in June. Starting at 7 a.m., a 5K Run/Walk is scheduled and the farmers’ market will be open, offering fresh produce – especially tomatoes. Entertainment is scheduled for The Shed, the local landmark in Railroad Park. Come see why Crystal Springs is called the Tomatopolis of the World.

2021 Wild Game Cook-Off

Saturday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. Sponsored by Main Street Crystal Springs, the event is one of Main Street’s annual fundraisers. Both amateurs and professionals are invited to compete with their best recipes!

Annual Fall Flower & Garden Fest

October (dates TBA) Sponsored by Mississippi State University's local agriculture center, the Mississippi State Truck Crops Experiment Station, the garden fest is a popular activity for flower and gardening enthusiasts.

Compiled by Mary Ann DeSantis Photo Credits: Chamber of Commerce and Crystal Springs Main Street