Huntsville, Ala – Wrapping up its exhibition year with a riveting display, the Huntsville Museum of Art is proud to present Memories of World War II: Photographs from the Archives of The Associated Press, opening Saturday, August 3, and running through September 29, 2013. The exhibit will consist of more than 120 black and white photographs from all theaters of the war and the home front, ranging from AP photographer Joe Rosenthal’s well-known flag-raising image on Iwo Jima in 1945 to scores of pictures not seen in decades.

“We are truly honored to host such a powerful exhibition which shares defining moments in our nation’s history,” Christopher J. Madkour, Museum Executive Director, said. “For those who fought in WWII, as well as other foreign wars, we have a responsibility to educate today’s generations of their courage, sacrifice, heroic deeds and honor; that is an important part of the Museum’s  mission.”

Memories of World War II opened May 24, 2004 to the public at Washington’s Union Station, a week before the National World War II Memorial was ceremonially christened on the Mall. It has since traveled to more than 20 museums throughout the U.S.
In the exhibit, familiar scenes of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, along with British and American troops hitting Normandy beaches on D-Day and marching through newly liberated Paris, are juxtaposed with hidden surprises sure to evoke strong memories among older Americans.

Despite censorship that delayed the release of pictures and restricted caption information, the wartime cameras recorded dramatic close-ups of power and pathos, the leaders and the lost. Many photos credit AP staff photographers by name. Other images came from anonymous Army or Navy photographers. Some were killed in combat; others went on to postwar prominence in their craft.

To kick-off the exhibition, the Huntsville Museum of Art will host a Preview Party on Thursday, August 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. While they preview the exhibit, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres by Narvell, complimentary wine and beer, and live music provided by musicians and friends of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. The Museum will also unveil a Wall of Honor listing names of World War II veterans and veterans of other foreign wars.

Tickets to the Preview Party are $60 for members and $90 for non-members. The public is encouraged to RSVP by July 29 to 256-535-4350 ext. 208, or they may purchase tickets online at www.hsvmuseum.org. The exhibition is courtesy of The Associated Press with tour management provided by Smith Kramer Fine Art Services of Kansas City, MO.

Memories of World War II is proudly supported by the museum’s Lead Sponsors PNC Bank and Davidson Technologies, in memory of Dr. Julian Davidson. Additional support is provided by Corporate Sponsors AEgis Technologies, Alexander’s Jewelry, Boeing, Kord Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Parsons Corporation, QuantiTech, Inc., QinetiQ, and Raytheon; Program Sponsor Northrop Grumman Corporation; and Reception Sponsor Wally Kirkpatrick of DESE Research. Additional sponsors include Cynthia and Rey Almodovar, Carolyn and John Blue, The Huntsville Times, Libby and Ray Jones, The Kuehlthau Family Foundation, Betsy and Peter Lowe, Judy and Oscar Maxwell, Bill Stender, Kathi and Norm Tew, and Jane and Frank Troup, and the Women’s Guild of HMA.

General admission is FREE for members and children 5 and under. Admission for non-members is $10 for adults; $8 for military, students, teachers, and seniors with a valid ID; $5 for children ages 6−11; and $7 per person for groups of 10 or more. Admission on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. is only $5 for all non-members, as part of a NEW $5 After Five program. For more information, visit www.hsvmuseum.org or call 256-535-4350.

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