Robert Edsel's Blog

As part of the 65th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE-Day) celebration at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas, I will be discussing my new book, The Monuments Men and presenting a completely revised presentation that focuses on General Eisenhower’s role concerning protection of the arts during World War II. Ike’s policies were implemented by the Monuments Men. In conjunction with the presentation I will be bringing with me one of the “Hitler Albums” which will be on display during the weekend. The presentation starts at 7pm in the Visitors Center Auditorium, with audience Q&A to follow. On Saturday, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will be the other keynote speaker beginning at 1pm.

If you would like to attend the events, please click on the following link for more information: Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum: VE-Day 65th Anniversary

Anyone that lives in the New York City area and wants to hear Robert Edsel talk about his latest book “The Monuments Men”. their fascinating story, and their relevance today, you are in luck. He is speaking at IFAR (International Foundation for Art Research) on Monday, April 26 from 6:00 – 8:00pm. The title of his talk is “The Invisible Heroes: The Monuments Men”.  Reservations are needed and is filling up fast, so don’t hesitate. The presentation is guaranteed to be entertaining, informative and thoroughly enjoyed by all that attend. Please click on the link below for more information and to make your reservations.

Details

Title: “The Invisible Heroes: The Monuments Men”

Date: Monday, April 26, 2010

Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm

Location: The Union League Club
38 East 37th Street (at Park Avenue), New York

Please Note: Reservations and pre-payment required. Also note: The Union League Club has a dress code; traditional business attire required.

The Invisible Heroes: The Monuments Men

Back in February, I had to cancel my lecture at the University of Pennsylvania Law School due to heavy snowstorms all along the eastern seaboard which made traveling, either by air or by land, impossible. This is still the only speaking engagement I’ve had to cancel (out of more than 50!).

Happily, I am pleased to announce that this lecture was rescheduled and will be held on April 21 from 4:30 – 5:30 in S-240A and is open to everyone. I will be discussing my current book, “The Monuments Men” which details the extraordinary experiences this small group of Allied soldiers encountered in protecting, saving and returning Europe’s priceless artistic treasures. This lecture is sponsored by Penn Law Association in the Arts.  A reception and book signing is to follow. For more information, please click on the link.

University of Pennsylvania Law presents lecturer Robert M. Edsel

It was an honor to speak at our Nation’s World War II Museum in New Orleans this past Saturday evening.  There were more than 400 people in attendance, twice the size audience that was expected.  This has happened repeatedly in my travels lecturing:  audiences everywhere are interested in the story of how a handful of 40 year old men managed to save so much of the art we all enjoy today.  Dr. Nick Mueller, President of the Museum and lifelong friend of the late Dr. Stephen Ambrose, whose vision it was to build this magnificent museum, shared with the audience his determination to in time incorporate the telling of this story about the Monuments Men into the Museum’s comprehensive presentation of the story of World War II.   There could be no greater evidence of how “untold” the story of the Monuments Men is than the fact that there is NOTHING about it in the Museum’s detailed and in depth coverage of the war.  Dr. Mueller has been quick to see the power of this story and what an important part it is to the telling of the war experience, especially in the years that followed the end of the war as the Monuments Men remained in Europe for more than 6 years finishing the job they started.

This presentation was taped by C-SPAN and will be aired nationally in the coming days.  Stay tuned for broadcast details and photos from the event!