Press Releases
Luetkemeyer Resolution Recognizes Churchill Memorial as America's National Churchill Museum
Washington, DC,
May 1, 2009
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today announced that he has introduced a House resolution recognizing the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., as America's National Churchill Museum. Every member of Missouri's House delegation has signed on as original co-sponsors of the resolution.
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today announced that he has introduced a House resolution recognizing the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., as America’s National Churchill Museum. Every member of Missouri’s House delegation has signed on as original co-sponsors of the resolution. “The Winston Churchill Memorial and Library is a Missouri treasure marking a significant event in world history and embodying the bravery, statesmanship and character of Sir Winston Churchill and his commitment to justice and democracy,” Luetkemeyer said. “I appreciate the bi-partisan support for this important measure from my Missouri colleagues and I am hopeful that our other House colleagues will join us in recognizing this historic site as America’s National Churchill Museum.” Westminster College is the site of Churchill’s famous speech in 1946, where he uttered the phrase “an iron curtain has descended,” in recognizing the threats of the emerging Cold War. The Museum is located in the Undercroft of a 17th Century Christopher Wren church, which was brought stone by stone from London and reconstructed on the Westminster campus to commemorate Churchill’s historic visit in 1969. The Churchill Memorial and Library in Fulton underwent major renovations in 2005 and reopened to the public in 2006 in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Churchill’s famous 1946 speech. “Westminster College’s mission is to educate and inspire our students to be leaders in a global community,” added Dr. George B. Forsythe, President of Westminster College. “The Churchill Memorial embodies the College’s mission by telling the story of the life and legacy of one of the 20th Century’s greatest leaders—Sir Winston Churchill. Designation as the National Churchill Museum will raise the profile of this wonderful new museum, drawing visitors from all over the world to America’s heartland where they will learn and be inspired by Churchill’s example.” This state-of-the-art interactive museum showcases new interactive exhibits that bring Churchill to life and includes an expanded research library and archives. Visitors to the museum walk away with a greater appreciation of the historical and political analysis of the life and legacy of Churchill and a sense of Westminster’s educational mission to graduate the world’s future “leaders of character.” The Winston Churchill Memorial and Library is the only museum in North America totally devoted to Churchill’s life and work. “Since 1969, the Churchill Memorial has served as a centerpiece of national commemoration to Winston Churchill,” said Dr. Rob Havers, executive director of the Memorial. “In light of the creation of the new museum and its world class state-of-the-art exhibits, having the museum designated as the National Churchill Museum is highly appropriate and we look forward to raising the national prominence of this truly amazing tribute to one of modern history’s greatest historical figures.” ###
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