Memories of World War II: Photographs from the Archives of the Associated Press July 19, 2009

Almost two hundred reporters and photographers fanned out around the globe to cover World War II for The Associated Press, the world’s largest news service. Five reporters lost their lives. Seven others won Pulitzer Prizes, including Joe Rosenthal, who clambered up Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi to take the flag-raising photo that became the emblem of American victory and one of the most famous photos of all time. As the main source of war news for most of the nation’s newspapers, The AP offered Americans a daily view of the conflict through photographs by its own photographers and by photographers in the U.S. Armed Services, as well as images from the world press that otherwise would not have been seen. The best of these images make up this exhibition. Chuck Zoeller, director of The AP Photo Library and curator of the exhibit, says the images were culled from tens of thousands of pictures in The AP Archives, including material from AP photo files in Europe and Asia that had not been seen since the war. The objective was to bring back for the reader (exhibit visitor) the immense scope as well as the individual tragedy and challenge of World War II. We wanted to create a photographic record that allows a younger generation to better understand the sacrifices made by men, women and children in all the nations touched by the conflict. Exhibit toured by Smith Kramer Fine Arts Services. The exhibit is enhanced by World War II objects and memorabilia from local residents and the new World War II History Center at El Dorado, KS!
We are expecting many groups for this exhibit, call in advance to schedule groups of 5 or more, contact 620-846-2527 for information or to set up a tour. Museum hours: Tue -Sat 9-12 1-4:30, Sun 1:30-4:30. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted for this exceptional exhibition. www.stauthmemorialmuseum.org