COUNTDOWN TO ROAD TO BERLIN: THE DESERT WAR-NORTH AFRICA GALLERY

We are proud to continue to present to you the Road to Berlin, the first floor galleries within Campaigns of Courage: European and Pacific Theaters. Last week we oriented you to the war in Europe, and this week we plunge into the first stop in the war in the European-Mediterranean Theater: North Africa.

Rendering of The Desert War- North Africa gallery

The Desert War- North Africa Gallery will tell the story of how American and British troops assaulted the Axis in Africa to secure a Mediterranean stronghold before attempting an attack on Hitler’s “Fortress Europe.” After an enormous Allied effort, they eventually defeated the Germans and Italians and established an operations base for launching bombing raids in preparation for the invasion of Sicily and Italy. The North Africa narrative also gives close attention to American forces’ setbacks and hard lessons.

This immersive 1,500 square foot space will convey the landscape of Tunisia as American forces stem the Nazi tide. You will feel surrounded by desert and rocky landscape, as you see projections of tanks rolling over the sand. Macro artifacts will include a 105mm Howitzer and a 1943 Jeep. You will be able to get up close to dozens of iconic Weapons of Europe displayed in an enormous artifact case.

The gallery will feature three main exhibits: Operation Torch, Kasserine Pass, and Advance into Tunisia.

The Desert War – North Africa gallery is an available naming opportunity. If you are interested in obtaining more details about sponsoring this gallery, please contact Ashley Nash at 504-528-1944 x 348.

Rendering of The Desert War- North Africa gallery

Post by Lauren Bevis, Donor Relations Manager, and Ashley Nash, Prospect Coordinator.