2018 PATHWAYS OF PATRIOTS:
“Telling Their Stories”

About the Pathways of Patriots Series

Watch the 2016 Speaker Series Video

The nonprofit Wenham Museum is creating a series of discussions for 2017 that will allow veterans to share with attendees their reflections on the experience of military service and combat, lessons they took from their experiences, and the impact of service on their views on citizenship and American culture.

The museum is seeking to connect with new visitors by offering high quality heritage learning that is engaging and entertaining.  These conversations are also intended to create awareness of and visibility for the Museum’s children’s and adult programs, as well as benefits and services available to Veterans from Essex County, Massachusetts.  Specifically, the program will support and drive important donor fundraising to create opportunities to underwrite further education and outreach programs for both groups.

Thank You to Our 2017 Participatns

2017 Speaker Series Sponsored by:

PATHWAYS OF PATRIOTS:  War on Terror

War on Terror
Thursday, June 15, 2017 

Insights & Reflections from Eight
Iraq & Afghanistan US Military Combat Veterans
Combat Histories from the battle fields of the Middle East

Co-Sponsored by USAF AFA, Paul Revere Chapter, Hanscom AFB, Bedford MA

A portion of the 2017 speaker series funds raised will be donated to the nonprofit Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, Boston MA. More information about MMHF available at www.massmilitaryheroes.org.

PATHWAYS OF PATRIOTS:  Women in Military Service

Women in Military Service
Saturday, March 25, 2017 

American women have played a role in every military conflict in our nation’s history. That role has evolved along with our society. Today, women are in the cockpit of fighter jets, directing technology, leading operations home and around the world, on the ground with the infantry, as well as in the command structure that orders our troops into battle.

At this event, you will hear from USAF Maj. Gen. Kimberly A. Crider currently the Mobilization Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon; USAF CMSGT., Patricia L. Hickey currently the command chief for the 66th Air Base Group, Hanscom Air Force Base; USAF Lt. Col., Kim Ponders, past experience as an air weapons controller, E-3 AWACS, Desert Storm, one of the first American women to fly in a combat zone; USAF Col. (Ret), Sandra Warde, a senior pilot of T-41, T-37, T-38, KC-135A/Q, B-727 and C-26. Other panelists, 10 in all, will be on hand representing USN, US ARMY and US Marines. They will discuss their motivations, their experiences and challenges, and the realities of being a woman in military service. Please join us to honor their commitment and sacrifices, and to learn the lessons they have to teach us.

A portion of the 2017 speaker series funds raised will be donated to the nonprofit Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, Boston MA. More information about MMHF available at www.massmilitaryheroes.org.

PATHWAYS OF PATRIOTS:  Our Patriots Amongst Us

Our Patriots Amongst Us
Thursday, May 11, 2017

A portion of the 2017 speaker series funds raised will be donated to the nonprofit Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, Boston MA. More information about MMHF available at www.massmilitaryheroes.org.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2016 PARTICIPANTS

Steering Committee

Mr. Richard Barbato, Outreach Specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs
Mr. Peter G. Gwinn, Director of External Affairs, Wenham Museum
Mr. Michael S. Lucy, Trustee
Mr. H. Ernest Stone, III, Honorary Trustee

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Platinum Leader
H. Ernest Stone, Attorney P.C.
Atlantic Tambone
Design to the Nines Furnishings

Gold Tribute Sponsor
Winifred P. Gray
Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Stone, Jr., M.D.

General Level Sponsor
Mr. Michael S. Lucy, Trustee
Mr. and Mrs. A. Heaton Robertson
Mr. Keith A.Taylor

Major Level Sponsor
Mr. and Mrs. David Dearborn
Mr. Albert W. Dodge

Colonel Level Sponsor
Anonymous
Anonymous
Mr. Ned Flynn
Mr. William Gribbell
Mr. Richard Ireland
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Wilson

Lt. Colonel Level Sponsor
Mr. Joseph F. Collins

Captain Level Sponsor
Ms. Deana Bacon
Mr. George C. Bottger
Ms. Harriet P. Davis
Mr. Peter Hersee
Mr. Bennett E. Merry
Rev. Dean W. Pedersen
Mr. John Shane

PATHWAYS OF PATRIOTS:  World War II and the War on Terrorism

Part One:  World War II:  A Call to Action
Sunday, May 15, 2016

The Wenham Museum is proud to bring to this event World War II veterans who represent the few remaining Americans who participated in the European campaigns, as well as the War in the Pacific.  These guest Patriots served during the “Battle of the Bulge” in Belgium; survived captivity in a German POW camp; experienced brutal aerial combat over France and Germany during the 8th Army Air Force’s daylight bombing campaign over France and Germany; got shot down and evaded capture by the Gestapo; were wounded on Okinawa; and, saw the flag rise above Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima.

Our discussions will begin with life before service during the Great Depression; a look at family life and attitudes towards foreign events and the rise of Fascism overseas; and how America changed after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Our format will generate conversations among the veterans that will reveal reflections about their experiences during training and about preparing for the unknown; the challenges, excitement, and fears they experienced when deployed during conflict; and the realities of daily life as a soldier in occupied Europe and the islands of the Pacific.  We will also learn how service changed their personal views on family life, work, and citizenship, long after WW II.

Part Two:  War on Terrorism:  Bring the Fight to Them
Sunday, May 15, 2016

The War on Terrorism has created a new definition of war in the early 21st century.  Since September 11, 2001, an evolving strategy and new tactics have changed how American armed forces operate.  Wenham Museum is honored to assemble a group of Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans who have served in some of the most extreme, hostile locations in the world.

September 11th, 2001, will forever be a tragic turning point in American history.  The attack on the United States changed how our country views personal safety and our place in the world.  Discussions will begin with motivations that led to service by America’s millennial generation who grew up with the internet, video games, and cell phones.  Our format will help create conversations that will reveal veterans’ individual reflections about training for extreme climates and geography and for experiencing cultures thousands of years old.  We will also learn individual accounts of friendship, duty, trust, and achievement on redefined battlefields using new tactics against a non-traditional enemy.  The conversations will also reveal how service changed these veterans’ perceptions of 21st century America regarding family, work, and the nature and importance of citizenship.

PATHWAYS OF PATRIOTS:  Vietnam War

Vietnam War:  The Vet Next Door
Friday, July 15, 2016

The Vietnam War polarized American society in ways not seen since the Civil War.  Wenham Museum is honored to assemble a group of combat veterans who served at great cost during a time of political confusion and social unrest.  Whether drafted or volunteer, whether from rural America or a big city, the Vietnam Citizen Soldier did not enjoy the widespread public support his or her father had during World War II.  As the “Vet Next Door,” each of these Patriots returned from active service with accounts of sacrifice and commitment that is important to learn.

Our conversations will focus on personal stories of lives before, during, and after their service.  We will hear reflections on experiences not widely known or understood by their fellow Americans who did not serve.  These Veterans were recognized for service for our country on the ground and in the air during events such as the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley, the Tet Offensive, Operation Junction City, and many others.  We will learn of these veterans’ lives before Vietnam, what they knew of Vietnam before they went, and what it was like to arrive at Tan Son Nhut airbase or Cam Ranh Bay.  We will be privileged to hear their reflections on the daily life of a soldier in Southeast Asia, on combat and survival, and on the lessons learned from, and debt owed to, those who fell.  The “Vet Next Door” returned to a country that had changed dramatically.  We will hear about becoming a civilian again, and how their wartime experiences have influenced their views on citizenship, service, and patriotism.

Questions?
Contact Peter Gwinn, Director of External Affairs
(978) 468-2377, ext. 127 | E-mail