The George C. Marshall Foundation is pleased to present its 2026-2027 Legacy Lecture Series, featuring six compelling lectures that open new perspectives on World War II and its consequences. Across six talks, this season explores how individuals confronted the pressures and consequences of global war, from bringing music into combat and returning home with wounds both visible and unseen to exposing fascism, protecting stolen art, and challenging conventional ideas about how Americans should fight. Attend in person by reservation in Lexington, Virginia, or watch live on our YouTube channel and join the Q&A.
Fall 2026
Wednesday, September 23: Nightmare in the Pacific | Thursday, October 15: The Wounded Generation |
Thursday, November 12: A Shadow Over the World
Spring 2027
Thursday, March 18: The Dragon from Chicago | Thursday, April 8: The Art Spy |
All programs begin at 5:30 p.m. Eastern
Reserve seats (limited availability)
At a Glance
- Time: 5:30 p.m. Eastern
- In person at the George C. Marshall Foundation in Lexington, Virginia
- Livestreamed on our YouTube channel
- Live Q&A
- Reception in the Camden R. Fine Lobby
- Book signing in the Robert A. Lovett Reading Room
Nightmare in the Pacific
Join Michael Doyle on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m. ET. Follow Artie Shaw and his Navy band across the Pacific, where swing music, combat conditions, exhaustion, and military life tested both the musicians and their celebrated leader.
The Wounded Generation
Join Dr. David Nasaw on Thursday, October 15, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m. ET. Explore the difficult homecoming of World War II veterans and families confronting physical wounds, psychological trauma, housing shortages, disrupted lives, and unequal access to promised benefits.
A Shadow Over the World
Join Dr. William I. Hitchcock on Thursday, November 12, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m. ET. Discover how Americans debated the rise of fascism and how Franklin D. Roosevelt gradually moved the nation toward preparedness, aid to the Allies, and global war.
The Dragon from Chicago
Join Dr. Pamela D. Toler on Thursday, March 18, 2027 @ 5:30 p.m. ET. Discover how Sigrid Schultz reported from Nazi Germany, exposed its propaganda, and warned American readers about the danger of fascism.
The Art Spy
Join Michelle Young on Thursday, April 8, 2027 @ 5:30 p.m. ET. Follow Rose Valland as she secretly documented Nazi art theft in occupied Paris and helped the Allies recover thousands of stolen works.
Evans Carlson - The Raider
Join Dr. Stephen R. Platt on Thursday, May 13, 2027 @ 5:30 ET. Discover how Evans Carlson brought ideas from China into the Pacific theater, created the Marine Raiders, and reshaped American special operations.
Reserve Seats
In-person seating is limited. To reserve seats, email Leigh McFaddin at [email protected] or call 540.463.7103, ext. 138. Please include the program title, the number of seats requested, and your contact information. If you are unable to attend after reserving seats, let us know so we can offer your seats to others.
How to Watch + Participate
- Use the Watch Live link at the top of this page (or on an event page or email).
- During the livestream, submit questions in YouTube chat, to the lower right of the video.
- Questions are moderated and addressed during the live Q&A as time allows.
Recordings are available immediately following the live program.
Get Reminders
Join our email list for program updates, reminders, livestream links, and more.
The George C. Marshall Foundation Legacy Series is sponsored by:
Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation; Edward Jones; CornerStone Bank; Lexington Sunrise Rotary Club; and Raymond James