PRESS FILE 2019 2019 PRESS FILE 2

CONTENTS

3 THE MUSEUM 4 THE MUSEUM IN 5 DATES 5 KEY FIGURES 6 EXHIBITION SPACES 8 INTERNET REVIEWS 10 ONE MUSEUM, MULTIPLE VISITS 12 KEY EVENTS IN 2019 14 PRACTICAL INFORMATION

UTAH BEACH | LANDING MUSEUM THE MUSEUM

In the name of those who gave their life for others

The sound of engines thrumming under a full moon. Enemy positions ablaze. 13,000 armed silhouettes deployed into the fields and villages. At daybreak, the mass landing of allied forces on the beach of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, given the name . On 6 1944, at 6.30 am, the first American units stormed a 2-km portion of the coast located east of Cotentin. The admirable military manoeuvre was part of the extraordinary D-Day operation. This decisive chapter in the great story of the of has been recreated by the Utah Beach Landing Museum, built on the beach captured by the American troops. 2019 PRESS FILE From its planning to its success, the museum space surrounds 3 visitors with the officers, soldiers and Normandy civilians who accomplished, took part in and witnessed the epic events of Utah Beach. Precise testimony from those who survived the combat, a display featuring an incredible collection of equipment, weapons and vehicles – including an original B26 bomber – and screenings of the multi-award-winning film, “Victory in the Sand” all help visitors to understand the dedication and sacrifice of exceptional men and women in the name of the ideals of freedom and peace.

LANDING MUSEUM | UTAH BEACH the museum OPENING1962 OF THE MUSEUM Spearheaded by Michel de Vallavieille, mayor of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, in 5 dates collected objected are brought together to pay tribute to the Americans who landed on Utah Beach. Ever since it was founded in 1962, the museum has continued FIRST1964 MUSEUM EXTENSION to reinvent itself... An octagonal room is built to house a model explaining the Utah Beach landing.

A short history within NEW19 SCREENING84 ROOM

2019 PRESS FILE To mark the 40th anniversary of the landing, the museum is equipped 4 the bigger picture... with a brand-new screening room. In June 2007, two Americans, David and Gene Dewhurst, visited the museum. In one of the display cases, they came across a photo of their father. They then learnt that Major David Dewhurst, who died 1994 very young, valiantly took part in the final SECOND MUSEUM EXTENSION bombing run on 6 June 1944, just before For the 50th anniversary of the landing, the museum the soldiers landed on Utah Beach. He was undergoes a second extension, opening it up to the sea. a hero, decorated by the American army. The panoramic room links the beach to the museum. This discovery encouraged his two sons to set up a foundation in the to help fund the museum’s expansion work. They managed to finance over a third of the entire project. 2011MUSEUM RENOVATION AND EXTENSION A vast renovation and extension project gives the site a new dimension. Over 3,000 m² of gallery space immerses visitors in the landing and the Battle of Normandy, through objects, films and equipment that vividly depict the events of 1944.

UTAH BEACH | LANDING MUSEUM key figures

THE EVENTS OF 1944 THE MUSEUM

23,000 infantrymen 3,000 m² dedicated to the events land on Utah Beach on D-Day 1.5 hours on average to explore 137 killed and 60 missing the museum on the beach Over 3 million 836,000 men landed on Utah Beach visitors since opening 2019 PRESS FILE Over 151,000 visitors in 20185

LANDING MUSEUM | UTAH BEACH 2019 PRESS FILE 6

EXHIBITION SPACES 1944 / UTAH BEACH : AN IMMERSION IN HISTORY

UTAH BEACH | LANDING MUSEUM DON’T MISS A LETTER FROM LOUISE ROSS 1 The German defences 7 Land forces TO HER FIANCÉ WN5: 2 letters and a number Over 23,000 soldiers landed on Stuart Kauffman was a radio operator identified the German stronghold French soil at Utah Beach on 6 June on the destroyer “Rich”, which sunk of blockhouses watching the beach 1944. This space pays tribute to off Utah Beach on 8 June 1944. of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. The Mu- them. His body was never found. seum is built around one of these. B26 MARAUDER AIRCRAFT German objects evoke this strong 8 6 June 1944 b military presence. Its stature dominates the large glass- D-Day on Utah Beach. From the clad hangar. This 12-tonne bomber first bombings on 5 June to the is one of the planes that flew over 2 The German occupation landing of infantrymen on the mor- the Normandy coasts on D-Day, Leaflets, testimony and objects ning of 6 June, relive the timeline weakening the enemy with a blanket reveal the terrible occupation years of events through testimony and of bombs. in the French department of La objects brought together in the . centre of the panoramic room, c LCVP LANDING BARGE offering a spectacular view of the Over ten metres long, this beach where it all took place. is the symbol of D-Day. It allowed 3 “Victory in the Sand” soldiers to draw as close as possible up Relive the landing preparations and to the beach, under enemy fire. follow the sequence of events of this 9 The Link-Up historic day hour-by-hour with this The parachutists dropped on 5 June d ASSAULT VEST film. and the infantrymen who landed on Assault vests were used by the troops

the morning of the 6th join up: the in the first wave of the assault, allowing 2019 PRESS FILE link-up is complete. Parachutist them to carry maximum ammunition 7 4 Allied Strategy and equipment. A rare piece. Lieutenant Winters recounts this A major military operation, episode. Overlord required meticulous pre- e BIBLE OF SERGEANT LOUIS HARVARD paration, led by commander “” (4TH ) Eisenhower. 10 From Utah to Cherbourg This stopped a bullet fired by the enemy The push to Cherbourg, through during the combat of 1944 and saved 5 Naval forces the wooded countryside, was a his life. bloody one: emergency medical To best protect the infantrymen, centres were set up, as shown by WATCH OF SERGEANT GIBSON “Force U” attacked the enemy from the material on display here. F the sea. Models show the different (70TH TANK BATTALION) types of vessels involved 11 The sole survivor of the LCT 593, The artificial port at Utah Beach struck by a mine and sunk along 6 Air forces Pending the capture and restoration with the 4 amphibious tanks it was of the port of Cherbourg, an artifi- transporting on the morning of 6 June, The victory also played out in the cial port was built off the coast of 5 km off the coast. His watch is stopped air. An omnipresent airborne army Utah. Photos show the sheer size of at 5.47 am, the time of the explosion. served to crush enemy positions. the construction. A vast array of objects – including G FLAG OF COLONEL CAFFEY equipment worn by pilots – recount (1ST ENGINEER BRIGADE) this episode. This was the first flag to fly on Utah Beach on 6 June 1944 around 8 am, once the dunes were under American control. It marked the start of a land of freedom. LANDING MUSEUM | UTAH BEACH 2019 PRESS FILE 8

INTERNEt REVIEWS

Mélanie, February 2019 (Google review) “A super museum where you can see objects and vehicles that you can’t see anywhere else and where children can learn a lot.” Raymonde, January 2019 (Tripadvisor) “It is even more moving when you realise this museum has been built on the very spot where the American troops landed on 6 June 1944! A very impressive collection of objects, vehicles, material and testimonies!”

UTAH BEACH | LANDING MUSEUM 2019 PRESS FILE 9

Yves, October 2018 (Google review) “Visiting the museum really helps you understand the achievement and sacrifice of the soldiers during the Normandy landings.” Solène, 11 years old, March 2019 (Museum visitors’ book) “Super museum, it really explains the Normandy landings. I hadn’t realised so much had happened at Utah Beach.” Antoine, December 2018 (Tripadvisor) “Certainly the best museum about the Normandy landings that I have visited. The organisation is very modern, it provides slightly different insight into this so special day.”

LANDING MUSEUM | UTAH BEACH ONE MUSEUM, The museum on your MULTIPLE VISITS smartphone! With “Utah Inside”, experience the events from within. The museum has developed a digital tool that offers ano- And... ther dimension to the visit. In particular it allows access to the interior of a B26 In images For “VIPs” bomber and provides the translation of Multi-award-winning “Victory in the Lasting around 3 hours, this exceptional tour the Museum and “Victory in the Sand” Sand” is one of the films that punctuates is for small groups only (6 people maximum). film content in 9 languages. the tour of the museum, immersing visitors The VIP Tour takes place in the events of 1944. This exceptional film in several key stages: Additional content, adapted to the visi- pays particular attention to the planning • a detailed presentation of the story of the tor’s country of origin, is also available and proceedings of 6 June, as well as the landing on Utah Beach on 6 June 1944 with the tour assistants, and appears as strategic role of Utah in the recapture of • a tour of the crypt and monuments

2019 PRESS FILE you explore the museum. These virtual . Projected in English and French, • a full tour of the museum, the reserve guides provide the historical context. 10 the Utah Inside application enables it to be collection and the trenches More new features will be added to the viewed in 7 additional languages. • a refreshing break tour application during 2019! It couldn’t be simpler to use: visitors can Through the bravery of thousands connect to a dedicated network from of troops, a page of history Just for kids their smartphone or tablet, without ha- was written, a future was born With this treasure hunt, specially designed for ving to download the app. By scanning and the world was changed, families and classes, follow in the footsteps of the QR codes on the museum signs and all here on Utah Beach. Thérèse, a little girl living in Sainte-Marie-du- selecting their language, the translated Excerpt from the film « Victory in the Sand » Mont during the occupation, and help her find texts will appear on the screen! the suitcase she lost near the beach when the Germans arrived. An original way to approach the period of the occupation. Educational With a guide workshops for primary and secondary school From 45 minutes to 90 minutes, from the pupils offer another approach to the story of inner spaces to the entire Utah Beach site, the landings through games and craft activities. the guided tours offered by the museum For more information, see our “Educational are tailored to your requirements. and group offers” brochure. Fascinated and fascinating guides share the history of this beach and give you a better understanding of the story of the landing.

UTAH BEACH | LANDING MUSEUM 1 French, English, German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Danish and Chinese ONE MUSEUM, MULTIPLE VISITS 2019 PRESS FILE 11

LANDING MUSEUM | UTAH BEACH key events in 2019

D-Day Anniversary

EVENT IMMERSION EXHIBITION European Museum Night “In the footsteps of our Utah Beach, 18 may liberators” Guided tours by torchlight and activities 2 June – 9.30 am to 4.30 pm then and now alongside the heroes of the past. For the A 15 miles walk with commented stops at From June 2019 until 30 November 2020 second year running, the Museum unveils Utah Beach and Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. a different approach to its collections and Registration required. Photographs taken between Utah takes visitors back in time to D-Day on Beach and Sainte-Marie-du-Mont at Utah Beach. the time of the Normandy Landings are ENCOUNTER superimposed on contemporary pic- tures; a way of projecting visitors into DOCUMENTARY World II International Film 2019 PRESS FILE History. Open on the past, these books First showing of “The Girl who Festival opening night 12 are revealed through a chronological path and enable visitors to understand wore Freedom” 2 june the Landing on Utah Beach and the 31 May – 8.30 pm As part of the World War II International inland advance as part of an immersion Film Festival held from 2 to 7 June, the Documentary by Christian Taylor, in experience. Museum will host the official opening which the central character is Danièle ceremony, attended by actors from the Patrix, a small girl during , who TV series “”. for the first commemorations in June 1945 wore a dress in American colours made from fabric taken from parachutes. She is the little girl wearing Freedom. 2 QUESTIONS FOR Charles de Vallavieille son of the museum’s founder, Michel de Vallavieille UTAH BEACH MUSEUM « A place to meet, share and experience a wealth of emotion »

Why does the museum have such an important place in your life? The Story of the Landing and the Utah Beach Museum are part of our heritage. We continue to discover, protect and share it with the new generations, preserving the same CELEBRATION will be encouraged to dance and swing spirit of gratitude that was so important to Utah celebrates its liberation along to the music from that era. Food and my father, the founder of this museum. drinks available on site. The day will close At the Utah Beach Museum, we pass on this 2019 PRESS FILE Utah Memory Field from 4 to 9 June with a firework display at 11 pm on Utah memory in modern and even innovative ways, 13 Historic gathering: Guaranteed immersion Beach. but which maintain the spirit of the museum experience in this 1944 military camp. above all, putting these men front and centre. COMMEMORATIONS The different exhibitions and workshops It is important to be inspired by the examples they set, and to always ask ourselves: “what proposed provide an immediate insight into 6 June ceremonies at would we have done in their shoes?” the events that took place at Utah Beach on 6 June 1944 and during the following days. Sainte-Marie-du-Mont What are the challenges of the museum France’s armed forces will also be present For more information regarding the 6 today? offering a parallel between yesterday and June ceremonies at Utah Beach, please Through the donations that we receive, we today. Activities during the week. contact us at : [email protected] or are the committed guardians of this memory. +33 (0)2 33 71 53 35 The older I get, the more I realise how lucky Utah Memory Tour on 4 and 5 June and then on we are to have this peace and the price that was paid for it, 75 years ago, at Utah Beach. 8 and 9 June EVENTS The museum is a place to meet, share and Climb aboard for a 44-mile trip in a vehicle “Then and Now” commented walk experience a wealth of emotion with visitors of the day. from every country, linked by this history. 23 June – 10 am I realise what an impact this war has had Utah Memory Ball on 7 June from 8.30 pm A 4 miles “Then and Now” commented on families and its consequences on our lives today. This museum is a remarkable walk, putting the current museum As part of the 6 June commemorations, the achievement, and should always remain Landing Museum will welcome visitors exhibition into context, from 1 June 2019. this way. for an evening of festivities. Picnic and a concert with the group Madeeson & Co., who will perform French and American songs from the and 50s. Spectators LANDING MUSEUM | UTAH BEACH A MUSEUM FOR ALL, CONSCIOUS AND RECOGNISED National Tourism and Disability Label The museum is accessible to those with motor, hearing, mental and visual disabilities. It has two lifts and a dedicated car park. Wheelchairs, hearing devices and documents in Braille are among the services provided to visitors. The 2019 PRESS FILE museum also offers visitors with disabilities 14 a preferential rate, as well as free entry for their guides. They have priority access with no waiting time. Winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence The museum has been recognised twice, in 2014 and 2015, by the famous travel website. TripAdvisor only awards this prize to 10% of the best establishments around the world. Ambassador for the granting of UNESCO status to the landing beaches As part of the application for the D-Day beaches to be granted world heritage status, the museum is taking part in the “Freedom I write your name” campaign alongside the Region of Normandy and numerous public and private supporters. UTAH BEACH | LANDING MUSEUM PRACTICAL INFORMATION 2019 PRICE LIST

Adults ...... € 8 Opening hours Children ...... € 5 1 October to 30 May: 10 am – 6 pm Adult groups (open visit) ...... € 6,50 1 June to 30 September: 9.30 am – 7 pm School groups (open visit) ...... € 4 Children under 6 ...... Free Reception desks close one hour before the museum. Annual closure from 1 to 25 December and • Extra charge for guided tour from 31 December to 1 January of the museum ...... € 1,50 Utah Shop • Extra charge for full guided tour of the Utah Beach site and the museum: ...... € 4 Leave with your eyes full of images, your ears full of testimony and your pockets full of souvenirs. Freely-accessible in the museum hall, our shop • Extra charge for educational activities for school offers a selection of books and DVDs on the theme of the Second World groups (workshops, treasure hunt):...... € 3,50

War, clothes, local products and more. 2019 PRESS FILE • VIP TOUR : ...... € 50 Tel.: +33 (0)2 33 71 92 36 15

LANDING MUSEUM | UTAH BEACH CONTACT Flavie Poisson [email protected] 02 33 71 53 35