In 1946, at Westminster College in Fulton, Winston Churchill delivered one of the most significant speeches of his long and illustrious career. That address, formally entitled, “The Sinews of Peace,” is better known as the Iron Curtain Speech, because of the evocative phrase: “An Iron Curtain has descended across the Continent…” That speech effectively marked the beginning of the Cold War and linked, forever, Fulton and Westminster College with Winston Churchill.
In the 1960s, Westminster College sought to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Churchill’s visit and ultimately chose to move a Christopher Wren designed Church from London. This Church, St. Mary the Virgin Aldermanbury, had stood in London since 1677. This magnificent building, badly damaged during the London Blitz, was moved stone by stone to Westminster’s campus and rebuilt to Wren’s original specifications.
Beneath this Church is the National Churchill Museum. Through the imaginative and innovative use of technology, it brings to life the story of Winston Churchill and the world he knew. The museum was recognized by the United States Congress as America’s permanent tribute to this great man, and formally designated as America’s National Churchill Museum.
The museum presents Sir Winston’s life, utilizing interactive sight, sound and touch. Stand in the midst of a dazzling light and sound show to see and hear the effects of a London air raid at the height of “The Blitz.” In the stirring film, Churchill’s Finest Hour (narrated by Walter Cronkite), watch Churchill lead Britain through World War II.
Two sculptures, one statue and an English garden complete the museum grounds. One sculpture, titled “Breakthrough,” is constructed from eight consecutive sections of the actual Berlin Wall.
School programs, community programs, group tours, and rotating exhibits fill the museum’s calendar. For a current look at programming, visit our website: www.nationalchurchillmuseum.org.
The museum is closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
