A new traveling exhibit, “D-Day, Omaha Beach,”will be on display at the Curtis Laws Wilson Library from Friday, April 4, through Thursday, May 15. This exhibit recreates the assault on Omaha Beach, the bloodiest and most contested of the five invasion beaches during the Allied invasion of Normandy.

The library is located on the Missouri University of Science and Technology campus at 400 W. 14th St. in Rolla. Visitor parking is available at meters in the F lot, off of 14th and 13th Streets, and in the L lots behind the library. The library is open to the public 8 a.m-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

The exhibit is based on the book The Dead and Those About to Die, D-Day: The Big Red One at Omaha Beach,written by Dr. John C. McManus, Curators’ Distinguished Professor of history and political science at Missouri S&T. His expertise, shared in recorded video snippets, provides historical context for the exhibit, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those who fought on Omaha Beach.

Created by a team of volunteers, the exhibit blends art, technology and historical insight to immerse visitors in the events of D-Day. “D-Day, Omaha Beach” offers a museum experience through a combination of sights and sounds.

The exhibit features works by Keith Rocco, an American painter and narrative artist with more than 80 paintings featured in the National Park Service. Known for his mastery of figure painting and historical accuracy, Rocco’s artwork serves as a visual representation of the courage and sacrifices made during the D-Day assault.

Mark Fastoso, an Emmy Award-winning producer with more than 15 years of experience working for the Public Broadcasting Service, has used his expertise to craft an interactive and immersive experience for visitors. His work integrates broadcast and web technologies, allowing attendees to engage with the exhibit in a dynamic way.

Bernard Kempinski, a professional model builder, has contributed his highly detailed models and photography to the exhibit. Kempinski’s award-winning craftsmanship enables visitors to visualize the scale and intensity of the Omaha Beach invasion through realistic, miniature recreations of the battlefield.

This exhibit has been made possible thanks to the support of the Maxwell C. Weiner Distinguished Professorship in the Humanities and the history and political science department at Missouri S&T. A gift from the estate of Maxwell C. Weiner as part of the Missouri Endowed Chair and Professorship program, the Weiner professorship is designed to attract exceptional faculty, support academic excellence and enhance the visibility of the humanities at Missouri S&T.

About Missouri S&T

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers over 100 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nation’s top public universities for salary impact, according to the Wall Street Journal. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit  www.mst.edu.