On Wednesday May 28th, the Lyceum will be hosting a fascinating Cold War Lecture.  Francis Gary Powers, Jr., son of the U-2 pilot shot down over the Soviet Union in May 1960, will discuss “The Cold War:  A Son’s Perspective” at 7:30 PM at the Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria.  Free.  Open to the public.  No reservations needed.  Information at www.alexandriahistorical.org or (703) 838-4994.

In his lecture,  Powers will talk about the U-2 incident of May 1, 1960; his father; and how his search to learn about his father after his death led to the creation of the Cold War Museum.  During his talk, he will show several clips, dispel the misinformation surrounding the U-2 flight, and help put things into historical perspective.  Finally, Powers will give an update on efforts to locate the Cold War Museum at the former Nike Missile Base in Lorton.

In 1996, Powers founded the Cold War Museum and Memorial to honor Cold War Veterans and preserve Cold War history.  Currently, a mobile exhibit travels internationally that displays historical artifacts associated with the U-2 Incident of May 1960.  The traveling exhibit promotes interest in the creation of a permanent Cold War Museum that will exhibit artifacts and memorabilia associated with various Cold War events from the end of World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union.  In conjunction with the Museum, a “Cold War Memorial” will honor the men and women who worked, fought, sacrificed, and died during the Cold War from 1945 to 1991.

Powers holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a Certification in Non-profit Management from George Mason University.  The Junior Chamber of Commerce selected him as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Americans” for 2002.  He lectures internationally and appears regularly on the History, Discovery, and A&E Channels.  Powers is married and has one son.

This event is sponsored by the Alexandria Historical Society, the Northern Virginia Association for History, and The Lyceum – Alexandria’s History Museum.