Eisenhower's Recording
In 2011, while conducting research at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Robert Edsel discovered photographs of General Eisenhower accepting his Life Fellowship, which were accompanied by eight rare lacquer audio discs.
Discovery and Research
Mr. Edsel and the Monuments Men Foundation worked with the museum archivists to have the audio discs digitized. The audio is a recording of a speech given by General Dwight D. Eisenhower about the importance of art and its protection during war. It was delivered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on April 2, 1946 at an event in which General Eisenhower was presented with an Honorary Life Fellowship from the museum with a citation that read:
“To Dwight D. Eisenhower, soldier, diplomat and statesman, through whose wisdom and foresight irreplaceable art treasures were saved for future generations."
Francis Henry Taylor, Director of the Met and advisor to the Monuments Men, stated that General Eisenhower was “more responsible than any other, made it possible for the world in which great civilizations of the past could continue for future generations."
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