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On Saturday, September 14, 2024, Foundation founder and chairman Robert Edsel and Mr. Bernard Geenen donated to Bernard Treinen, owner of the December 44 museum in La Gleize (Stoumont, Belgium), objects that belonged to Monuments Man Capt. Walker Kirtland Hancock, thus realizing the wishes of Hancock's daughter, Deanie French.
Deployed in Europe in 1944, Hancock moved through London, Paris, Chartres, Aix-la-Chapelle, Siegen and La Gleize. A gifted sculptor himself, he identified the statue of the virgin from the Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption de La Gleize as an absolutely exceptional work. In La Gleize, Hancock spent time with the Geeneen family, with whom he remained in contact until his death in 1998.
It was an honor for the Foundation to be present in La Gleize, only a few days after the 8pth anniversary of the liberation of the village on September 12, 1944, to honor the history that connects the Monuments Men to this Belgian village. “It is very heartwarming for me as an American," Edsel said, "to see that despite the passage of 80 years, no one here has forgotten the important role that so many American men played."
The objects donated by Deanie Hancock include:
Hancock's dogtag
A small sculpture created by Hancock during his deployment in Europe in 1944-45.
Five Nazi propaganda posters
The “Air Medal” designed by Hancock in 1942
An original photo (declassified by the U.S. Army) dating from February 1, 1945 showing Capt. Hancock and villagers taking the Virgin of La Gleize to a safe place.
We express our gratitude to Deanie for her trust and friendship, and to Bernard Geeneen for all the help making this possible.
The return of objects that belonged to Monuments Man Hancock to La Gleize is more than just a symbolic gesture—it’s a reminder of the importance of preserving heritage. These items carry stories and significance that go beyond their material value, connecting people to a shared past. Whenever I read about these restorations, I’m reminded of the crucial role that dedicated individuals play in saving art and culture for future generations. For more on unique historical stories and preservation efforts, this website offers a wealth of insights worth exploring.