Episode 18: National Museum of the Marine Corps

Curator's Choice

Part 1
This week we meet with Owen Conner for the first in a two-part series at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Conner is the Curator of Uniforms and Heraldry and talks to us about the interactive immersion exhibits in the museum, as well as one of the most iconic photographs in Marine history.
The history of the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph by Joe Rosenthal has a rather tumultuous story. There has been much historical debate on who the soldiers were in the photographs, whether the moment was staged, and how accurate the story of the flag raising was. Owen shares with us the controversy and final Marine Corps conclusion.
We also discussed the reverse scavenger hunt many curators have to do in order to fully understand the amazing stories behind artifacts, including a sweetheart bracelet that was found in a rose garden and the tale of two lovers.
Episode Links:

• National Museum of the Marine Corps: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/

• The Story of a WWII Identification Bracelet: Major L.D. Everton: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/the-story-of-a-wwii-identification-bracelet-major-ld-everton.html

• World War II and the Origins of Diversity by Owen Conner and Charles Grow: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/blog/world-war-ii-and-the-origins-of-diversity

• The Drinks of the Marine Corps: The Bees Need “Martini” Cocktail: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/blog/drinks-of-the-marine-corps-the-bees-nees-martini-cocktail

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