A Delightful Discovery!

A Delightful Discovery!
by Jean Carnahan

Every now and then, we stumble onto an unexpected gem—it’s magnificence truly astounding. That happened to me recently, when I visited the new Winston Churchill Life of Leadership Gallery in Fulton, Missouri. I was on the campus of Westminster College to deliver the commencement speech and had the additional treat of viewing their newly revamped museum.


The only museum in the nation fully dedicated to Churchill’s life is located beneath the 17th century Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury. The Christopher Wren structure, dismantled in London some years ago and reconstructed on the Westminster campus, has become a hallmark of the small town college. Until now, the undercroft of the church displayed only wall-hung photos and memorabilia, but the $4 million renovation has turned the space into a state of the art display.

“This exhibit is as good as you will find in the state—or in the country for that matter,” said John Hensley, museum archivist and curator. I could not agree more. Englishman Rob Havers, the memorial executive director, who conducted my tour, pointed out how “sight, sound, and touch, immerse visitors in a unique three-dimensional, media-rich experience.”

The World War I Room recreates the sounds and fury of a battlefield; another simulates a London air raid. Viewers can participate in code breaking, plane spotting, and spy missions. In one segment, Walter Cronkite narrates an audio on Churchill’s character and leadership. A small theater shows historic film clips, one featuring the Nazi march to power.

In recognition of Sir Winston Churchill’s visit to Fulton sixty years ago, Lady Mary Soams, Churchill’s daughter, visited the new museum and contributed some original paintings. Copies of her paintings can be purchased in a charming gift shop that features books, pictures, glassware, and collectibles.

The museum and restored church are well worth a planned visit to Fulton for families or classrooms. The site is opened seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.