Exhibit Dates: June 1-October 31, 2024

The Wright Museum of WWII in Wolfeboro, NH is proud to host an exciting interactive D-Day exhibit this summer. On June 6th, 1944, Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in history to liberate Western Europe from Nazi German control. June 6, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of the invasion, also known as Operation Overlord. Nearly 160,000 Allied troops and paratroopers landed in Normandy France on D-Day. By the end of June 1944, 875,000 Allied troops had disembarked. The operation was the turning point in WWII and laid the foundation for the Allied victory on the Western Front. Unfortunately, the invasion of the continent was not without significant loss of Allied lives. On the first day, four thousand Allied soldiers were lost, and thousands more were wounded or missing.

With this exhibit, The Wright Museum of World War II honors all the people who paid the ultimate price on this day and those who supported them in uniform and on the home front.

“D-Day: Freedom from Above” will provide a unique, interactive experience for all ages. Blending physical objects from the Wright Museum’s collection and augmented reality technology, visitors will be immersed in the decisive moments of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

Using HistoPad tablets, visitors will explore the sights and sounds of D-Day through 360-degree 3D recreations. From a briefing room in England, to paratrooper jumps, to the liberation of Sainte-Mère-Eglise, each AR experience tracks the Allied advance. Visitors can explore in-depth personal stories, vehicle profiles, and historical details at the tap of a finger. Every 3D recreation has been validated by a scientific committee and is based on rigorous historical research. Nearby, real vehicles and objects like those used in the invasion will be ready for a close-up physical inspection. This one-of-a-kind experience is sure to be compelling for history-buffs and casual visitors alike!