On Tuesday, July 20, Dr. Julien Ayotte will present Code Name Lily as part of Wright Museum’s 2021 Lecture Series, sponsored by Ron Goodgame and Donna Canney. Written by Ayotte, Code Name Lily is an historical fiction novel based on the true story of Micheline “Michou” Dumon-Ugeux (code name Lily), a legend in the Comet Line escape network in Belgium during World War II.
“World War II certainly had its share of deserving heroes and heroines, many of whom have received their due recognition,” noted Ayotte. “How many civilian women, though, can say they saved the lives of at least 250 downed airmen in just over two years?”
Lily was responsible for helping over 250 downed British and American airmen escape over the Pyrenees into Spain and freedom. Lily later received the highest honors possible for a civilian from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Belgium.
Ayotte’s Code Name Lily has received many accolades, including its selection as finalist in the Fiction-Military category in the 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
“This is a fine opportunity to gain a glimpse into a remarkable aspect of World War II history,” said museum Executive Director Mike Culver, who said Ayotte will also sign his book at the lecture.
Code Name Lily begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20 at the Wright Museum, 77 Center Street in Wolfeboro in the new DuQuoin Education Center. Admission is $3 for members and $8 for non-members. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 603-569-1212.
The region’s leading resource for educators and learners of all ages on World War II, the Wright Museum features more than 14,000 items in its collection that are representative of both the homefront and battlefield.
