National Museum of the United States Army’s ’FREEDOM FROM ABOVE’ exhibit takes visitors back in time to June 6, 1944

The new ‘D-Day: FREEDOM FROM ABOVE’ exhibit at the National Museum of the United States Army brings to life the actions of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions in Normandy, France. Using the augmented reality technology created by Histovery (https://histovery.com/), the displays and Histopads of the exhibit allow visitors to step back in time to experience every aspect of the airborne units’ mission. According to the museum's exhibits division chief Paul Morando, Histovery worked with the Museum to create this special version of ‘FREEDOM FROM ABOVE’ that includes the stories of Paratroopers who dropped into Normandy on D-Day.

“This is the first time we are using interactive technology for a special exhibition,” Morando shared. “Typically there would be artifacts, artwork, a more traditional approach to telling the Army’s story. This exhibit tells the Army story in a very different, more engaging way, using Histovery’s tablets.”

Visitors to the exhibit are given a Histopad that provides access to the story behind each illustrated panel. The pads are easy to use, and volunteers will be in the gallery to help when needed. Guests scan a coded emblem at the panel that opens the pad screen to focal points for each stage of the Airborne story. Users can have a 360-degree view of the image being shown, watch actual D-Day film footage, read background information, or compare what the locations looked like in 1944 and today.

“The Histopads are like time portals,” Morando explained. “We can’t be in France at the scene of the D-Day invasion, but through this technology it’s possible. We encourage visitors to fully engage with the Histopad’s features to get the most out of the experience.”

Complementing the ‘FREEDOM FROM ABOVE’ exhibit, is a display outside the gallery of the Medals of Honor awarded for actions on D-Day to four Army Soldiers: Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., Technician Fifth Grade John J. Pinder Jr., First Lieutenant Jimmie W. Monteith Jr. and Private Carlton W. Barrett. Morando explained that this is the first time the four medals have been displayed together. NMUSA coordinated with the different museums and institutions that were holding the Medals to have them loaned for the National Army Museum's D-Day Anniversary tribute. The display also includes several pieces from the Army’s art collection showing scenes from Omaha and Utah Beaches, bringing the action to life in a different way for visitors.

The ‘D-Day: FREEDOM FROM ABOVE’ exhibit will run through Nov. 15, 2024.

While entry to the museum is free, registration is recommended by visiting the website https://www.thenmusa.org/ . Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The museum is located at 1775 Liberty Drive, Fort Belvoir, VA.