Lemonade lecture: The final year of World War II

Posted On: February 17, 2021

Ryan Lowry, owner of Patriot Preservation, will give a presentation on the final year of World War II at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at DeBary Hall Historic Site, 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. 

By 1945, the Allies in Europe and the Pacific had the upper hand and the war was coming to an end. World War II's final year would prove to be the bloodiest and costliest since its beginning. The Americans were entering Germany, and the amphibious assaults were increasing in size in the Pacific as the U.S. closed in on Japan. Learn about the tough battles in the streets of Manila, the largest airborne drop in history beyond the Rhine River, the slugfest at Iwo Jima, policies that changed the world and the horrors of the Holocaust.

Lowry will bring original artifacts from World War II, specifically from the Norman Rockvam Estate donation, a collection of over 300 items from the War in Europe. 

Patriot Preservation, which Lowry founded in 2017, is dedicated to telling individuals' stories through artifacts, interactive audio programs, historical consulting, and providing research tools for amateur and professional historians. His collection has grown to nearly 9,000 pieces, including diaries, flags, helmets and letters.

Attendance is limited; advance registration is required and guests are asked to wear a mask. To make a reservation, call 386-668-3840. This presentation is part of the free Lemonade Lectures series, which Volusia County sponsors. Light refreshments and lemonade will be served.