Explore the history and legacy of the Monuments Men and Women—those tasked during World War II with protecting Europe’s cultural heritage and recovering stolen works of art. In this engaging presentation, Kira shares both the broader historical context and a personal perspective through the story of her father, Clyde K. Harris, an interior designer from Amarillo, Texas, who served in Germany as part of the Monuments Fine Arts and Archives program.
Participants will learn about his efforts to locate and restore lost artworks, including his role in assisting the Prince and Princess of Hessen and bei Rhein, and hear the dramatic account behind the recovery of a significant painting. The program also highlights the remarkable family history that followed—his meeting and marriage to Princess Cecilie of Prussia—and includes reflections on her escape from the Russian advance and her childhood home, Schloss Cecilienhof, site of the Potsdam Conference.
The session will feature photographs, along with a display of books, images, and artifacts that enrich the narrative. Attendees will receive a curated list of resources for further exploration, and time will be reserved for questions and discussion.
