The American Museum establishment took the lead role in efforts that resulted in creation of the MFAA section. Included in this group were existing museum directors, curators and art historians, as well as those who aspired to joint heir ranks. Upon returning from service oversees, these remarkable men and women played instrumental roles in building – and in other instances, enhancing – some of the greatest cultural institutions in the United States. Virtually every major museum employed one or more MFAA officers before and/or after the war.

To our knowledge, no such list has been previously assembled. Ours is certainly not complete. Our research continues and will be updated regularly. It is our goal that in time, each of these institutions will more publicly recognize the “heroes” they once employed and honor their service during World War II. But for their actions, many of the great works of art that we enjoy today might otherwise have perished.

We will add to this list any information you may have about MFAA officers and their cultural institution affiliations.