America's National Churchill Museum

10/23/2026

A Seaside Scene and Churchill’s Warning of War

On one hand, Winston Churchill’s Beach at Walmer (1938) appears to depict a pleasant family outing on the Kent coast. But there’s much more to see.

Dominating the composition is a Napoleonic-era cannon, its barrel pointing across the English Channel toward continental Europe. Churchill himself stands apart, gazing toward the distant horizon.

Painted in 1938, as Churchill warned of the growing threat of N**i Germany and Europe edged closer to war, Beach at Walmer is a call for vigilance.

Here, Churchill’s art and politics appear to converge. The cannon, a reminder of an earlier struggle against continental aggression, transforms an otherwise peaceful family scene into a warning of the gathering storm.

From the collection of America’s National Churchill Museum at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, Beach at Walmer is currently on loan to the Wallace Collection in London, where it remains on view through November 29, 2026.

10/11/2026

There is always more to discover at America’s National Churchill Museum.

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10/03/2026

A letter that helped make history.

On this day 81 years ago—October 3, 1945—Westminster College President Franc L. McCluer wrote to Winston Churchill, inviting him to deliver the Green Foundation Lecture in Fulton, Missouri.

President Harry S. Truman added a handwritten encouragement:

“This is a wonderful school in my home state. Hope you can do it. I’ll introduce you.”

Churchill accepted. On March 5, 1946, with Truman beside him, he delivered his historic “Iron Curtain” speech at Westminster.

Today, America’s National Churchill Museum preserves and shares the history that began with this remarkable invitation.

10/01/2026

“A place where history keeps happening.”

The Columbia Missourian takes a closer look at congressional passage of the America’s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act—and what this historic recognition means for the Museum, Westminster College, Fulton, and the legacy of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech.

We are grateful for the tremendous support that has brought this legislation to the President’s desk, and pleased to see this important Missouri story receiving attention across our region and beyond.

Read the Columbia Missourian’s coverage:

The bill to cement the new National Historic Landmark now heads to the president's desk.

09/28/2026

From Iron Curtain to Fallen Wall

This Saturday, October 3, ANCM’s Timothy Riley will speak at Union Station Kansas City as part of the Berlin Wall: A World Divided speaker series.

His illustrated talk, “From Iron Curtain to Fallen Wall: Churchill’s Prophecy and the Cold War,” will trace the story from Winston Churchill’s 1946 “Sinews of Peace” address at Westminster College through the Cold War and the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall.

The exhibition includes one of ANCM’s most important objects: the original lectern used by Churchill when he delivered his historic address
At Westminster College MO.

It is a powerful reminder that the history made in Fulton continues to help audiences understand the world Churchill foresaw—and the freedom that ultimately emerged on the other side of the Wall.

We hope our Kansas City friends will join us at Union Station this Saturday! (Event details in comments)

09/24/2026

America’s National Churchill Museum has received an “A” for Historical Accuracy in the Heritage Guide to Historic Sites. The review recognizes the quality and accuracy of the Museum’s exhibits and the story we tell here at Westminster College, where Winston Churchill delivered his “The Sinews of Peace” address in 1946.

We’re grateful to the staff, scholars, supporters, and visitors who help keep this history accessible to new generations. Read the review in comments⁠—and come experience the Museum for yourself!

09/21/2026

Starting October 1, 2026, our hours will be changing. Please see our website for updates: https://www.nationalchurchillmuseum.org/hours-and-admission.html

09/15/2026

The 2026 Hancock Symposium on theme “America@250”’is underway.

Join us!

Find the schedule for this two-day event in the Champ Auditorium foyer or online at https://www.wcmo.edu/symposium/index.html

09/13/2026

THE WALL IS COMING HOME TO FULTON!

The Westminster College Blue Jays have defeated Eureka College, 41-0 to win the inaugural Berlin Wall Bowl.

With the victory, Westminster claims the new Berlin Wall trophy and brings it home to the campus where Winston Churchill delivered his historic “Iron Curtain” speech 80 years ago.

Congratulations to the Blue Jays on making history!

09/12/2026

GAME DAY: History takes the field.

Today, the Westminster College Blue Jays meet the Eureka College Red Devils in the inaugural Berlin Wall Bowl—a new rivalry connecting two colleges with remarkable places in Cold War history.

Winston Churchill delivered his “Iron Curtain” address at Westminster in 1946. Eureka alumnus Ronald Reagan later issued his defining challenge: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”

The Berlin Wall Bowl brings those histories together for a new generation of students. The teams will compete for a the Berlin Wall Bowl trophy containing—a symbol of division transformed into one of freedom and friendly rivalry.

Good luck to the Blue Jays. Bring home the Berlin Wall Bowl trophy!