The George C. Marshall Foundation is excited to announce the Spring 2025 lineup of its popular Legacy Lecture series. This fall, we will feature three enlightening lectures from leading experts in history, exploring major figures, popular culture, and intelligence. Lectures can be attended in-person at our building in Lexington, Virginia, or streamed live on our YouTube channel.
General Information
How can I attend?
Seating is limited. To reserve a seat, or for more information about the event, contact [email protected] or call 540.463.7103, ext. 138.
How can I watch from home?
The presentations will also be live streamed on the Marshall Foundation YouTube channel (https://bit.ly/2Or0E8D) simultaneously. Viewers of the stream are encouraged to write questions using the live video chat (to the lower right of the video) or via email at [email protected]. Chat is monitored for abusive comments.
March 6: Hoover, the Hollywood Blacklist, and Cold War Movies
Dr. Francis MacDonnell unveils J. Edgar Hoover’s central role in the Hollywood blacklist of the 1940s and 1950s. As FBI director, Hoover obsessively monitored show business figures, tasking agents to compile extensive reports on stars like Lena Horne, Walt Disney, and Marlene Dietrich. Drawing from newly available FBI records, MacDonnell explores the human impact of Hoover’s actions, capturing stories of courage, betrayal, and manipulation during the Red Scare. This meticulously researched account highlights the personal dramas of both the FBI’s targets and its collaborators, shedding light on a dark chapter of fear and repression in American history.
April 17: Mellon vs. Churchill
Discover the untold story of the intense rivalry between Andrew Mellon, U.S. Treasury Secretary, and Winston Churchill, Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, over the repayment of Britain’s massive World War I debt. Author Jill Eicher will explore Mellon’s role as a reserved yet brilliant financier tasked with collecting war debts and Churchill’s fiery opposition to what he called “monstrous war debts.” Through vivid accounts of their public clashes from 1924 to 1929, the lecture will shed light on this overlooked chapter of economic history and the bold ambitions of these two iconic figures.
May 23: Asian American Spies
Learn about Asian Americans like Archie Chun Ming, Dick Hamada, and Ralph Yempuku, who served as spies, double agents, and guerrilla fighters during World War II. Dr. Brian Hayashi's groundbreaking research reveals their critical contributions to the U.S.'s first intelligence agency, from gathering enemy intelligence to disrupting supply lines. These courageous individuals collaborated with guerrilla forces, rescued POWs, and produced propaganda to weaken Japan’s resolve, all while facing threats from double agents and collaborators. Based on declassified documents, Dr. Hayashi challenges stereotypes of Asian Americans, shedding light on their vital role in the Pacific Theater victory.
The George C. Marshall Foundation Legacy Series is sponsored by:
The Anne C. Robins & Walter R. Robins, Jr. Foundation