ABMC Curator’s Collection

Browse ABMC’s online catalog to explore a wide array of historical objects, from pieces of furniture and plaster sculptures to military uniforms, art pieces, photographs, blueprints, and historic documents. Discover and connect with the unique story of ABMC through these objects and documents. The Online Catalog aims to make our collections accessible to all while supporting our mission to preserve, study and share these artifacts and stories with future generations. New entries will be added regularly as we pursue our work of documenting, conserving, and researching.

The American Battle Monuments Commission is pleased to share this specially curated collection of items related to the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery, the flying corps, and the pilots buried and memorialized at the site. The items featured include those from ABMC’s own collection, provided by the American Battle Monuments Foundation, as well as those on loan from The Dennis Gordon Lafayette Escadrille and Flying Corps Collection, courtesy of Sarah and Ross Perot Jr.

The American Battle Monuments Commission is pleased to share its April Curator’s Collection. This month, ABMC’s curator highlights a special historic piece of ABMC’s collection, a beautiful piece of furniture we refer to as the Pershing desk. As you will discover, the impressive mahogany desk has quite a connection with our agency, as well as its own story. Probably used by ABMC’s first chairman and definitely designed for him, the desk is a magnificent example of the historic period style as well as a testimony of ABMC’s first years of existence.

The American Battle Monuments Commission is honored to present its May Curator’s Collection. This month, ABMC’s curator highlights deeply meaningful items and photographs known as the Gold Star Mothers Collection. As you will discover, these items and photographs reflect the enduring legacy of the mothers who lost sons and daughters in service to the nation, as well as their lasting connection to ABMC’s commemorative mission.

The American Battle Monuments Commission is pleased to share its June Curator’s Collection. This month, ABMC’s curator highlights a special historic piece of ABMC’s collection, a selection of pieces from the great Plaster Molds collection. In this gathering of almost 300 pieces, we decided to highlight this month the pieces connected to the beautiful statue from Normandy American Cemetery The Spirit of the American Youth Rising from the Waves by Donald De Lue.

The American Battle Monuments Commission is pleased to present its July Curator’s Collection. This month, ABMC’s curator highlights the restoration and refurnishing of the Reception Room at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, one of the latest milestones in a long-term effort to preserve the historic character of the agency’s overseas cemeteries. Through extensive archival research, careful restoration, and the reintroduction of historically appropriate furnishings, this project has returned the space to its original purpose as a warm and welcoming environment for visitors. As you explore this collection, you will discover how historic furnishings, archival records, and thoughtful preservation work help reconnect today’s visitors with the vision of the architects and caretakers who first created these spaces more than a century ago.

The American Battle Monuments Commission is pleased to present its August Curator’s Collection. This month, ABMC’s curator highlights the recovery and preservation of a keystone from the Chateau-Thierry bridge across the Marne River, where American troops helped stop the German advance toward Paris in 1918. Hidden for nearly a century within Pershing Hall in Paris, the 600-kilogram stone was discovered during renovations, carefully conserved, and returned to Chateau-Thierry. As you explore this collection, you will discover how this recovered artifact connects Pershing Hall, America’s World War I service, and ABMC’s enduring commemorative mission.

The American Battle Monuments Commission is pleased to present this Curator’s Collection featuring Dr. Paul Philippe Cret, ABMC’s first consulting architect. In honor of America 250, this collection highlights Cret’s role in shaping American commemorative landscapes from the Revolutionary War legacy at Valley Forge to ABMC’s World War I memorials overseas. As you explore this collection, you will discover how Cret’s French heritage, military service, architectural training, and partnership with ABMC helped create enduring places of remembrance that continue to honor American service and sacrifice.