Learning From Our Past, Inspiring Future Generations
The partnership with American History Unbound represents Griffin Catalyst Founder Ken Griffin’s latest support of bold initiatives promoting freedom and democracy through inspirational and educational programming. “The bravery and sacrifice of American service men and women during the World Wars reflect a heroic commitment to our nation’s values,” Ken said. “I’m proud to support the stories of American History Unbound so that current and future generations can appreciate the sacrifices made to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.”
The two performances brought to stage are “The Great War & The Great Gatsby” and “The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day.” The first show, focusing on America’s involvement in World War I, will unfold at New York’s iconic Carnegie Hall. The second show, chronicling the pivotal final year of World War II, will be staged at the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center in Miami Beach.
During the weeks of rehearsal prior to the performances, American History Unbound founder John Monsky offered a behind-the-scenes preview of the key artifacts and stories inspiring his work.
A Soldier's Story
John Monsky and Ian Weinberger, Music Supervisor of American History Unbound, discuss the family ties that provided the inspiration for storytelling and music in the show.
The Battle of Hurtgen Forest
John and Ian share how they select music to convey the emotional gravity of the Battle of Hurtgen Forest and the surprising personal connection that makes the moment even more powerful.
When "The Great Gatsby" Went to War
John discusses how “The Great Gatsby”, which was published 100 years ago, didn’t connect with a wide audience in its initial release, but the distribution of 150,000 free copies to soldiers during WWII brought the novel new relevance, helping to make it one of the great American classics.
Flags For Those Who Served
John shares his rare U.S. flag that accompanied the first wave of American troops arriving in France during WWI and his WWII “service” flag flown in honor of the boys who left home for war.
The Historic XXV Corps
During the Civil War, the Union Army’s XXV Corps was comprised of African American soldiers, many of whom were former slaves. Part of John Monsky’s cherished flag collection includes the XXV Corps’ regimental colors. The flag embodies the enduring American ideal of freedom and democracy, which inspires the civic engagement of Ken Griffin, founder of Citadel and Citadel Securities and Griffin Catalyst.
To the Moon and Back
Historian John Monsky’s collection of rare flags includes some that made a journey beyond Earth’s orbit and back, carried by Apollo astronauts on their nearly 500,000-mile missions to the Moon. The story of those flags is one of exploration and discovery, which is at the heart of American History Unbound, John’s organization that presents multimedia productions honoring the men and woman who have served our country. Honoring that spirit of service inspires the civic engagement of Ken Griffin, founder of Citadel and Citadel Securities and Griffin Catalyst. The enduring ideas of freedom and democracy will be on full display at Carnegie Hall in April as Griffin Catalyst presents two special performances of American History Unbound’s “The Great War & The Great Gatsby.”
Photographer Robert Capa on D-Day
Photographer Robert Capa landed on Omaha Beach with allied soldiers on D-Day. The flag from his landing craft is part of the rare collection of John Monsky, creator of American History Unbound and its production, “The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day.”
