National Treasures

Synopsis

'Vigorously researched and highly entertaining' - Daily Telegraph

'Geeks triumph over the forces of darkness: nothing could have given me greater pleasure. Combining an exciting story with scrupulous research, Caroline Shenton has done her unlikely heroes proud' - Lucy Worsley

As Hitler prepared to invade Poland during the sweltering summer of 1939, men and women from across London's museums, galleries and archives formulated ingenious plans to send the nation's highest prized objects to safety. Using stately homes, tube tunnels, slate mines, castles, prisons, stone quarries and even their own homes, a dedicated bunch of unlikely misfits packed up the nation's greatest treasures and, in a race against time, dispatched them throughout the country on a series of top-secret wartime adventures.

National Treasures highlights a moment from our history when an unlikely coalition of mild-mannered civil servants, social oddballs and metropolitan aesthetes became the front line in the heritage war against Hitler. Caroline Shenton shares the interwoven lives of ordinary people who kept calm and carried on in the most extraordinary of circumstances in their efforts to save the Nation's historic identity.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter introduces the National Treasures of the United States, artifacts and documents that have been designated as exceptional and of national significance. Real example: The Declaration of Independence.

Chapter 2: Treasures of the Founding Era

This chapter explores objects from the American Revolution and early republic. Real example: George Washington's sword, which he used during the Revolutionary War.

Chapter 3: The Rise of the Republic

This chapter covers objects from the period of westward expansion and the Civil War. Real example: The Wright brothers' airplane from 1903, marking a transformative moment in transportation.

Chapter 4: The Gilded Age and Progressive Era

This chapter focuses on the opulent and industrial era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Real example: Thomas Edison's light bulb, which revolutionized artificial lighting.

Chapter 5: The Modern Era

This chapter examines objects from the 20th and 21st centuries, including scientific advancements and cultural landmarks. Real example: The Apollo 11 lunar lander, which carried the first humans to the Moon.

Chapter 6: Treasures of the People

This chapter explores objects that represent the diversity and resilience of the American people. Real example: The quilt "My Mother's Garden" by Harriet Powers, a former slave who used quilting as a means of artistic expression.

Chapter 7: The National Treasures Program

This chapter discusses the process and criteria for designating National Treasures and the institution responsible for their preservation. Real example: The National Archives and Records Administration, which holds many of the nation's most important historical documents.

Chapter 8: The Legacy of National Treasures

This chapter assesses the significance and impact of National Treasures on American history and culture. Real example: The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and immigration that has become an iconic landmark.

Chapter 9: The Future of National Treasures

This chapter considers the future of National Treasures, exploring challenges such as preservation, conservation, and the evolution of historical interpretation. Real example: The preservation of the USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides"), a symbol of American naval history.

Chapter 10: A Nation's Treasures

This final chapter emphasizes the importance of preserving and showcasing National Treasures for future generations. Real example: The Smithsonian National Museum of American History, which houses a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of American history.