FREE EVENT: Iowa's Own Monuments Man: George Stout

Creston Arts is proud to honor the service of our veterans! We welcome the public to learn the fascinating WWII story of Iowa's Own Monuments Man: George Stout. Maybe you've seen the movie inspired by this incredible story with Stout famously portrayed by George Clooney, who produced the film.

Nancy Trask, retired Winterset librarian, will present historical slides about the WWII Monuments Men, especially introducing George Stout, who was born and raised in Winterset, Iowa. Nancy’s slides have been collected from extensive research, including George Stout’s family; magazine and newspaper articles from a publicist working for the George Clooney movie; historical Winterset resources; internet resources; and historical books including:

 “The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History,” by Robert M. Edsel, (2009)

 “Salt Mines and Castles,” by Thomas C. Howe [Monuments Man], (1946)

 “Survival: The Salvage and Protection of Art in War,“ by James J. Rorimer [Monuments Man] (1950)

 “The Rape of Europa,” by Lynn H. Nicholas, (1994).

About our presenter, Nancy Trask:

Nancy grew up in Winterset Iowa, and returned to make her home there. She is the proud grandmother of 2 baby girls both born in July 2022. Nancy had two very satisfying careers -- her professional career as a librarian, and a voluntary career with the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA). She retired from the Winterset Public Library several years ago, and now works occasionally at the Chamber of Commerce, and continues her voluntary work on the board of ICA. Nancy has had a life-long interest in World War II since her father was a Purple Heart veteran injured in Normandy. Her study of George Stout and the Monuments Men began in 2009, and has led to many new friends and projects –

 Presentations to organizations all over Iowa. Today will be her 79 th presentation.

 Installation of “The George Stout Storybook,” a public artwork in Winterset.

 Founding a nonprofit organization, “The George Stout Foundation for the Arts.”

 “Stout Hearted: George Stout and the Guardians of Art,” a movie by New Mile Media Arts, 2019, available on the Archaeology Channel.

 Historical marker at George Stout’s Boyhood Home: 709 East Jefferson Street, Winterset