‘The Sinews of Peace’ at 80: An Anniversary Commemoration of Winston Churchill’s Iconic Speech
WHO: America’s National Churchill Museum (ANCM) on the campus of Westminster College
WHAT: Eighty years ago on March 5, 1946, history was made when former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered his iconic “The Sinews of Peace,” or “Iron Curtain,” address at Westminster. ANCM will host numerous exciting events to celebrate this significant milestone in global history.
WHEN: March 5-7, 2026
WHERE: Various locations on the Westminster College campus and Fulton Brick District
WHY: On March 5, 1946, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, to much fanfare. Accompanying him that day were U.S. President Harry Truman, Missouri Gov. Phil Donnell and the College’s president, Franc McCluer. Although the mood on campus and throughout Fulton was festive, Churchill was tasked with a grave endeavor: to warn the world of the imminent threat posed by the Soviet Union and reaffirm the value of freedom and democratic government. This comprehensive event invites dialogue on past and present global affairs while engaging current and future generations on the importance of Churchill’s message.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews with the following, and others, are available upon request:
- Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe
- Churchill Fellow Duncan Sandys, great-grandson of Clementine and Winston Churchill*
- Richard Hyde, Counsel General representing His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom*
- Timothy Riley, Director and Chief Curator of America’s National Churchill Museum
*This individual would be happy to discuss the importance of ANCM’s work and the lasting impact of Churchill’s legacy.
CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS AND PRESS KIT
Please check in and pick up your media badge in the main entrance of America’s National Churchill Museum. After doing so, please be sure to contact Sarah Backer, Director of Media Relations, at 573-220-9038.
A complete press kit with a campus map, information on local hotels and restaurants and other useful information is available at wcmo.edu/ancm/80-press-kit.
COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 5
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Exhibition Opening: Creating The Sinews of Peace
This special exhibition will feature the original near-final draft of Churchill’s 1946 address, rarely exhibited Truman-Churchill correspondence and artifacts tied to the planning of “The Sinews of Peace” address.
America’s National Churchill Museum
Ongoing Exhibition: The Words of Winston
This special exhibition featuring original artwork by Fulton High School students is inspired by the “Iron Curtain” speech and ANCM architecture.
The Wit and Wisdom Room, America’s National Churchill Museum
Historic World War II Vehicle Display
C.F. Lamkin Drive/The Hill
12:30 p.m.
PROCLAMATION PRESENTATION (Unique Photo and Video Opportunity)
Fulton’s Acting Mayor Bill Hinchie
Steps of Historic Gymnasium, Westminster College
1 p.m.-2 p.m.
PERFORMANCE FOR 400 LOCAL STUDENTS (Unique Photo and Video Opportunity)
“Defending Liberty”: Randy Otto as Winston Churchill
Approximately 400 area middle and high school students will watch nationally acclaimed actor and historian Randy Otto portray Churchill on the same stage he stood on 80 years ago, followed by live student Q&A.
Historic Gymnasium, Westminster College
3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Then-and-Now Guided Tours via Trolley
Westminster Campus and Fulton’s Historic Brick District
Meet at the Jack Marshall Alumni House
6:30 p.m.
FROM OVEN to OVATION: THE CHURCHILL CAKE CHALLENGE (Unique Photo and Video Opportunity)
Modern local bakers have re-created the original cake served to Winston Churchill in 1946. Churchill Cake Champion as well as second-place and runner-up winners will be announced.
Historic Gymnasium, Westminster College
7 p.m.
“Defending Liberty” Encore Performance: Randy Otto as Winston Churchill
80th anniversary performance with audience Q&A. $5 suggested donation.
Historic Gymnasium, Westminster College
Friday, March 6
All Day
Creating The Sinews of Peace Exhibition
America’s National Churchill Museum
Ongoing Exhibition: The Words of Winston
This special exhibition featuring original artwork by Fulton High School students is inspired by “The Sinews of Peace” address and ANCM architecture.
The Wit and Wisdom Room, America’s National Churchill Museum
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Paint & Sip: A View of Miami at Sunset
This guided recreation of Churchill’s 1946 painting with Color Me Bleu of Mexico, Missouri, will entertain accomplished and budding artists alike. Registration required; limited to 20.
Mueller Leadership Center, Marsh-Jones Room
10 a.m.
MISSOURI GOVERNOR’S OPENING REMARKS (Photo and Video Opportunity)
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe
ANCM’s Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury
11:15 a.m.
“80 Years Ago, 80 Years Hence” Panel Discussion
ANCM’s Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
“A Parley at the Summit: Reagan, Gorbachev and the End of the Cold War”
Ambassador Ken Adelman
ANCM’s Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: 39th ENID AND R. CROSBY KEMPER LECTURE (Photo & Video Opportunity)
Dr. Larry P. Arnn, World-Renowned Churchill Expert and President of Hillsdale College
Free: Registration Required
Historic Gymnasium
Saturday, March 7
Creating The Sinews of Peace Exhibition
America’s National Churchill Museum
Ongoing Exhibition: The Words of Winston
This special exhibition featuring original artwork by Fulton High School students is inspired by “The Sinews of Peace” address and ANCM architecture.
The Wit and Wisdom Room, America’s National Churchill Museum
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Association of Churchill Fellows Induction Ceremony
Free: Registration Required
This event will feature remarks by Churchill’s great-grandson Duncan Sandys.
ANCM’s St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury
- Larry P. Arnn
- Jack O. Bovender, Jr.
- James A. Bowen
- Paul Brown
- William D. Felder
- Sir Christian Turner
ABOUT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE: Founded in 1851 and home of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, Westminster College is ranked prestigiously by The Princeton Review as one of 151 “Best Colleges in the Midwest” for 2026 and is among is among a select group of full-participation institutions nationwide in the Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement Coalition, as recognized by the Higher Learning Commission. New graduates experience a more than 90% placement rate within six months of graduation, while Westminster alumni are in the top 16% nationwide for graduate earnings. The only National Liberal Arts college in Missouri, Westminster has long been recognized for its focus on educating and inspiring students to make an impact on the world around them. Find out more about Westminster College by visiting www.wcmo.edu.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Sarah Backer at 573-220-9038 or Sarah.Backer@WCMO.edu.
Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.
