Defending Democracy: A JUST CAUSE Exhibit
Defending Democracy: A JUST CAUSE
Shaping History: ASOM Welcomes the Fourth Year of Curatorial Apprentices
The hallways of the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum (ASOM) have been buzzing with a different kind of energy lately. We are proud to announce the fourth year of our Curatorial Apprenticeship Program (CAP), an initiative designed to hand the keys of history over to the next generation.
This year marks a milestone as we collaborate with students from two Cumberland County high schools: Jack Britt High School and Massey Hill Classical High School.
The Journey from Student to Curator
The path to creating a museum-grade exhibit is rigorous. Each fall, social studies departments at our partner schools advertise the program, seeking students with a passion for storytelling and a respect for military history. After a competitive process involving written statements and intensive interviews, six students are chosen to step into the role of museum curator.
Once selected, these students don’t just watch from the sidelines—they dive in. Under the expert guidance of ASOM and 82d Airborne Division Museum staff, the CAP students spend their Saturday mornings throughout the school year:
· Researching primary sources and archival materials.
· Writing compelling narratives that bridge the gap between past and present.
· Selecting artifacts and period images to create a professional public exhibit.
Defending Democracy: A JUST CAUSE
This year’s CAP students have meticulously traced the timeline of U.S. involvement in Panama, beginning with the monumental construction of the Panama Canal and concluding with the strategic shift of the late 1980s. Their research highlights how the Canal was not just a feat of engineering, but a centerpiece of America’s global policy that eventually led to one of the most significant military actions of the late 20th century.
Launched in December 1989, Operation JUST CAUSE was a decisive U.S. military mission aimed at protecting U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere and restoring democratic integrity by removing the corrupt regime of General Manuel Noriega. The operation remains a landmark in military history, involving the largest airborne assault since World War II. Through their research, our student curators have explored how this rapid intervention successfully transitioned Panama back to a democratically elected government, securing a vital chapter in the story of global freedom.
Opening Night: Register Now
📅 Opening Night: Thursday, April 23
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join us for the exhibit opening on Thursday, April 23, 6PM until 8PM. The opening reception is more than just an exhibit opening; it’s a celebration of civic engagement and student scholarship. Come hear directly from the student curators about their insights and the powerful stories they’ve brought to life. Register here to join us!
