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The Cornelius Ryan Room on the fifth floor of Alden Library has a new look. Established with the University鈥檚 acquisition of the Cornelius Ryan Collection of World War II Papers in 1981, the room previously focused on documents from its namesake, a prominent World War II reporter and author. Now, the room provides a much deeper look at the war through numerous first-hand accounts and a variety of artifacts.

Over the last year, Alex Hines, class of 2024, and Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections manuscripts archivist, Greta Suiter, co-curated the room鈥檚 new exhibit, adding a variety of pieces to bring visitors 鈥渙n a journey into the minds of those individuals who lived through, survived, fought in and died鈥� during WWII, Hines wrote in a on the effort. 鈥淲alking through the exhibition, one will be drawn into the intimate thoughts and experiences of those who were directly involved in the events.鈥�

Visitors will be able to see a map on which Ryan detailed the D-Day invasion of Normandy, as well as the desk where he sat while writing the first major account of the invasion. That account, published in 1959 as 鈥淭he Longest Day,鈥� was hailed as a masterpiece of military history due to its incredible detail and commitment to presenting the perspective of all the parties involved. 

A 鈥淟ocal Connections鈥� display includes the story of Red Cross worker Margaret Maslin of Athens and other area individuals who played a role in the war. 

Also on display: a small piece of tile said to be from Adolph Hitler鈥檚 bunker bathroom, sent to Ryan by fellow WWII correspondent Walter Cronkite. Apocryphal? Perhaps. Worth a visit? Most certainly.

The new Ryan Room exhibit is open for viewing weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., or by appointment, during the academic year.