Former British prime minister’s connection to Missouri college resulted in National Churchill Museum

Winston Churchill fans in the Midwest don't have to travel across the pond to England to immerse themselves in the life of the late revered British statesman.

Instead, head south to Fulton, Mo., home to a museum that celebrates the life and political career of the former prime minister. Designated by the U.S. Congress as America's National Churchill Museum, this is the 'epicenter of Churchill in North America,' according to Churchill biographer Paul Reid.

The story of why this museum is located in the middle of Missouri begins with an invitation from Fulton's Westminster College to Churchill shortly after he had lost his position as prime minister following the end of World War II. President Harry Truman, a native of Missouri, put in a good word for the school, and on March 5, 1946, the revered statesman arrived on campus to deliver a speech that received news coverage around the world. In it he warned of an 'iron curtain' descending across Europe as the Soviet government tightened its grip on the countries of the Eastern bloc. Churchill was one of the first to realize the seriousness of the Soviet threat, and his vivid phrase came into widespread use.

Thus began a long association between Westminster College and Winston Churchill. Today the school's multimillion-dollar museum showcases the life and achievements of the World War II leader, with special attention, of course, to his famous speech at the school. Displays of photographs, letters, memorabilia and period artifacts trace the story of his life, from his childhood growing up on one of England's grandest estates to his checkered military career before World War II and his valiant service to Britain and the larger world during the conflict.

'We try to present a complete picture of Churchill,' says Mandy Plybon, education and public programs coordinator at the museum. 'Many people know quite a bit about his political career, but they often don't know that he was also a devoted family man, writer, artist, gardener, a great lover of animals and even a certified bricklayer.'

Visitors also may be surprised by how miserable Churchill's early life was, despite being born into one of England's most distinguished families. His father, a British lord, was greatly disappointed in his son, whom he thought showed a woeful lack of initiative and intelligence. His adored mother, an American-born heiress, was emotionally distant, and Churchill's sole source of unconditional love was his nanny.

Churchill's early adulthood also was marked by difficulties and challenges. After a mediocre record as a student, Churchill joined the military. To make extra money as well as enhance his reputation, he volunteered to serve in hot spots around the world and worked as a war correspondent for several London papers. By the time he entered politics he already was well-known in Britain and had experienced enough drama, tragedy, defeat and adventure to fill the lives of 10 men. All those experiences helped forge a steely resolve, superlative communication skills and a talent for leadership that proved essential during World War II.

The museum's most vivid exhibit recreates Churchill's finest hour: his role during the Blitz, when German pilots rained bombs on London and other strategic targets for nine months. Sound and lighting effects give a sense for the terror that was created and the valiant response of the British people. The display includes a showing of the film 'Churchill's Finest Hour.' Narrated by Walter Cronkite, it details how the prime minister rallied his people and kept Britain from falling under Nazi control.

Throughout the museum, quotes from Churchill enliven the narrative. A master of words, Churchill was insightful, persuasive and witty.

During the darkest days of World War II, his words rallied the spirits of his fellow Brits: 'We shall fight on the beaches,' he proclaimed. 'We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields and in the streets. We shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.'

Many of Churchill's more private sayings also have become famous, including his response to Lady Nancy Astor after she told him that if she were married to him, she would poison in his coffee. Replied Churchill, 'If I were married to you, I'd drink it.'

Sitting atop the building is another remarkable feature of the National Churchill Museum: a church that recalls Churchill's heroic efforts during the Blitz. For the 20th anniversary of the Iron Curtain speech, Westminster College received from the city of London one of the churches that had been reduced to rubble during the Blitz. The 17th-century Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury (which had laid in ruins ever since the war), was packed up piece by piece and shipped to Missouri, where it was laboriously reassembled in its original form.

Reconstructed, the church is a marvel. The famed architect Christopher Wren had designed the building to replace a medieval church destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666. In keeping with Wren's belief that nothing is more beautiful than light, the church's clear glass windows let in the sun, illuminating white walls, simple wooden pews and an altar displaying the Ten Commandments.

Another moving tribute to Churchill is a work of sculpture that sits outside the church.

Created by Edwina Sandys, Churchill's granddaughter, it is called 'Breakthrough' and features eight sections from the Berlin Wall, each covered with graffiti from the days when the city was divided into Soviet-controlled East Berlin and free West Berlin.

The wall symbolizes the wisdom of Churchill's warning to the world in 1946, but it also shows the triumph of freedom over tyranny.

Winston Churchill, flawed as he was, was a man of honor and bravery who inspired millions at a time when the world's future hung in balance.

It's a surprisingly fitting place to pay homage to him here, in this rural corner of the Midwest, looking up at the sunlight streaming in the window of a London church.