Remembered Light is a collection of twenty-five art pieces using glass shards collected from bombed-out European cathedrals, synagogues, and chapels during World War II by the late Frederick McDonald.

There was glass everywhere and I picked up quite a number of these broken pieces that were deeply smoked by the explosion of the bombs. I put them away and then mailed them home. The shards represented something deep that you ought to remember about this. It’s so often a little thing that can bring back a flood or memories into your head.

Currently on Display

Pritzker Military Museum and Library

10475 12th Street.,
Kenosha, WI 53144

April 1, 2025–October 5, 2025

EXPLORE THE ART

Glass Works By Thirteen Artists

Each piece includes a transcript from the chaplain’s memory of the specific location and events related to it. The unaltered glass fragments and the narratives have been transcended by 13 artists to convey the idea of being a witness of the era one experiences leading to the universal longing for peace.

FRED’S JOURNEY

Follow Fred’s path through Europe and WWII history

Get a complete picture of the context of the McDonald Peace Windows, through the framework of Fred McDonald’s movement through Europe at the end of the war. Learn more about Fred, World War II history, and the sites he visited through this interactive chronological documentation of Fred’s journey.

Follow Fred’s Journey

A PERMANENT HOME FOR THE WINDOWS

San Francisco, CA

Since 2010, the Interfaith Center of the Presidio has been the home of the McDonald Peace Windows. Built in 1931, the Presidio Chapel now needs a major facelift and expansion to best serve the interfaith center of tomorrow and importantly, to provide a permanent home for the McDonald Windows in a new 1,900 square foot addition. Your support is vital to ensure the windows’ permanent home.

Donate Today

visit the Windows

Upcoming Exhibition

The windows will be on exhibit at the Pritzker Military Museum and Library beginning in April. Visitors are welcome and should check in with Reception Services. For more details, please visit our Visit page.

Visiting Information

NEws and Announcements

  • An Amazing Museum Experience with WTMJ-TV

    WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee featured the Remembered Light exhibit at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Kenosha, WI. Steph Brown took a spectacular tour with the Director of Museum Collections, Dustin DePue. She describes it as impactful and emotional. The museum ties the past, present and future together. Watch the video here.

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  • Peace by Piece

    The Remembered Light Exhibit pieces together glass fragments from buildings destroyed in World War II, reminding us that world peace is essential. The exhibition simultaneously spotlights the destruction of the past while focusing on the importance of a peaceful and prosperous future. Read the article in Refined’s Winter 2024 edition here.

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  • Glass Fragments from World War II Exhibition Opens September 14 at the NVMM

    Opening Night Reception to Take Place on September 13 at 6:30 p.m.; NVMM Will Be Exhibit’s Final Stop Before Its Permanent Install at the Presidio in San Francisco, CA COLUMBUS, Ohio – The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) today announced the opening of Remembered Light: Glass Fragments from World War II, which will run September…

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