One of the most talked-about events of the Cold War was the downing of the American U-2 spy plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers over the Soviet Union on May 1, 1960. Powers was captured by the KGB, subjected to a televised show trial, and imprisoned, all of which created an international incident. Soviet authorities eventually released him in exchange for captured Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. On his return to the United States, Powers was exonerated of any wrongdoing while imprisoned in Russia, yet a cloud of controversy lingered until his untimely death in 1977.
Now his son, Francis Gary Powers Jr., has researched his Father’s life based on personal files that have never been previously available. Delving into old audio tapes, the transcript of his father’s debriefing by the CIA, other recently declassified documents about the U-2 program, and interviews with his contemporaries, Powers sets the record straight. The result is a fascinating piece of Cold War history.
Join us in person on August 1st from 6:30-7:30 pm to hear this fascinating Cold War story. We will also be live-streaming the event via Facebook.Â
Refreshments will be provided.
The Center is located at 305 Harbor View Parkway in Superior, Wisconsin.
Call for more info at 715-392-7151.