Operation Babylift: Perspectives & Legacies

Description

Operation Babylift: Perspectives and Legacies explores the diverse experiences and lasting impacts of a dramatic airlift that removed more than 2,000 Vietnamese children from their war-torn country to be adopted by American families as Saigon fell in April 1975.

The extraordinary story continued at the Presidio, where more than 1,500 of these children were transferred before being placed with adoptive families. As 5,400 volunteers in the San Francisco Bay Area cared for the children, Operation Babylift itself was being debated across the country.

Through photos, artifacts with community contributed labels, a multi-media timeline, and StoryCorps dialogues between adoptees and Presidio volunteers, the exhibition explores the diverse points of view that existed then and now. Operation Babylift: Perspectives and Legacies is not a single story told by a solitary voice, but by the voices of many whose lives were changed forever.

Visitors can become part of the legacy of Operation Babylift by pausing to reflect and contribute their perspectives in the gallery. Exhibition text is partially translated in Vietnamese; a print guide offers a full translation. Visitors can take a self-guided tour with docents on-hand to answer questions and share information.

This exhibition and program series is co-curated by the Presidio Trust and the Adoption Museum Project, and was shaped by input from more than 40 community contributors. It marks the 40th anniversary of Operation Babylift and the end of the Vietnam War.

Exhibit open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10AM - 6PM until December 31, 2015

More Info

Link

http://www.presidioofficersclub.com/exhibits/special-exhibit...

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415-561-4400

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