The Lucy Burns Museum at the Workhouse Arts Center is proud to present the second season of Learning at Lunch, a series illuminating aspects of the former prison’s 91-year history. Each month, we invite an expert to tackle a topic from our complicated past. After a brief 30-minute talk, presenters answer audience questions, and all attendees are invited to visit the museum following the program. Table seating provided and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch; snacks and beverages available for purchase.

The Commonwealth played a central role in United States involvement during the Cold War. The location of the Pentagon, CIA and other federal agencies established Northern Virginia as an epicenter of decision-making. As Virginia military bases readied for a potential surprise attack by the Soviet Union, the Lorton Correctional Complex was used to host one of our nation’s Nike Missile sites. Francis Gary Powers Jr., founder and chairman emeritus of the Cold War Museum, worked with the National Park Service and leading Cold War experts to identify historic Cold War sites for commemoration, interpretation and preservation. Join Powers as he discusses his new book Cold War Viriginia and how our site fits in the mix. Books available to purchase on site; signing follows talk.

Future talks in the series:

Friday, October 18, Noon

Incarcerated Labor, Lorton & Beyond with Jay Loy