Join Dr. Allison McGovern, archaeologist and Brookhaven National Lab's Cultural Resources Manager, for a compelling lecture that delves into the World War II history of Camp Upton, a major U.S. Army training facility located in the heart of Long Island. Originally established during World War I and reactivated during the Second World War, Camp Upton played a crucial role in preparing American troops—physically, mentally, and emotionally—for combat overseas.
This presentation will explore the daily life of the soldiers who passed through the camp’s gates, the rigorous training programs designed to transform civilians into combat-ready troops, and the broader military strategy that made Camp Upton a vital component of the U.S. war effort. Drawing on archival photographs, military records, and personal accounts, the lecture will bring to life the experience of those who trained at Upton during a critical moment in world history.
In addition to its military legacy, the lecture will also touch on the site’s unique transformation after the war into what is now Brookhaven National Laboratory. Archaeological efforts on the former camp grounds have uncovered material remnants of its wartime past—objects that offer new insights into the lived experience of the soldiers and the camp’s role in shaping twentieth-century American history.
Designed for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in Long Island’s wartime heritage, this lecture offers a rare glimpse into how one local site contributed to a global conflict and continues to inform our understanding of the past.
