HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWS RELEASE
The Los Alamos Historical Society is pleased to announce its upcoming free lecture, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Pajarito Room of historic Fuller Lodge. The evening will feature Cold War historian and speaker, Francis Gary Powers Jr.
International speaker and author Gary Powers Jr. is the son of Cold War U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers. His October lecture, Spy Pilot: Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 Incident, and a Controversial Cold War Legacy, will explore the Cold War and the famous U-2 Incident, as well as Powers’ role as a consultant for Bridge of Spies, Steven Spielberg’s film depicting the downing of his father’s plane and Powers’ eventual return to the United States in 1962 in exchange for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. A book signing will follow the lecture.
Powers is the author of several books, including Spy Pilot: Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 Incident, and a Controversial Cold War Legacy. Drawing on years of research, the book examines misinformation surrounding the U-2 Incident that damaged his father’s reputation. It also reflects on growing up in the shadow of a famous Cold War figure, Powers’ search for the truth about his father’s legacy, and the research that contributed to Francis Gary Powers being posthumously awarded the USAF POW Medal and the CIA Director’s Medal and Silver Star in 2000 and 2012. Powers is also the author of the graphic novels Enemy Territory, which explores the U-2 Incident, and The Berlin Airlift.
Powers is the founder and chairman emeritus of The Cold War Museum in Virginia. Founded in 1996, the museum honors Cold War veterans, preserves Cold War history, and educates future generations about this significant period in United States history. Powers has also worked with the National Park Service and other Cold War experts to identify historic Cold War sites for interpretation and preservation.|
Due to copyright restrictions, the October 13, 2026, lecture by Mr. Powers will not be available on our YouTube channel.
Please join us in person at Fuller Lodge for our lecture on this fascinating piece of Cold War history.
The Los Alamos Historical Society extends a heartfelt appreciation to Enterprise Bank and Trust for their generous sponsorship of our 2026-2027 Lecture Series and their ongoing commitment to supporting the programs and initiatives of the Los Alamos Historical Society.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you October 13th!