As Monuments Men Are Honored, Their Foundation Faces Its Demise

The Monuments Men Foundation, created to honor and further the work of the World War II art experts who saved cultural treasures looted by the Nazis, will probably cease ongoing operations this month, its creator said Wednesday.

Robert M. Edsel, who founded the Dallas-based organization in 2007, said the foundation is closing for lack of funding.

As Edsel spoke, representatives of the Monuments Men are scheduled on Thursday to be awarded a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow.

The ceremony is set for 3 p.m. in Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Four representatives of the group are expected to attend, including Harry Ettlinger, 89, of Rockaway, N.J., one of the original Monuments Men.