First-year Master of Arts in Art History student Abigail Sempebwa played a key role in a restitution ceremony at the German Embassy in Washington, D.C. Courtesy of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation.
Master of Arts in Art History student Abigail Sempebwa ’26 recently played a key role in a restitution ceremony at the German Embassy in Washington, D.C., marking an important milestone in the effort to return cultural treasures lost during WWII.
Abigail Sempebwa ’26. Courtesy of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation.
This event is tied to her work with the Monuments Men and Women Foundation, which honors the WWII heroes of the U.S. Army’s Monuments, Fine Art, and Archives (MFAA) section that protected vital artistic and cultural heritage during the war.
As a research intern with the Foundation, Sempebwa works closely with Senior Researcher Casey Shelton to investigate cases of wartime provenance, including the Wiescherhöfen Parade Banner, which was the focal point of the ceremony. The banner was returned to the Hamm-Wiescherhöfen Volunteer Fire Department in Germany.
Restitution Ceremony
Sempebwa graduated in May 2024 with a master’s degree in museum studies from Harvard University. Initially drawn to various areas of research such as conservation and museum ethics, she ultimately focused on the protection of museum collections and cultural heritage.
Wiescherhöfen fire banner. Courtesy of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation.
“My master’s research focused on how well, or not well, museums in the past and present have protected their objects during wartime,” explained Sempebwa. “This research led me to the archives of the Louvre Museum and Palace of Versailles to compare their wartime procedures in World War II.”
Sempebwa was attracted to the TCU Art History program for its small cohorts, providing direct access to faculty and resources. With strong connections to nearby museums, the program offers students invaluable opportunities to engage closely with art and museum professionals.
“The program felt like the perfect place to be challenged and position me well for my professional goals,” said Sempebwa. “I also really loved the travel opportunities for research. It doesn’t hurt either that my little brother is here! He is one of the school’s kickers.”
Drawing on her expertise in object handling, Sempebwa’s primary role during the ceremony was to prepare the banner for display and ensure its safe packaging for return to Germany.
“I felt incredibly honored to participate in this ceremony,” said Sempebwa. “We are continuing the mission of the Monuments Men and doing our part to restore cultural memories. It’s a full-circle moment to see the banner’s journey from when it first came to the Foundation’s attention to now seeing a resolution.”
Restoring Cultural Heritage
Sempebwa’s primary role was to prepare the banner for display and ensure its safe packaging for return to Germany. Courtesy of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation.
Her work with the Foundation has strengthened her skills as a researcher and emerging art historian and museum professional. The Monuments Men have also deeply moved her through their legacy, both as individuals and as guardians of history and cultural heritage.
“They’re a constant reminder that art is not merely decorative but embodies cultural identity, history and collective memory,” said Sempebwa. “Their work was not just about recovering art; it was also about restoring dignity and justice to people who suffered loss. Each piece they returned was a small step toward healing historical wounds, reminding us that behind every artifact is a story, a memory, and often, a family.”
Sempebwa believes these acts of restitution extend beyond the objects themselves; they aim to restore a sense of belonging and identity, enabling communities to reclaim their cultural narratives and histories.
“This is certainly the case for the Wiescherhöfen banner,” said Sempebwa. “Each return was, and still is, a way to confront past injustices and offer a chance for reconciliation.”
Today, countless cultural artifacts that went missing during and after World War II are still unaccounted for. If you or someone you know has an artwork or item brought back from Europe that may have been affected by the events of World War II, please contact the Foundation at 1-866-WWII-ART or via their online form at www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org.