Colonel (Ret.) Peter D. Crean, Sr. is the Vice President of Education and Access at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, where he leads initiatives connecting visitors, students and scholars to the lessons of World War II. A retired U.S. Army officer with nearly 30 years of distinguished service, he held leadership and command positions across the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. 

Before joining the museum in 2017, Colonel Crean served as Director of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he oversaw the Army’s premier historical research and archival institution. His career also included roles at the U.S. Army Center of Military History in Washington, D.C., and as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army following retirement. 

Throughout his military and civilian career, Crean has been recognized for his leadership in education, historical preservation and public engagement. At The National WWII Museum, he is instrumental in advancing educational programming, partnerships and veteran outreach both in the U.S. and internationally.