The Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives (MFAA) Program was instituted in the US in 1943. Members of the program came be to known as the "Monuments Men" and went on to have distinguished careers in the field of arts conservation. Robert Edsel wrote a book about them, which is now being turned into a film (releasing in 2013) by no less than George Clooney. Clooney will appear in the film along with the likes of Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, and Bill Murray.
What was the main aim of this program?
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To reclaim or help protect cultural artifacts (paintings, sculptures etc.) in war-torn areas (mainly in Europe) during World War II. Here's
the Wikipedia article on the film, and
a Harvard magazine article on the men.