Empires were destroyed, millions perished, and the world was upended by a war meant to end all others. Making its West Coast debut at MOHAI through February 10, 2019, WW1 America tells the story of one of history’s most remarkable moments.
The WWI era—1914 to 1919—saw America transformed. It was a time of wrenching extremes that pulled Americans between the poles of fear and hope, between deepening cynicism and broadening optimism. Through original artifacts, images, voices, interactives and multimedia presentations, WW1 America tells the extraordinary stories of Americans—both legendary and unsung—during this turbulent time.
“WW1 America tells a huge story – with consequences that continue to ripple through our world and our community today,” says Leonard Garfield, MOHAI’s Executive Director. “America’s World War I experience, both at home and abroad, helps us understand the making of the nation we live in today. We are honored to host the exhibit for Seattle at such an important time.”
This powerful exhibit will coincide with the centennial of Armistice Day on November 11, 2018 the day the war ended and an especially important day of international observance in 2018 (known in the United States as Veterans Day).
Developed by the Minnesota History Center in partnership with the National Constitution Center, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, the Oakland Museum of California and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, WW1 America illustrates how the past can help us understand our nation and our world today.
The outbreak of war in Europe in 1914 threw the United States, and the world, into a time of danger, uncertainty, and change. Over the span of four years nearly every aspect of life was transformed.
From the home front to the battlefield, Americans faced new dilemmas, unprecedented opportunities, and almost unimaginable challenges. WW1 America brings this dramatic era to life through the touching, powerful, heartbreaking, and inspiring experiences of people from all backgrounds and walks of life as they navigated this turbulent time. Here are some of their stories:
Many thanks to all the individuals who advised and participated in the development of the WW1 America exhibit.
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