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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 1, 2019
Contact: Wendy Malloy
Museum of History & Industry PR
wendy.malloy@mohai.org
206 324 1126 Ext. 150

Final Days to Explore the Extraordinary Stories of Americans At Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)

January 1, 2019

Critically Acclaimed WW1 America exhibit closes February 10

SEATTLE—Don’t miss your last chance to experience this comprehensive and powerful exhibit of the Great War at Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). Closing February 10, WW1 America tells an important story of Americans—both the legendary and the unsung—who made history in a turbulent era.

The rapid growth of our industrial economy, the militarization of the Puget Sound, the rise of the women’s movement, the battle over civil rights, the specter of anti-immigrant paranoia, the devastating public health challenges of the Spanish flu, and the post-war labor struggles that culminated in the Seattle General Strike of 1919 are all examined in this exhibit.

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 reveals the transformational effects of the Great War on American life, including the emergence of the Puget Sound Region as a major industrial, trade, and military hub.

The Great War that began in Europe in the summer of 1914 quickly drew in all parts of the world—including the United States, even though the country did not enter the war until April 1917. The World War I era—1914 to 1919—was transformational. America emerged as a confident global superpower, but the war also led to deep divisions and conflict that threatened to tear the nation apart.

“WW1 America tells a huge story – with consequences that continue to ripple through our world and our community today,” said 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.”

Generous support for WW1 America is provided by The State of Washington, The Boeing Company, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, Mike Repass, The Simpson Family Fund, 4Culture, Bartell Drugs, BNSF Railway, and MOHAI Exhibits Fund. Media sponsors are KCTS 9, KUOW, and The Seattle Times. The promotional partner is Visit Seattle.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS RELATED TO THE WW1 America EXHIBIT

(Details are subject to change, and additional programs and events may be added).

Labor Wars of the Northwest

Saturday, Feb 2, 1 and 2:30 pm

Free for MOHAI Members (included with admission)

Enjoy special screenings of the new film, Labor Wars of the Northwest covering three decades of labor strife in the Pacific Northwest at the turn of the 20th century. This one-hour documentary reveals the plight of working-class men and women who battled for better wages, reasonable hours and workplace safety. Screenings will be followed by a discussion with director and local historian David Jepsen.

Labor Will Feed the People: Celebrating the Seattle General Strike Centennial

Wednesday, Feb 6, 6:30 pm

$5 MOHAI Members / $10 General Public
For six days Seattle stood still as thousands of workers walked off the job. Making headlines around the world, the 1919 General Strike inspired others in the labor movement both nationally and internationally. Experience this historic moment through an immersive performance featuring the voices of workers, politicians, businessmen, and live music. The evening will include a pop-up exhibit, hands-on activities, and a post-performance Q & A.Created in collaboration with the UW Labor Archives of Washington, historian James Gregory, playwright Ed Mast, and the Seattle Labor Chorus.

Witness to Revolution: The Story of Anna Louise Strong

Thursday, Feb 7, 6 pm

Free First Thursday

Follow the life of author and labor activist Anna Louise Strong in this sweeping documentary.As a reporter she covered the major political revolutions of the 20th century in Russia, Spain,and China. Her political vision took shape in the Pacific Northwest after witnessing the 1916 Everett massacre and chronicling the 1919 Seattle General Strike. Stay after the screening for a discussion with the film director Lucy Ostrander and local historian Stephanie Ogle.

Location, Hours, and Admission

MOHAI is located at 860 Terry Ave. in Seattle. Exhibit gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is free on first Thursdays to MOHAI’s regular galleries and open until 8 p.m. (WW1 America will be accessible at a special rate on first Thursdays of $14.95 for adults, $12.95 for students/seniors and free for active duty military and veterans). Admission to WW1 America is included with regular MOHAI admission of $19.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors (62 and above); $15.95 for students and military (with ID); free for children 14 and under (when accompanied by an adult) and MOHAI members. As part of the Museums For All program, low-income families can visit MOHAI for a minimal fee of $2 per person with the presentation of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. For more information, call (206) 324-1126.

About MOHAI

MOHAI is dedicated to enriching lives through preserving, sharing, and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region, and the nation. As the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington; the museum engages communities through interactive exhibits, online resources, and award-winning public and youth education programs.  For more information about MOHAI, please visit mohai.org, or call (206) 324-1126. Facebook: facebook.com/seattlehistory Twitter: @MOHAI.

Image captions: Front page of November 1918 issue of The Seattle Star, announcing the end of World War I, Museum of History & Industry.

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