Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry Brings the Story of The Great War To Seattle This Fall With the WW1 America Exhibit

August 1, 2018

MOHAI’s weekend-long Armistice Day Centennial Celebration in November provides an opportunity for a regional commemoration of the “War To End All Wars”

September 1, 2018-February 10, 2019

Seattle, WA – This fall, experience WW1 America on view at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) September 1, 2018 through February 10, 2019. An in-depth examination of the Great War, this special exhibit tells an important story of Americans—both the legendary and the unsung—who made history in a turbulent era.

The exhibit will coincide with the centennial of Armistice Day on November 11, the day the war ended and a day of international observance in 2018 (known in the US as Veterans Day). MOHAI will honor veterans and active duty military with free admission on First Thursdays to the WW1 America exhibit from September 2018 through February 2019 as well as Saturday, Sunday and Monday during the Veterans Day weekend of 2018.

“WW1 America serves as the centerpiece of a six-month community examination of the war’s 100-year anniversary, illustrating how the past can help us understand ourselves and our nation today to envision a strong future,” said Leonard Garfield, MOHAI’s Executive Director.

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.

The rapid growth of our industrial economy, 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.

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 Garfield. “America’s World War I experience, both at home and abroad, helps us understand the making of the nation we live in today. Needless to say, we are honored to host the exhibit for Seattle at such an important time.”

Generous support for WW1 America is provided by The State of Washington, The Boeing Company, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, The Simpson Family Fund, 4Culture, and MOHAI Exhibits Fund. Media sponsors are The Seattle Times, and KCTS 9. 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).

Flu Shot Clinic hosted by Bartell Drugs

Wednesday, October 3, 5 pm

Free (Museum or Program Admission Not Included)

Protect yourself and your community against the flu! Join locally-owned Bartell Drugs and MOHAI for the opportunity to get your flu shot. Please bring your insurance card; those without insurance coverage will receive a voucher.  Visit the South Lake Cafe while you wait.

The Spanish Flu Pandemic

Wednesday, October 3, 6 pm

$5 MOHAI Members/$10 General Public

The Spanish Flu outbreak of 1918 claimed more lives than the battles of World War I. Learn about the impact of the deadly epidemic that changed Seattle through a special performance of Northwest Passages by Living Voices. Find out how to prevent the spread of the flu today with family-friendly activities and a local resource fair. Generous support provided by Bartell Drugs and 4Culture.

WW1 America Member Celebration

Friday, November 9

6:30-9 pm

Special event for MOHAI members

Celebrate the WW1 exhibit with fellow members and friends at this after-hours reception that kicks-off MOHAI’s Armistice Day Centennial commemoration weekend. Not a member? Join today to RSVP! Membership at MOHAI guarantees year-round, unlimited access to riveting stories while preserving the artifacts and stories that shape Seattle history and innovation Learn more at MOHAI.org/join-and-support/#membership or call (206) 324-1126, ext. 194.

Armistice Day Centennial Commemoration Weekend

Saturday, Nov 10-Monday, Nov 12

10 am-5 pm

MOHAI’s Armistice Day programs on Saturday and Sunday highlight the region’s commemoration of the end of the Great War 100 years ago. Spend Monday (Veterans Day) at the museum and experience the War to End all Wars with the WW1 America exhibit. Presented by Laird Norton Wealth Management with generous support from the Henry M. Jackson foundation.

New World Order: The Geopolitics of Disruption and Change

Saturday, Nov 10, 7:30 pm

$15 MOHAI members / $25 General

Moderated by journalist and television personality Enrique Cerna, this panel discussion explores lessons from WW1 that shed light on today’s changing geopolitical dynamics. Join us as we address this timely conversation with key thought leaders.

Special Armistice Day Ceremony

Sunday, Nov 11

10:30 am, Boeing Centennial Terrace

Special ceremony featuring Rear Admiral William Center commemorating the centennial of Armistice Day. The historic Great Seattle Fire bell will ring, joining Bells of Peace across the nation, honoring the sacrifices made at home and abroad.

11:30 am-5 pm, Faye G. Allen Grand Atrium Celebrate this important day with music, crafts and special events recognizing those who served. Learn about the significance of the Great War and Armistice Day through presentations by Veterans for Peace and historian Bill Woodward.

Dissent: Patriotism or Treason?

Tuesday, December 4, 7 pm

$5 MOHAI Members/$10 General Public

Can thinking be an act of crime? According to local radical Louise Olivereau, the Espionage Act of 1917 did just that. Olivereau opposed U.S. involvement in World War I and encouraged men to refuse to fight. This act of dissent led to her conviction under the Espionage Act, the same Act that we hear of today in connection with such well-known whistleblowers as Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden. The right to dissent is seen by some as an act of treason, and by others as an act of patriotism. Join civil liberties experts and historians to explore patriotism, pacifism, and the limits of free speech. Generous support provided by 4 Culture.

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.