Seattle’s Museum Of History & Industry Presents Major Exhibit Of The Great War

November 9, 2017

WW1 America opens September 1, 2018 at MOHAI; the only West Coast venue for this comprehensive and powerful exhibit

Seattle, WA – Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) today announced a major new exhibit exploring the history and impact of World War I on the United States. Making its West Coast debut at MOHAI on September 1, 2018 and running through February 10, 2019, WW1 America 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).

“The City of Seattle welcomes this opportunity to explore the causes and consequences of World War 1,” said Seattle Mayor Tim Burgess, “and also to salute the generations of veterans in our region who have served the nation at home and abroad.”

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 ourselves and our nation today.

“We are extremely proud to present this major exhibit,” said Leonard Garfield, MOHAI’s Executive Director. “WW1 America provides MOHAI with the opportunity to lead a community examination of the War’s anniversary and explore the many local issues that related to it – 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.”

Through original artifacts, images, interactives and multimedia presentations, WW1 America tells the extraordinary stories of Americans—both the legendary and the unsung—during this turbulent time.  The exhibit will be accompanied by a series of programs that explore local themes including the impacts to public health, conflicts between labor and business, and the rise of radical politics and the curtailment of civil liberties.  A particular focus will be programs that honor our region’s veterans, highlighted by a three-day observance during Veterans Day weekend of 2018.

“WW1 America tells a huge story – with consequences that continue to ripple through our world and our community today,” said Garfield. “Needless to say, we are very excited to host the exhibit for Seattle at such an important time.”

Generous support for WW1 America is provided by The Boeing Company, MOHAI Exhibits Fund, and Mike Repass.

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. Admission to WW1 America is included with regular MOHAI admission of $19.95 for adults, $15.95 for seniors (62 and above); $13.95 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.