On Tuesday, October 29, Wright Museum held an informal gathering at which Executive Director Mike Culver and Curator Justin Gamache provided a “Director’s Tour” for program and event sponsors.
“It was a chance to provide deeper insight into our final exhibit of the year, The Last Good War: The Faces and Voices of World War II, and our collection,” Culver noted.
The evening also provided Culver and Gamache with the chance to discuss plans for 2020, including special exhibits, one of which they hope will include Vietnam: The Real War: A Photographic History from the Associated Press.
Featuring 50 large format photos from the Archives of the Associated Press, this exhibition “tells a story of a war that left a deep scar on our country and the world.” Taken during the 1960s and 70s, the images were captured by photojournalists from the Saigon bureau of the Associated Press, the largest and most experienced news service covering the war.
“The exhibit has been referred to as one of the greatest photographic legacies of the 20th century,” said Gamache, who noted the AP won six Pulitzer Prizes for its coverage in Vietnam.
For Culver, one of the main purposes behind The Wright, or any history museum, is to make history relevant to contemporary visitors.
“Museums greatly enhance the learning process by displaying real objects in thoughtfully created displays and interactive activities,” he said. “Our special exhibits are particularly useful in this regard.”
According to Robyn Masteller, regional vice president, Meredith Village Savings Bank Wolfeboro Office, “building community” is another important role of museums.
“Wright Museum offers a place for the community to gather and reflect,” said Masteller, who attended the event. “We appreciate Wright’s role in helping create an environment that is open and accessible for all.”
In looking to 2020, Culver said he looks to build on a successful 2019 season, which concluded on October 31.
“It has been a wonderful year with incredible exhibits and events and new and returning supporters alike,” he said. “I am so thankful to have the support of our individual and corporate supporters. We could not achieve our mission without them.”
The region’s leading resource for educators and learners of all ages on World War II, Wright Museum features more than 14,000 items in its collection that are representative of both the homefront and battlefield.
