To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, one of the most important events of the 20th century, the Wright Museum is hosting a special exhibition of World War I propaganda posters.
“The exhibit features 17 original WWI posters that are in remarkable condition, especially considering they are all at least 100 years old,” said the museum’s assistant curator Justin Gamache.
The exhibit also features some unique artifacts from both the home front and war front that help portray what life was like during the period. As but one example, Gamache cited a soldier in a WWI uniform wearing a typical gas mask synonymous with World War I that “greets” visitors at the start of the exhibit.
Some other artifacts of note include a trench periscope used for scouting enemy positions across no-man’s land and some fascinating trench-art shell casings.
“These casings were engraved by soldiers in the trenches to pass time and serve as a remembrance of their service,” he said.
While the Wright Museum’s permanent collection focuses exclusively on WWII, its mission includes educating visitors about other seminal events that shaped American history. The exhibit, “Propaganda Posters of the First World War,” will be on display throughout the season, ending on October 31. The posters are on loan from the Collection of Brewster Ely with additional various artifacts on loan from the Collection of Randy Cook.
“We are so grateful for these loans,” added Gamache. “This exhibit really is very exciting and shows a part of war that is often not thought about.”
The Wright Museum of World War II is located in Wolfeboro, NH and open daily to the public for the 2018 season from May 1 through October 31. Museum hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 12 to 4 pm.
The Wright Museum is an “Editor’s Pick for Lake Winnipesaukee” in the May/June issue of Yankee Magazine’s Travel New England edition.
