While the Wright Museum may be located in Wolfeboro, NH, its reach extends far beyond the Granite State, as Outreach Project Coordinator Dan Schroeder is currently on his way back from New Orleans.
Presenting a program at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans he developed nearly ten years ago entitled “The Three Stooges Take on the Axis Powers,” Schroeder said its success is “no laughing matter.”
“Since I first presented on this subject, the reception to it has always been great,” he said.
He said the relevance of The Three Stooges to WWII cannot be overstated.
“Even before Charlie Chaplin and The Great Dictator, the Three Stooges lampooned Hitler and all the Axis powers in ‘You Nazty Spy’ and other films,” he said. “The Three Stooges were the first comedy act to directly make fun of Hitler and the Axis powers.”
According to Schroeder, The Three Stooges had such a powerful impact that “Hitler had them on the same list of enemies as Roosevelt.”
“The Three Stooges were immersed in the war effort,” he added. “Comedy was crucial to galvanizing public opinion toward the war…The Three Stooges were central to unifying Americans as the war became inevitable.”
As for how he made his way to the National WWII Museum, Schroeder said he began discussions with them one year ago. Self-funding this first part of a 6-part series, he acknowledged he hopes future presentations this far from home include some compensation.
“I am taking my wife with me, so this is a little vacation, too, for us,” he said.
As for the impact Schroeder’s trip has on the Wright Museum itself, Executive Director Mike Culver referred to it as “a very special event.”
“This kind of national exposure is important, because it places us solidly with the community of larger museums outside of New England,” he said. “Being seen as less parochial is significant for a variety of reasons. It can attract a new donor base, make it easier to secure national speakers, gain recognition for our collection and much more.”
While working in New Hampshire, Schroeder may often be found in schools, community centers, veterans homes and other places as part of the Wright Traveling Trunk Show, which is distinct from his recent trip to New Orleans.
“The Wright is an incredible place,” he said. “I’m very excited to be part of it.”
