Morris County Heritage Commission to Host World War One Road Show
on October 14 at the Morris County Library

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States entering World War One, the New Jersey Historical Commission, New Jersey State Archives, New Jersey State Museum, and the Morris County Heritage Commission will host a day-long New Jersey World War One Road Show on Saturday, October, 14, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at the Morris County Library, East Hanover Avenue, in Whippany.

ADMISSION IS FREE.

Bring In Your World War One Era Artifacts And Memorabilia. The New Jersey World War One Road Show will provide a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts, casual observers, and audiences of all ages to bring in World War One related objects, ephemera, and collectibles to not only learn more about their historical significance but how to properly care for them as well.  Organizers have gathered a diverse set of specialists from the New Jersey State Museum, the Morris County Archives, and experts in military history to offer insights and perspective on all World War One memorabilia and family histories brought in by attendees.

NOTE:  Please DO NOT bring in any firearms, ammunition, or live artillery shells to event – Photographs only.

There will be a morning session (11 a.m.–12.30 p.m.) and an afternoon session (2 p.m.– 3.30 p.m.) for the public to speak with artifact and archival experts about their memorabilia, photographs, objects and how to care for them.

Presentations from several guest speakers will be held throughout the day. Among them will be Past President of the Great War Association, Reenactor, and collector of militaria John Torkos who will give a presentation on life in the trenches and will also be on hand to identify military items and collectibles.  A special session on teaching World War One history will be presented by West Morris Mendham High School History Teacher Steve Santucci, and Marty Kane, President of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, who will give a talk on New Jersey inventor and chemist Hudson Maxim. The Picatinny Arsenal Historian will also give a presentation and be on hand to answer questions about the arsenal in the days leading up to and during the war. Other programs about food, dress, and daily life for civilians and soldiers will be presented throughout the day.

Children will have an opportunity to experience games made and played by children in 1917.  They will also have an opportunity to sit in an interactive one room school house exhibit.

Exhibits reflecting a wide range of topics will be on view throughout the library will provide a perspective on what people were reading, seeing, talking about, and experiencing in 1917.

A few exhibit and information tables will be available for Historical Societies, Museums, Fraternal and Veteran’s organizations.

Contact Peg Shultz, Acting Director/Archivist, at 973.829.8117 or  PShultz@co.morris.nj.us  for details.

Event Flyer