[rev_slider alias=”over-here-over-there”]
Over Here, Over There: Madison in WWI is an exhibition by the MHS and the Charlotte L. Evarts Memorial Archives to commemorate the centennial of the First World War. The collaborative exhibit tells the story of Madison and its people during the Great War with a focus on individual stories of those who served overseas and those who remained at home. The exhibit is open Saturdays from April to November, with two main venues: the exhibition hall at Lee’s Academy and a companion exhibit at the Memorial Town Hall.
The uniforms, memorabilia and letters of those who served will be central to telling the story of the war experience. The exhibit will also explore key themes such as attitudes to the war and neutrality, political censorship, the rise of the media, the propaganda machine, the art and music that flourished during this time, and the post-war experience through artifacts culled from both organizations’ collections. The project partners with the Scranton Memorial Library and other town organizations to feature musical performances, lectures, book talks and movie screenings throughout the year aimed at enhancing the visitors’ experience and deepening their understanding of the impact of WWI on Madison.
Among the many vivid first-person narratives are the stories of Philip Platt (who was involved in humanitarian responses before, during, and after the war), Morgan Redfield (who ran away to join the Canadian forces at age 15), and Charlotte Dowd, a teenage girl whose diary reflects the concerns for her peers and her older brother. Listening Centers at Lee’s Academy will feature recordings of several Daniel Hand students who read from a selection of these letters and memoirs. Multimedia viewing stations feature a selection of the photos from the Front as well as other items that could not be displayed.
