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Uniform of Pvt. John Ashburn, Army 1st Infantry Division, with “Big Red One” shoulder sleeve insignia of the first permanent division in the regular Army, organized in 1917 for duty on the Western Front in World War I.
The 2018 featured exhibit at the Lancaster Virginia Historical Society commemorates the 100th anniversary of U.S. involvement in World War I and the final year of the war. “Lancaster in World War I: Home Front to Battle Front” presents more than 70 artifacts, documents, biographical profiles, and research panels that explore the experiences of local residents during the Great War.
More than 4.7 million Americans served in the military in World War I. This exhibit identifies the names of 366 men and 2 women known to have served from Lancaster County. Some were just old enough to enlist at 18 and many knew only the life of a farmer or waterman. They served in numerous capacities both stateside and abroad, in roles such as infantry, artillery and cavalry soldiers, sailors, mechanics, pilots, medical personnel, cooks, construction workers and more. At home, women were active in civilian efforts to support the war, particularly through knitting for the American Red Cross. They also worked to conserve food and supplies for the troops and ran farms and businesses while the men were away.
The museum exhibit includes military uniforms, equipment, service certificates, war posters, Red Cross papers, personal letters, photographs and other items from the museum’s permanent collection and on loan from community members. Supporting research is drawn from original sources such as draft registration cards, census data, gravestones, newspapers, obituaries and government questionnaires.
“Lancaster in World War I” continues through December 21 and is open Wednesday-Friday from 10am-4pm, except Thanksgiving week. A $5 admission donation is requested. The Historical Society (formerly known as Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library) is located at 8346 Mary Ball Rd. (Rt. 3) and also offers a Museum Shop and Research Library. Upcoming events include the November 10 “Shuckin’ on the Lancaster Green” Oyster Roast, November 12 Armistice Day Centennial Program, and December 8 Museum and Gift Shop Holiday Open House.
mbwm.org • 804-462-7280