Over There, Over Here

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The MUSE (MUseums Sharing Experiences) group is sponsoring a multi-organization exhibition for 2017, Over There, Over Here:  World War I and Life in N.H. Communities is a multi-group collaboration commemorating the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I.
       The goal is to put the war in social context exploring the themes of the lives of service men and women, Native American code talkers, the development of camouflage and chemical warfare, communication tactics on the battlefield, the war relief effort, changes on the home front, temperance, women’s suffrage, the Influenza epidemic, and the profound changes in music, art, and literature. (Schedule of events)
Programs on a broad range of topics that relate to life on the home front and changes to society in the aftermath of the war will be discussed such as the:
lives of service men and women
  • Native American code talkers
  • development of camouflage and chemical warfare
  • communication tactics on the battlefield
  • war relief effort
  • changes on the home front
  • temperance
  • women’s suffrage
  • Influenza epidemic 
  • profound changes in music, art, and literature.
These are just a handful of the topics that will be covered through the year.  Audience members will have the opportunity to gain in depth knowledge about all aspects of life on the home front, immediately before, during and immediately after the war. (link)
       This year long event will feature exhibits, programs, lectures, and book readings in Bradford, Hopkinton, Penacook, New London, Warner, and Webster museums, historical societies, and libraries as well as the Aviation Museum in Londonderry. ​​
        NLHS, Tracy Memorial Library, the New London Archives, and Kearsarge Council on Aging are participating over the next six months offering programs and exhibits in New London. (schedule at right)
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       The New Hampshire Historical Society created a series of lectures and exhibit on this period in time. Flyer​

Local Happenings

~ KCOA – Pizza and Movie night showing Suffragettes, August 18.
~ Town of New London and Colby Sawyer College Archives - working on an exhibit Fall 2017.
~ NLHS Dessert Social: WWI and the African Campaign, September 13. ​
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 What does Instant Coffee have to do with WWI?
   In the trenches, Instant Coffee gave troops a much-needed boost!
     On April 6, 1917, the U.S. declared war on Germany and formally entered World War I. By late June, American infantry troops began arriving in Europe. One thing they couldn't do without? Coffee.
       "Coffee was as important as beef and bread," a high-ranking Army official concluded after the war. A postwar review of the military's coffee supply concurred, stating that it "restored courage and strength" and "kept up the morale." In fact, U.S. troops had long looked toward coffee as a small source of salvation amid the hell of war.  (more)