Lewis & Clark Library to Host Events to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the U.S Entry into World War 1 Through a National Endowment for the Humanities Grant
October 18, 2017 (Helena, MT)—During the first eleven days of November, Your Lewis & Clark Library has a host of events planned to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War 1. This program is part of World War I and America, a two-year national initiative of The Library of America presented in partnership with The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, and other organizations, with generous support from The National Endowment for the Humanities.
The intent of the grant is to bring members of the veteran community together with the general public. The grant provides funding for programs in all fifty states, a traveling exhibition, a multimedia website, and the publication of an anthology featuring the writings by Americans who experienced World War 1.
The Lewis & Clark Library is one of 120 libraries nationwide participating in the World War 1 and America grant throughout 2017. Events and programs will take place at the Main Library in Helena, at the branch libraries in Augusta, East Helena, and Lincoln, as well as at Fort Harrison. In addition, the libraries in East Helena and Helena will feature an ongoing exhibit of WWI artifacts on loan from the Montana Historical Society as well as the WWI & America traveling exhibition panels.
The following events are free and open to the public.
Lewis & Clark Library East Helena BranchOpen House with light refreshments.Wednesday, November 1, 5:30 PM. Get your remembrance poppy and free booklet, World War I and America: Told by the Americans Who Lived It Project Reader. It brings together writings that tell the vivid story of battlefront and home front from people who lived it. Pick up your copy at any Lewis & Clark Library branch. We’ll be discussing different parts of it at most events, plus discussion groups focusing on just one section each.
The writing gathered in the World War I and America Project Reader illuminates how Americans perceived and felt about the war, why they supported or opposed intervention, how they endured the nightmarish reality of modern industrial warfare, and how they experienced the uncertainty and contingency of unfolding events. And it shows how World War I framed issues that still haunt us: what role should America play in the world? Are our claims to moral leadership abroad undercut by racial injustice at home? What does our nation owe those who fight on its behalf?
“Montana and the Great War: 1914-1926.” Wednesday, November 1, 7 PM. Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch. Rich Aarstad, Senior Manuscript Archivist at the Montana Historical Society, will discuss some of the impacts of ‘The Great War’ on Montana, from preparedness campaigns to the Montana Council of Defense determining and evaluating the patriotism of our citizens. The War to End all Wars propelled the United States to the forefront as a world power and defined the remainder of the 20th century leaving ‘we the people’ to wrestle still with definitions of patriotism, freedom of speech, and who/what makes us Americans.
“The War Experience and the Trauma We Bring Home” panel discussion. Thursday, November 2, 11:30 AM. RTI Building, Fort Harrison. Join us at Fort Harrison with veterans from the Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan conflicts; a female commander, and Native American perspective. We’ll discuss issues and resources available to veterans with PTSD. The public is welcome to this vital and important discussion. Bring your driver’s license to get into Fort Harrison. There will be signs directing you to the RTI Building where the talk will take place.
Movie: “War Horse.” Thursday, November 2, 6:30 PM. Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch. In this movie, young Albert enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. Albert’s hopeful journey takes him out of England and to the front lines as the war rages on.
“The Great War” Friday, November 3, 6:30-8:30 PM. Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch. Presented by Stephen W. Richey, retired U.S. Army career soldier. In this two hour presentation, Richey covers the entirety of WWI, setting up America’s entrance in context. Graphic content; viewer discretion is advised.
Christmas Truce Re-enactment. Saturday, November 4, 12 PM. East Helena Main Street Park. The Boy Scouts will perform a pantomime & monologue re-enactment. In 1914, French, British and German troops crossed trenches to exchange seasonal greetings, food and souvenirs. Join us in remembering the unusual and unofficial ceasefires along the Western Front.
“The Great War” Sunday, November 5, 2-4 PM. Augusta Historical Society. Presented by Stephen W. Richey, retired U.S. Army career soldier. In this two hour presentation, Richey covers the entirety of WWI, setting up America’s entrance in context. Graphic content; viewer discretion is advised.
The WWI and America Project Reader discussion Monday, November 6, 11 AM. Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch. Discussing Section Three: “Race and World War I.”
Movie: “War Horse” Monday, November 6, 5 PM. Lewis & Clark Library Augusta Branch. In this movie, young Albert enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. Albert’s hopeful journey takes him out of England and to the front lines as the war rages on.
The WWI and America Project Reader discussion Tuesday, November 7, 2 PM. East Helena Library. Discussing Section Four: “American Women at War.”
Documentary: “Of Men and War” Tuesday, November 7, 6:30 PM. Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch. The warriors in this documentary have come home to the United States, but their minds remain on the battlefield. At The Pathway Home, a first-of-its-kind PTSD therapy center, the film explores their grueling paths to recovery as they attempt to make peace with their past, their families and themselves.
Montana and the Great War: 1914-1926. Wednesday, November 8, 11 AM. Augusta School. Rich Aarstad, Senior Manuscript Archivist at the Montana Historical Society, will discuss some of the impacts of ‘The Great War’ on Montana, from preparedness campaigns to the Montana Council of Defense determining and evaluating the patriotism of our citizens. The War to End all Wars propelled the United States to the forefront as a world power and defined the remainder of the 20th century leaving ‘we the people’ to wrestle still with definitions of patriotism, freedom of speech, and who/what makes us Americans.
“Suicide Prevention Among Veterans” panel discussion. Wednesday, November 8, 7 PM. Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch. Montana veterans are dying by suicide at a higher rate than the national average. Local agencies and the VA are raising awareness about this public health issue, and this discussion will include warning signs, help available and how we can support our veterans.
Panelists include: Karl Rosston, LCSW, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Juliana Hallows, NCC, LPMHC, Suicide Prevention Coordinator. And Joanna McCormick, PhD, Training Director, Montana VA Health Care System Psychology Internship (MTVAPI) program.
WWI and America Project Reader teen discussion Thursday, November 9, 3:45 PM. at the Lewis & Clark Library East Helena Branch. East Helena Library. Call 227-5750 for more information.
“The Great War” Thursday, November 9, 1 PM. Lewis & Clark Library Lincoln Branch. Presented by Stephen W. Richey, retired U.S. Army career soldier. In this two hour presentation, Richey covers the entirety of WWI, setting up America’s entrance in context. Graphic content; viewer discretion is advised.
The WWI and America Project Reader discussion Friday, November 9, 4:30 PM. Lewis & Clark Library Helena Branch. Discussing Section Six “America on the World Stage.”
Veterans Day Parade in East Helena. Saturday, November 11, 2017, 12 PM. Main Street, East Helena.
For more information on the World War I and America project, visit http://wwiamerica.org.
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