On November 8, the Historical Society of Princeton opened a new temporary exhibition, Woodrow Wilson and the Great War, which will run at Updike Farmstead through December 30.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I’s conclusion, the Lewis University History Center, Naper Settlement and Give Something Back collaborated on developing the traveling exhibition, which examines the Great War and the presidency of Woodrow Wilson during this catastrophic global event.
The Historical Society of Princeton is the final stop of a five-city tour that included Naperville, Lockport, and Romeoville in Illinois, and the Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, DC.
Woodrow Wilson and the Great War displays stories and historical questions about events in the United States and abroad from 1914 to 1918. The approach used in the exhibition illustrates the multitude of perspectives that can be considered to raise questions about historical events. Several objects from the era are featured, including trench art, a gas mask, and original documents from Woodrow Wilson.
“We’re very excited to host this exhibition here in the town where Wilson lived and served as University President,” said Izzy Kasdin, Executive Director of the Historical Society. “This is an important global story with a local connection and contemporary relevance.”
The exhibit explores the role of women, African-Americans, and propaganda in the war, as well as Wilson’s domestic reforms during the period. Visitors can leave their mark at the “Your View” board, sharing thoughts on what they learned.
