– Press Release
New War Posters Exhibition, Conflict Resolution Panel Discussion & Program Exploring Eastern Front in Film/Literature Highlight February Events at National World War I Museum and Memorial
The debut of a new exhibition showcasing war posters, a panel discussion on conflict resolution in conjunction with the award-winning documentary Disturbing the Peace and a program exploring the depiction of the Eastern Front in film and literature are among the February events at the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
Soon after the outset of World War I, the poster, previously the successful medium of commercial advertising was recognized as a means of spreading national propaganda with unlimited possibilities. Its value as an educational or stimulating influence was more and more appreciated. The poster could impress an idea quickly, vividly and lastingly. Opening Tuesday, February 21, Posters as Munitions, 1917 showcases the depth and breadth of the collection through a series of works on exhibition for the first time at the Museum. Posters from France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the United States and more are featured, providing a sense of the global nature of this form of communication.
The Museum is offering the opportunity for the public throughout the world to vote to choose a poster to be featured alongside the upcoming exhibition. People can choose among five different posters and vote for their favorite. Since voting began, more than 1,500 votes from across the world have been cast. Currently, a British Blue Cross Fund for Wounded Horses poster leads the voting, which concludes at 11:59 p.m. CST on Jan. 31. The link to vote is here.
In a timely blueprint for conflict resolution of every stripe: at home, abroad and in our communities, the Museum hosts a free lively conversation on how human potential is unleashed and new possibilities created at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 9. Filmmakers Stephen Apkon and Marcina Hale and political scientist Dr. Gary Armstrong join former Israeli and Palestinian combatants turned peacemakers for a panel discussion about creating peace out of conflict in conjunction with the award-winning documentary film Disturbing the Peace, which is showing at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, February 7.
At 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 26 the Museum hosts Last Stands: The Eastern Front in Literature and Film, The free event features 20th century film and literature specialist and German language professor Dr. Larson Powell of the University of Missouri-Kansas City exploring how the traumatic destructiveness of the Eastern Front was different from the Western Front and perhaps was more comparable to the Civil War.
In February, the Museum offers several family-friendly activities and programs. At 2 p.m. each Saturday, history is brought to life in the Hands-on History program in which kids of all ages are invited to handle Great War artifacts. On Sunday, February 12, the Living History Volunteer Corps will be on site to share stories of the Great War era as they present objects and stories related to gas warfare. At 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, the Museum’s Story Time program returns with a reading of Louis I, King of the Sheep followed by a family-friendly craft session.
Other events at the Museum during the month include Mrs. Wilson’s Knitting Circle (Saturday, February 4), a Film Friday screening of Legends of the Fall (Friday, February 10) and Homeschool Week (Feb. 14-17) featuring special activities and events for homeschool students.
The National World War I Museum and Memorial holds the most diverse collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and personal experiences of the war.
February National World War I Museum and Memorial Events
· Every Wednesday: World War Wednesdays (all tickets $8)
· Every Thursday: Complimentary Tour, 2 p.m. (FREE with paid admission)
· Every Saturday: Hands-on History, 2 p.m. (FREE)
· Saturday, Feb. 4: Mrs. Wilson’s Knitting Circle, 10:30 a.m. (FREE with RSVP)
· Thursday, Feb. 9: Disturbing the Peace, 1:30 p.m. (FREE with RSVP)
· Friday, Feb. 10: Film Friday: Legends of the Fall, 6:30 p.m. (FREE with RSVP)
· Sunday, Feb. 12: Day in the Life, All Day (FREE)
· Tuesday-Friday, Feb. 14-17: Homeschool Week
· Saturday, Feb. 18: Story Time: Louis, I, King of the Sheep, 11 a.m. (FREE with RSVP)
· Sunday, Feb. 26: Last Stands: The Eastern Front in Literature and Film, 2:30 p.m. (FREE with RSVP)