BRUNSWICK
Life on the homefront is the subject of Pejepscot Historical Society’s new World War I exhibit, opening Saturday, May 27 and on display through the end of the year. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of America’s involvement in the war, “Home in the Time of the Great War: 1914-1918” focuses on how the local population answered the call to help.
“‘Do Your Bit’ was a commonly heard demand during World War I. Almost no one — young, old, male, female, farmer, housewife, businessman, laborer—was immune from calls for assistance,” says exhibit curator Candace Kanes, a Brunswick resident and historian.
“Local residents gave money and time to the war effort, and gave up accustomed foods—all to help soldiers and civilians in Europe. The exhibit tells that story.”
In addition to newspaper advertisements, photographs, letters, and memorabilia, several large, colorful propaganda posters show how the public was encouraged to contribute. The PHS museum has two of the posters for sale as smaller prints, in addition to several WWI books.
A second exhibit, “Let’s Play! Childhood in Brunswick: 1900-1950” is on display in PHS’s upstairs gallery. Curated by Bowdoin College senior Catherine Cyr, this exhibit features toys from the PHS collection, as well as items borrowed from Maine Maritime Museum and Penobscot Marine Museum. “Let’s Play” is on display through Oct 7.
The exhibits are at the PHS Museum and Research Center, 159 Park Row. Starting Memorial Day weekend, hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Memorial Day weekend also marks the opening of the society’s two historic house museums. The Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, at 226 Maine Street, is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
The Skolfield-Whittier House, at 161 Park Row, is open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both are by guided tour only. Tours run on the hour; the last tour leaves at 3 p.m.
In addition, the Society’s popular summer Sunday walking tours start June 11 and run through Sept. 17.
For more information, visit pejepscothistorical.org or call (207) 729-6606.
Pejepscot Historical Society is a private, non-profit, educational organization charged with preserving the collective heritage of Brunswick, Harpswell, and Topsham.
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