Waukegan Museum hosts WWI love letters exhibit

Posted April 23, 2017 11:00 pm

Waukegan History Museum submission

The Waukegan History Museum's new exhibition "Sweetheart Mine: World War I Love Letters" commemorates the 100 year anniversary of the United States entering World War I.

The exhibit tells the story of two couples before, during, and after World War I, using personal letters from the archives of the Waukegan Historical Society. Homer Dahringer and Ruth Besley start their courtship while attending Waukegan High School. Homer joined the Army flying squadron in World War I. Elizabeth Tarver, growing up in Waukegan in a prominent African-American family, started correspondence with Westley Dyer, who served as a corporal in the Army.

The public unveiling of the exhibit is from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at the Waukegan History Museum, 1917 N. Sheridan Road in Bowen Park. The exhibit runs through Nov. 11.

Entrance to the Waukegan History Museum as well as viewing the "Sweetheart Mine" exhibit are free. The Waukegan History Museum is operated by both the Waukegan Historical Society and the Waukegan Park District. Open hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 1-4 p.m. Saturdays. Private tours for large groups must be scheduled in advance.

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