Pritzker Military Museum & Library welcomes 'Tet and the Battle of Hue' exhibit
In continuation of its 20th year, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago recently opened its newest exhibit, "Tet and the Battle of Hue."
The innovative exhibition features 10 tactile, 3-D images created from original photographs, plus a variety of artifacts. This exhibit allows blind and low vision individuals to experience photography in a unique way with touch activated sensors providing audio interviews with Marines depicted in the images. The exhibit opened to the public on May 16 and continues through the end of September.
"Tet and the Battle of Hue," created by Tactile Images, originally opened in 2018 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. The exhibit was very successful, exceeding expectations with 1.3 million visitors over the course of 14 months.
The exhibit features imagery, audio, and interactive elements that will enable visitors to experience the personal stories of the men who endured the Hue and other engagements during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The images (each with a corresponding fine art print) were created from original photographs captured by Stars and Stripes photographer, John Olson during the brutal Battle of Hue that winter.
Embedded with touch-activated sensors that provide audio interviews with several Marines documented in the photos, the three-dimensional tactile images are designed with accessibility in mind.
"As we celebrate our 20th year, we are dedicated to ensuring we bring exhibitions and create programming that attract a variety of visitors," said museum president Dr. Krewasky Salter. "Our goal is to provide meaningful experiences for all who want to learn more about our country's military, past and present, so they can help us safeguard the future."
The Battle of Hue began on Jan. 31, 1968, with intense fighting that left thousands dead, and the historic city virtually destroyed. It was the bloodiest single battle of the Tet Offensive which occurred during the fight for the city, and it was a turning point that changed the course of the Vietnam War.
More than 55 years after the battle, this exhibition is a powerful presentation of imagery, audio, and interactive elements that will enable visitors to experience the personal stories of the men who endured the brutal conflict.
"Tet and the Battle of Hue allows visitors to explore one of the most significant battles in Vietnam War history through the lens of John Olson's stunning photographs and the personal accounts of brave Marines," said PMML Associate Director and Collections Curator Drew Ulrich. "From vivid soundscapes to tactile displays, this exhibition leaves no stone unturned in its quest to create an engaging experience. We are excited and honored to host this powerful display of history."
General admission to the Museum & Library is $10 and $8 for seniors and students with valid I.D. Admission is free for PMML members, first responders, and active military.
This exhibition contains a few graphic images which some may find disturbing. We do not recommend exposing children under sixteen, without a parent or guardian present, or those who struggle with post traumatic stress disorder. Tours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.pritzkermilitary.org.
The Pritzker Military Museum & Library aims to increase the public's understanding of military history, military affairs, and national security by providing a forum for the study and exploration of our military - past, present, and future - with a specific focus on their stories of service, sacrifices, and shared values.
With national and global reach, these spaces and events aim to share the stories of those who served and their contributions as citizens and soldiers, helping citizens everywhere appreciate the relationship between the armed forces and the civilians whose freedoms they protect. A non-governmental, non-partisan organization, the Museum & Library features diverse collections, scholarly initiatives, and public programs from its flagship center in downtown Chicago to its world-class research center and park currently under construction in Somers, Wisconsin.