DuPage museum opens new exhibit

International tension, meddling in foreign affairs, revolutions and civil unrest - these are not just contemporary problems of the world.

A century ago, the same aggressive stimuli wracked the globe. The Great War took a toll worldwide, but textbooks scarcely describe its impact on local communities.

Starting this month, the DuPage County Historical Museum intends to go beyond textbook accounts with its newest exhibit, "1917: Catalyst for the Modern Era," at the museum, 102 E. Wesley St. Wheaton.

The opening from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, will include activities for families such as creating paper airplanes, designing an American flag and making a red poppy to honor the troops.

Running through July 30, 2018, the exhibit will feature uniforms from multiple branches and levels of the military, as well as the habit worn by one of the women who served in the Red Cross. Admission is free.

"The exhibit is very different from what we have done in the past few years," curator Ashley Downing said.

"Instead of focusing on the history of an object or a family, we are trying to focus on one specific year to provide our guests with a glimpse of what life would have been like."

During World War I, Illinois contributed 351,153 individuals to the war effort. Within the first few drafts, 1,000 young DuPage men enlisted in the Army, Navy and Marines. Some of their personal artifacts have been donated to the museum's collection.

In addition, the museum will host a Veterans Day event at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Local group The History Singers will perform World War I-era songs. Museum manager Michelle Podkowa will discuss Voices of DuPage, an oral history initiative at the museum, which will have a veteran focus in 2018.

"It will be an amazing event, honoring our troops and learning about the songs that inspired an entire generation," Podkowa said. "The History Singers present the history of the songs and their importance, making it an educational and entertaining event for all ages."

For information, visit dupagemuseum.org.