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WWI and The Tar Heel Connection at The NC Museum of History

2 Comments / North Carolina, North Carolina History / By
The NC Museum of History is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I.  The special exhibition which runs until January 2019 features 6,500 square feet of history with a special focus on the Tar Heel connection.

Jump Ahead To

“Step into the boots of a Tar Heel soldier”

WWI Exhibit NC Museum of History PullOverandLetMeOut
The WWI Exhibition at the NC Museum of History gives a great overview of the events leading up to America’s eventual entry into the fighting. The self-guided tour is designed to take visitors along the timeline by providing information as well as artifacts from the era. In addition to the American story, the museum does a terrific job putting guests into the boots of some of the North Carolinians who fought in what was supposed to be The War to End All Wars.
Why War NC Museum of History PullOverandLetMeOut

Get Down In The Trenches

The Trenches NC Museum of History PullOverandLetMeOut
Trench warfare immediately comes to mind when reflecting on World War I and this exhibit does an incredible job of recreating the environment and depicting what life would have been like on the Western Front. With a detailed diorama as well as simulated trenches, vintage film footage, and close to 500 artifacts, this exhibit brings the visitor down into the trenches.



The Weapons of WWI

Gas Masks NC Museum of History PullOverandLetMeOut
The WWI Exhibit features weapons of the era including the deadly gasses which were used and the rudimentary instruments designed to protect against their lethal effects. In addition to the dreaded mustard and chlorine gasses, there were some equally horrific combat devices. Machine guns, shrapnel shells, barbed wire, and a myriad of deadly weapons are part of the exhibit – some with surprisingly realistic sound effects! (Okay, the machine gun startled me.)

WWI Exhibit NC Museum of History PullOverandLetMeOut

Educational and Interactive

One of the most moving aspects of the entire exhibit is the way local North Carolinians are featured and recognized for their contributions. Each one with a unique story of how they came to be involved in the fighting as well as the outcome for them individually. It’s hard to not feel a lump in the throat when considering all they went through and just how grusome and difficult the war was. It’s fascinating seeing some of their personal effects on display and sobering contemplating their experiences.
Medal of Honor recipient Blackwell NC Museum of History PullOverandLetMeOut



Tips For a Visit to The WWI Exhibit at The NC Museum of History

In order to fully experience the World War I Exhibit, give yourself at least an hour to go through and read all the wonderful information and view the displays. With close to 500 artifacts, you’ll want to take your time and not miss anything.

This is a fantastic field trip if you have young ones learning about WWI, though be mindful of the subject matter before bringing children who may find aspects of the exhibition upsetting. The old adage is true, “War is hell.”

The WWI Exhibition at the NC Museum of History runs until early January of 2019 and is free. Week days are typically the least crowded which is great for maximizing your time and absorbing history. The museum is also featuring several First Friday Films to complement the exhibit and there’s also a selection of commemorative items in the museum gift shop.

Field Hospital NC Museum of History PullOverandLetMeOut

Social Sharing

The WWI Exhibit at the NC Museum of History is not only an educational interactive recounting of the Tar Heel Connection to the “War to End All Wars,” it’s also laid out well and there are ample photo ops designated along the timeline.  Step into the trenches, take a picture and share it with your social networks. #NCWW1

Social Media Photo ops NC Museum of History PullOverandLetMeOut<

Social media sharing is encouraged at the WWI Exhibit. #NCWW1

The NC Museum of History has outdone itself with the WWI Exhibition. The moving tribute commemorating the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into the war featuring the North Carolinians who answered the call to duty is well done and a must-see for history buffs. With over 86,000 volunteers and draftees from North Carolina who served in World War I, the exhibit does a stellar job of weaving the thread through the chronology and highlighting the Tar Heel connection.
NC Museum of History PullOverandLetMeOut

The North Carolina Museum of History
5 East Edenton Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
NCMuseumofHistory.org

Monday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Closed New Year’s Day, January 2, Easter, Thanksgiving Day,
Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

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WWI and The Tar Heel Connection PullOverandLetMeOutHave you visited the NC Museum of History’s WWI Exhibition?

Let me know what you thought and leave a comment below.

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2 thoughts on “WWI and The Tar Heel Connection at The NC Museum of History”

  1. Liz

    Oh wow, this definitely sounds like an interesting exhibit! It’s really nice that they focused on North Carolinians who were involved, though I bet it might be an emotionally draining exhibit because of some of the awful things that happened in the war.

    Reply

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