Sandoz Center opens exhibit featuring Americans during WWI

“Over Here”draws on the photographic holdings of the National Archives to capture the patriotic fervor of draft registration and the emotional farewells of troops leaving for WWI training camps, Liberty Loan drives, volunteerism and vigilantism.

This exhibit is free to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call 308-432-6401 for more information.

A reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, will feature Sandra Reddish, historic sites coordinator with the Nebraska State Historical Society, who will speak about her personal collection of WWI era uniform articles, equipment, original postcards, and a suitcase Victrola with a 1918 record.

“Over Here”includes three themes:Mobilizing the Nation, Stirring Patriotic Passions and Policing Enemies at Home.

According to the National Archives, nearly all home front photographs encouraged national unity and saluted patriotic work, but a much smaller number hint at some of the anti-German hysteria, political unrest, and social conflict behind the patriotic fervor of bond drives, pageants, and parades. They show government as well as private groups and vigilantes striking out against those suspected of disloyalty.