A Spirit of Sacrifice: New York State in the First World War has opened at the New York State Museum in Albany. On display through June 3, 2018, the exhibition explores New York’s pivotal role in World War I and features artifacts, images, posters, and documents from the collections of the State Museum, State Archives, State Library, and cultural institutions from across the state.
The exhibition is organized into six distinct areas covering New York’s participation in the war both at home and on the warfront, and features a life-size recreation of a trench on the Western Front. In addition, the Museum will offer an online exhibition featuring an interactive World War I timeline and a teacher’s guide (to be launched later this spring) and an exhibition catalogue (to be published by SUNY Press in December 2017).
“As we reflect on the 100 anniversary of America’s entry into World War I, we remember the countless sacrifices that men and women made to keep this country safe,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “We also honor the thousands of New York and American soldiers who made the ultimate commitment to serve and protect our nation. This exhibition is an educational opportunity for adults, children, and students to learn and reflect on the events of World War I and understand the impacts of the war in New York, the nation, and the world.”
State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said “the exhibition features posters, artifacts, and documents from the State Museum, Library, and Archives – as well as from institutions across the state – that reveal the significant role New York played in the war and the lasting impacts the conflict had at home and throughout the world. I encourage educators to utilize this exhibition to teach our students about this pivotal event in New York and American history.”
