Printer Friendly Version - New Museum Exhibit Marks 100th Anniversary of World War I

A replica World War I trench constructed within the galleries allows Knights of Columbus Museum visitors opportunity to experience battle lines along “no man’s land.” Photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus

World War I, fought from 1914-1918, was the modern world’s first international conflict, and its impact was felt for generations. The Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 State Street, New Haven has opened an exhibition commemorating World War I, often referred to as the “Great War.”

The exhibit includes a replica World War I trench that visitors may walk through. The gallery in which it is located will have low light levels to simulate darkness. There are flashing lights and loud sounds to give a sense of the experience of combat.

Few people were left unaffected during this time period. Methods of warfare were altered forever. The map of Europe was completely redrawn at the conclusion of the war, and decisions that followed contributed to the start of World War II in 1939. Approximately 11 million soldiers were killed, and the war’s toll including civilian casualties exceeded 20 million.

Initially neutral, the United States formally entered the war April 6, 1917. By Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1918, more than 116,000 Americans died as a result of the war. Of these, at least 1,600 were Knights of Columbus members. Both the first and last American military officers to die during World War I were Knights of Columbus members.

In addition to knights who served on the battlefield as soldiers, the organization was active in war relief efforts, managing highly successful fundraising drives, and providing hospitality to servicemen in America and abroad through Knights of Columbus recreation centers or “huts,” with the motto “Everybody Welcome; Everything Free.”

Marking the 100th anniversary of the United States’ participation in the war, the Knights of Columbus Museum’s exhibition, World War I: Beyond the Front Lines runs for the duration of America’s time in the conflict (April 6, 2017- Dec. 30, 2018). The show provides a historical retrospective of the war and includes interactives, visuals, and artifacts from the Knights of Columbus Museum collection and its Supreme Council Archives as well as many borrowed items from private lenders and organizations.

A series of World War I-related lectures and presentations will be offered throughout the duration of the exhibition.

The Knights of Columbus Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with free admission and parking. More information is available by calling 203-865-0400 or visiting kofcmuseum.org.

The Knights of Columbus operated more than 500 recreation centers for U.S. servicemen domestically and abroad during World War I. The Knights of Columbus Museum exhibition recalls the war relief efforts that were a precursor to today’s USO.Photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus

Authentic French, American, and German World War I uniforms on display at the Knights of Columbus Museum. Photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus