WATERVILLE — “Mainers and World War I” will be the topic of Waterville Historical Society’s next free public presentation in its Thursday night lecture series. The presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at the Redington Museum, 62 Silver St.

Angela Goebel-Bain, the curator of the World War I exhibit, “Over There and Down Home: Mainers and World War I” on display at the Maine State Museum, will speak about the photographs and artifacts in the exhibit. The talk will chronicle the United States’ journey from neutral country to a member of the Allied Forces through the lives and contributions of Maine’s industries, communities and individuals. From collective efforts of feeding and outfitting Allied troops before the U.S. entry into the war, to later supporting Liberty Bonds on the home front, Maine was an active participant in World War I. A particular focus of the talk will be on the experiences of the Maine National Guard, the Old 2nd Maine, as the unit transitioned to the 103rd Infantry in the 26th Division, known as the “Yankee Division.” Her talk will feature stories from specific Maine soldiers as well as civilians working toward an Allied victory.

Recruitment poster, April-June 1917 printed by Furbush Printing Company in Bangor. Contributed photo

U. S. Army uniform jacket, pants, puttees and helmet, 1917. The uniform was worn by Leroy Hoskins and was a gift to the Maine State Museum from Mary E. Hoskins. Contributed photo

Those who attend the lecture also will have the opportunity to view the WWI collection of the Redington Museum. Goebel-Bain’s talk and the exhibits of both museums commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

For more information, email info@redingtonmuseum.org.

Related Stories