“War Stories: Materials from the First World War Collections of the department of Special Collections and University Archives, McFarlin Library, The University of Tulsa” is an exhibit that is part if the TU’s program of events and exhibits commemorating the centennial of World War I. “War Stories” features material from a number of collections that relate the experiences of Black and Native American soldiers, as well as civilians on the home front through diaries and letters, photographs, ephemera, and even the equipment issued to soldiers. The experiences of each of these groups were distinct, but the items included in this exhibit show the universality of their commitment to the cause of doing their bit. Personal letters to and from soldiers illustrate the level of sacrifice required by combatants and their loved ones. Diaries and photographs provide a glimpse into some of the day to day activities of military life as well as the exotic sights witnessed by soldiers, many of who had never been abroad before the war.
“War Stories: Materials from the First World War Collections of the department of Special Collections and University Archives, McFarlin Library, The University of Tulsa” opens Friday, October 31st and will be on view in the Lorton Performing Arts Center through November 14, 2014.