A century ago, the United States entered the Great War to fight alongside our European allies. But Washington's homefront experience began long before the country entered what became to be known as World War I, and continued afterward.
You're invited as the Issaquah History Museums presents "Washington at War: The Evergreen State During WWI." The free event is 11 a.m. April 22, 2017, at the Issaquah Depot Museum, 78 First Ave. N.E.
Led by historian Lorraine McConaghy, the program begins with an illustrated introduction to the war's themes before offering a Readers' Theater — a script that is read aloud together, allowing participants to speak the history they are discovering.
The script includes excerpts from newspapers, diaries, writings, speeches and correspondence, and is based on extensive research in primary source material focused on the war's impact on Washington — and how Washington impacted the war.
The reading covers the period between the successful Prohibition referendum in 1914 through the 1919 Seattle General Strike and President Woodrow Wilson’s 1919 visit to Washington state.
Learn about and discuss this dramatic period of immigration, wartime industrialization, women’s rights, social change, radical labor, epidemic disease and worldwide turmoil.
McConaghy is a public historian who earned her Ph.D from the University of Washington. At the Museum of History & Industry and Washington State History Museum, her work as historian and curator has dealt with Washington at war during the Treaty War of 1855-56, the Civil War, World War I and World War II.
This event is presented by Humanities Washington and the Washington State Historical Society in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of America's involvement in World War I.
Questions? Contact Erica Maniez, Issaquah History Museums executive director, via email or 425-392-3500.