Claire Marks, Associate Historian at the State Historical Society of Missouri, will present an exciting statewide project that tells the stories of 156,000 Missourians on the battlefield, factories and farms from the world’s first global conflict from 1914-1918. Claire’s presentation will be Monday, May 5, at the Arnold Historical Society Museum, 1723 Jeffco Blvd beginning at 7 p.m. The public is invited to the free program.
When the State project is completed, the collaborative project will feature a single, digital collection of documents, photographs, artifacts and memorabilia illustrating the effect that WWI had on Missouri and the impact of Missourians’ contribution to the war effort. A small sample of what will be available can be explored at www.missourioverthere.org.
As the project develops, a blog on that site will feature regular posts on Missouri’s World War I history, fascinating collections and programs planned throughout the State. It will also offer families the opportunity to share topics and private collections.
Locally, a second phase of the WWI project will be held at the Museum on Sat. May 17 from noon – 4 p.m. People are invited to bring in their artifacts from WWI and photos will be taken to document each item. Old photos from that time frame are also welcome and will be scanned and returned to the family.
The VFW Post 2593 in Arnold donated their WWI artifacts to the Arnold Historical Society about seven years ago when they moved to their new location on Church Road. The Post, Becker-Meyer-Becker, was named for three local men who lost their lives as part of the Great War: John Adam Becker, son of Adam and Clara (Kessler) Becker and Charley F. Becker, son of Hubert and Anna (Konert) Becker. These two men are buried next to each other in Immaculate Conception cemetery. Research continues as Post members look for documents to identify the Meyer that died in WWI.
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