31Aug
Did you know that New Hampshire has a terrific World War II Museum? Located in Wolfeboro, the Wright Museum is definitely worth discovering!
The museum is dedicated to honoring the “exceptional contributions on the home front and the battlefields made by World War II-era Americans.” I was recently reminded what a special place the Wright Museum is when I presented my novel there, as part of its summer speaker series.
Touring the exhibits before my talk was fascinating. As someone who’s always worked with words, I was particularly interested by the US Government’s ad campaigns, exhorting Americans at home to participate in the war effort abroad.
The image above always has always struck me: Imagine how much better off our environment would be today if carpooling were still seen as a patriotic duty!
Despite the many upbeat depictions of American sacrifice, the Wright Museum does not shy away from the racism that Black Americans encountered, as they gave their best to serve a country that did not respect them or allow them full rights. In addition to recognizing this bitter reality, the museum does a good job displaying those rare tributes to Black men and women during the war years.
But the Wright Museum is much more than a review of home front encouragement/propaganda. Its battlefront displays are impressive. First off – it’s impossible to appreciate how enormous a tank is until you've seen one up close.
There are several tanks at the museum, along with an ambulance, lots of uniforms, artifacts, photographs, maps, and so many inspiring stories.
If all this weren't enough, the museum also has a fantastic summer speaker series. I was so grateful that my novel “The Shopkeeper of Alsace” was included in this summer’s impressive lineup. It was a wonderful night: The auditorium was full, the books sold out, and this audience needed no convincing that World War II stories are as relevant and important as ever.
Huge thanks to Wright Museum Director Peggy Hennelly-Maniates, and to The Country Bookseller for handling book sales. I hope you enjoy these waning precious moments of summer, and if you have a free day…head to the Wright Museum!
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