Mendocino County a Collector’s Journey: New Acquisitions from Dusty Whitney 

Exhibit Opening April 6, 2019

Willits, CA-On Saturday, April 6, 2019, the Mendocino County Museum will be opening Mendocino County a Collector’s Journey: New Acquisitions from Dusty Whitney on April 6, 2019. This new exhibit, located in the Museum’s main gallery, showcases items from the newly acquired Dusty Whitney Collection which was donated to the Museum in 2018. Visitors will be able to learn more about how the Museum acquired the collection of unique Mendocino County artifacts from Dusty Whitney, as well as view a sampling from the collection including Skunk Train memorabilia, agriculture and logging artifacts, historic photographs and so much more! Stay tuned for an expanded exhibit from the Dusty Whitney Collection this summer.

Special Exhibit from the National Archive 

Over Here: Americans at Home in World War I

Showing April 6 – May 26, 2019

On April 6, 2019, the Mendocino County Museum will also open a new special exhibition from the National Archives, Over Here: Americans at Home in World War I. Because World War I was “total war,” the American home front was especially important to victory. Over Here: Americans at Home in World War I draws on the unparalleled holdings of the National Archives to capture the patriotic fervor of draft registration, the emotional good-byes of men leaving for training camps, the  “hoopla” of Liberty Loan drives, the craze for volunteerism, and the violence of vigilantism. This exhibit runs through May 26, 2019. 

Over Here is divided into three themes:

• Mobilizing the Nation – Modern warfare demanded not just soldiers on the front lines, pilots in the sky, and sailors on the high seas but guns, ships, and crops from America’s factories, shipyards, and fields.
• Stirring Patriotic Passions – In a war that was often described as a “crusade,” emotion, pageantry, and performance were weapons. Along with the Federal Government, local, state, and national organizations produced a variety of events that aimed at stirring feelings of patriotic obligation among Americans and encouraging sacrifice, volunteerism, and national service.
• Policing Enemies at Home – Nearly all home front photographs encouraged national unity and saluted patriotic work, but a much smaller number hint at some of the anti-German hysteria, political unrest, and social conflict that lurked behind the patriotic fervor of bond drives, pageants, and parades. They show government as well as private groups and vigilantes striking out against those suspected of disloyalty.

In conjunction with Over Here: Americans at Home in World War I, Mendocino County Museum will also be hosting the following programs.

World War I Themed Programs—Free to the Public:

Saturday, April 6, 2019 – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. 

~Exhibit Opening with Live Music~          

‘TILL THE BOYS COME HOME: POPULAR MUSIC OF WORLD WAR I

Featuring Linda Pack and Jack Leung, pianist

Listen and experience popular war time music of World War I. Join performing artist, singer, and the creator of the “Museum Roadshow,” Linda Pack, and pianist Jack Leung, as they take you on a melodic and historic journey of patriotic music of the Great War. FREE to the public.

Saturday, April 13, 2019 – 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. 

KNIT FOR OUR TROOPS!

All are welcome to join a “Knit In” at the Mendocino County Museum. Just as many Americans knitted items for their boys “Over There” in World War I, Mendocino County Museum will be holding a “Knit In” to make scarves for our Military men and women today. Yarn and scarf patterns will be provided while supplies last. All knitted/crocheted scarves will be collected at the Museum by Friday, May 31st and donated to the Operation Gratitude: Hand Made with Love Program. For more information and how you can participate see our website. FREE to the public.

Thursday, April 18, 2019 – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.            

WORLD WAR I DOCUMENTARY SCREENING

Mendocino County Museum will be host a 45 minute documentary screening about the conflict and impact World War I. The film screening will be located within the Museum’s Wonacott Room. This program is FREE to the public.

Saturday, May 11, 2019 – 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

GARDEN WORKSHOP: In Legacy of WWI Victory Gardens

In legacy of the Victory Gardens of World War I, Mendocino County Museum will be hosting a Garden Workshop. Sarah Marshall, Gardens Project Coordinator with North Coast Opportunities, will present the workshop that will include: Home Gardening Techniques, Tastings of Freshly Grown Produce, and a Behind the Scenes Tour of the Willits Community Garden following the presentation (The Willits Community Garden is located across the street from the Museum adjacent to Recreation Grove Park). FREE to the public.

Thursday, May 16, 2019 – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

WORLD WAR I DOCUMENTARY SCREENING

Mendocino County Museum will be host a 60 minute documentary screening about World War I. The film screening will be located within the Museum’s Wonacott Room. This program is FREE to the public.

Saturday, May 25, 2019 – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

RED POPPY REMEMBRANCE CRAFT

Join us in making Red Remembrance Poppy Lapel Pins this Memorial Day Weekend, as a way to remember and honor the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. This program is FREE to the public.

Museum Hours and Admission Information

Mendocino County Museum is located: 400 E. Commercial Street in Willits, California. The Museum is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Admission: Adults $4; Students 7-18 $1; Children 6 and Under FREE; Mendocino County Library Card Holders FREE. Visit us on our website for more information about programs, hours, admission, and more: www.mendocinocounty.org/museum.

Mendocino County Museum Contact Information:

Cultural Services Agency: Mendocino County Museum

Phone: (707) 972-6458

Email:  dukettm@mendocinocounty.org

Website:  www.mendocinocounty.org/museum