In honor of the 100th anniversary of the United States entering World War I, the New Jersey Historical Commission, New Jersey State Archives, New Jersey State Museum, and Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission will host a daylong New Jersey WWI Road Show on Friday, April 28, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library.

Admission is FREE but registration is encouraged (see below).

Bring in Your WWI Artifacts and Memorabilia. The NJ WWI Road Show will provide a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts, casual observers, and audiences of all ages to bring in WWI-related archives, objects, and collectibles to not only learn more about their historical significance, but how to properly care for them as well. Organizers have gathered a diverse set of specialists from the NJ State Archives, NJ State Museum, in addition to experts in military history and collectibles, to offer insight and perspective on all WWI memorabilia and family histories brought in by attendees.

NOTE: Please DO NOT bring any firearms, ammunition, or live artillery shells to the event (PHOTOS ONLY).

There will be a morning session (10 a.m. – noon) and an afternoon session (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.) for the public to speak with the experts in attendance.

“A Year in the Trenches.”  At noon, the East Lynne Theater Company will be offering a free presentation of “A Year in the Trenches.” Written by James Rana, the play is based on the Charles Edwards Dilkes’ book, “Remembering World War 1: An Engineer’s Diary” and other accounts. In addition to East Lynne Theater Company, “A Year in the Trenches” was made possible by support from the NJ Theatre Alliance, NJ State Council on the Arts, and the NJ Historical Commission.

Wealth of Additional Presenters and Events. In addition to the above, the NJ WWI Road Show will feature a wide array of guest speakers and presentations. This includes, but is not limited to, Freeholder John C. Bartlett, Jr. on his goal of reading 100 WWI books for the centenary; historian Nick Wood on Lakewood’s General Hospital #9 and its place as an early center for vocational rehabilitation of wounded soldiers; John Phillip Sousa, as portrayed by interpreter Rich Chiemingo; WWI artifact presentations from individual collectors and regional historical societies; a special session on teaching WWI history in schools, and more.

Want to sign up for FREE vendor exhibition space to promote your area’s contributions to war effort? Simply contact Shawn.Crisafulli@sos.nj.gov to reserve your space today. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first serve basis as space will be limited.

NJ World War I Event Flyer

WWI Road Show Program