Since the commencement of the World War One Centennial in 2014, Museum Village in Monroe, NY, has been host to a one-day living history program to start off the reenactment season. Each year has been thoroughly enjoyable with a variety of interesting displays for a wide spread of nationalities. This year, the lectures were held in the main receiving building where visitors check-in. Kevin Titus, as President Woodrow Wilson, addressed an audience and read parts of the past president's speech which proclaimed the peace of 1918. Afterward, the Royal Sussex led a lecture on chemical warfare with a demonstration of gas masks from the most primitive and rudimentary to the more sophisticated tools employed later on.
The American presence was large, with a particular emphasis on the New York National Guard, but visitors were also able to learn about the British, Italian, Russian, German, and Irish rebel elements in World War One.
A delightful lunch was on hand for the reenactors and thoroughly appreciated. All in all, the weather was good and lent for a memorable day exploring the history of the Great War in the last year of the centennial.
The American presence was large, with a particular emphasis on the New York National Guard, but visitors were also able to learn about the British, Italian, Russian, German, and Irish rebel elements in World War One.
A delightful lunch was on hand for the reenactors and thoroughly appreciated. All in all, the weather was good and lent for a memorable day exploring the history of the Great War in the last year of the centennial.