LOS ALTOS, CA (May 10, 2018) – A costumed historical reenactor and hands-on World War I-themed craft projects are activities planned by the Los Altos History Museum for its closing weekend of the nationally touring photographic exhibition “Over Here: Americans at Home in World War I,” slated for Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27, 10am-3pm, and makes way for the opening of its in-house WWI companion exhibition “Right Here: Our Local Stories“, that will have an extended run June 1-July 1, 2018.
“The Los Altos History Museum is extremely fortunate to have this traveling photographic exhibition during the anniversary year and over Memorial Day weekend,” Executive Director Elisabeth Ward said. “We wanted to be sure to honor our veterans with a weekend of special activities.”
The public is invited to interact with local veterans, and engage in hands-on kids’ activities, including crafting a trench periscope on Saturday, 10:30am-2:30pm, and making remembrance poppies on Sunday, 10:30am-2:30pm. The remembrance poppy, inspired by the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields,” was used to commemorate military personnel who had died in the war.
James Armstead, a historical reenactor, will portray two World War I African American war heroes: Eugene Jacques Bullard, a highly decorated soldier of the French Foreign Legion and a fighter pilot, and Colonel Charles Young, a distinguished US Army officer. Armstead portrays historic figures with the National Humanities Chautauqua programs throughout the country. He will appear in costume Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am-2:30pm.
To learn more about the free Memorial Day activities and the current and upcoming World War I exhibits, visit: www.losaltoshistory.org/exhibits/over-here/
The Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the J. Gilbert Smith House historic farmhouse, built in 1905. In 2001, the Los Altos History Museum opened its modern building next door, which houses the Museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The Museum and its grounds are available for rent during evenings and weekends. Its collections are owned by the City of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations.
The Museum and J. Gilbert Smith House are open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. Admission is free. The gardens, outdoor agricultural exhibits and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, go to: www.losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.
Media Contact: Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
Los Altos History Museum: Elisabeth I. Ward, 650.948.9427 x10, eward@losaltoshistory.org
