SalemNews.com, Salem, MA

Local News

July 9, 2009

WWII comes to life Saturday in Wenham

WENHAM — Your grandfather, or maybe you, might relish telling stories about World War II, but what if those tales could really spring to life?

They will at the Wenham Museum's fifth annual World War II Living History Day on Saturday.

The program boasts veterans in uniform, as well as war re-enactors playing the roles of American, German, Russian, English and Polish soldiers. They will answer questions and show weapons, pictures and memorabilia from the World War II era.

In addition, World War II-vintage vehicles — possibly ambulances, jeeps and a motorcycle — will be parked in the lawn to give attendees an up-close glimpse of some of the equipment in use.

Museum Education Director Carolyn Nenart said even some of the veterans' own children might be surprised by some of the information revealed at the event.

"It is to bring history closer to them, to see it come alive," said Nenart, explaining the program's purpose.

The museum initiated the event with an exhibit of famed Gen. George S. Patton, who lived in Hamilton. The exhibit covered his military achievements, most notably his command in North Africa, Sicily and European operations before his death in 1945.

At Saturday's event, local author Nancy Rial will sign copies of her children's book, "Alan's Letters." It is a collection of letters written by Sgt. Alan Lowell, a Massachusetts teen in boot camp and later a U.S. Army rifleman on the French/German border during World War II.

Contact the museum in advance to reserve a copy of the book.

If you go

Where: Wenham Museum's front lawn, 132 Main St.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday

Admission: $7 for adults, $5 for children; free to active-duty military

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News

North Shore News Updates on Twitter
Stories Shared on Facebook
AP Video
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate' Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal $25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Comments Tracker