By Justin Jervinis
Correspondent
July 09, 2009 12:10 am 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
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Photos
John DiPersio, a member of the World War II Committee of the Living History Association, shares memorabilia during a previous session of Wenham Museum's World War II Living History Day. Courtesy photo