JAMESTOWN - On June 14, the Robert H. Jackson Center will debut an original World War II exhibit, A Hometown During War: 1941-1945. There will be a public opening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Center, 305 E. 4th St.. Light refreshments will be served; there is no fee or reservation required to attend.
World War II touched every family on every street in every town in America. Jamestown and the surrounding communities were no exception. Many families were permanently transformed by the war. There were hundreds of Chautauqua County men and woman who enlisted, and many who lost their lives. World War II was fought in thousands of places all over the world. It was fought with guns and bombs, words and strategies, and also by the American people ... working, saving, trusting, sacrificing, and hoping. The RHJC's new exhibit, A Hometown During War: 1941-1945, will tell the story of our community and how its citizens experienced the war.
The Robert H. Jackson Center is honored to display A Hometown During War: 1941-1945. The exhibit features photos, letters, posters, and memorabilia depicting life during World War II in Chautauqua County. There has been an outpouring of support from people in our community who have donated hundreds of artifacts related to the exhibit. Many of these items will be on display. The exhibit was made possible through the support of RHJC board member Bruce Janowsky, and collaborations with the Fenton History Center, the Chautauqua County Historical Society, and the Post-Journal. The Center would also like to acknowledge Rolland Kidder and his book A Hometown Goes to War. The book, published in 1996, features first-hand stories of several local men and woman who served during World War II. It continues to be a valuable resource for World War II history in Chautauqua County. Exhibit designer is Jennifer Champ, the Jackson Center's Collections Manager. Call 486-6646 or email jchamp@roberthjackson.org for more information.
