Massillon Museum to Record Veterans’ Stories

Massillon Museum to Record Veterans’ Stories

In anticipation of the upcoming exhibition, “The Greatest Generation,” Archivist Mandy Pond invites World War II veterans to record their memories for preservation in the Massillon Museum’s archives.

“Everyone in The Greatest Generation has a story to tell, from everyday activities to harrowing struggles,” Pond says. “We want to make sure that those stories are preserved for future generations to learn from and to enjoy.”

Veterans may call Pond at the Museum, 330-833-4061, to make an appointment. During the interview, she will ask questions, but particiants are invited to bring notes and introduce special stories that they wish to record. Bringing special photographs or objects to the meeting sometimes helps inspire meaningful dialogue. Each interviewee will receive one CD of the recorded conversation; another copy will be preserved by the Massillon Museum. All veterans are encouraged to participate at no charge.

“The Greatest Generation” exhibition, curated by Alexandra Nicholis and Christopher Craft, will open to the public on Sunday, December 21, 2008, and continue through February 5, 2009. Its photographs and artifacts will depict the 1930s pre-war period, the World War II years, and post-war America of the 1950s.

Massillon Museum Curator Alexandra Nicholis says: “In an age when people talk to one another less and less, with brevity of conversation resulting from emailing, text messaging, and busy schedules, the Museum saw a real need to capture the stories of individuals who helped shape this country over the past half-century. Chris Craft, Museum Assistant, had the idea to recognize this group of individuals as ‘The Greatest Generation.’ Through artifacts, clothing, photographs and oral histories, the Museum staff will attempt to represent the history of Massillon during the 1930s-50s, both from civilian and military perspectives.”

The Massillon Museum is located at 121 Lincoln Way East (Ohio 172), in downtown Massillon. For more information, call the Massillon Museum at 330-833-4061 or visit www.massillonmuseum.org. A visit to the Massillon Museum is always free.


Media Contacts:
Christine Shearer, Massillon Museum Executive Director - 330-833-4061 or cshearer@massillonmuseum.org
Mandy Pond, Massillon Museum Archivist - 330-833-4061 or apond@massillonmuseum.org
Margy Vogt, Massillon Museum Public Relations Coordinator - 330-844-1525 or vogt@sssnet.com