Longmont and the Great War

The Longmont Museum is commemorating the 100^th anniversary of World War 1 with an exhibit that pays tribute to some of the local residents who served in the war effort.

Museum Curator Erik Mason says four original propaganda posters were donated to the museum four years ago, “and that’s where the inspiration came to create this exhibit.”

But rather than just showcasing a collection of artifacts, Mason says the goal was to connect the pieces to the people and really provide a way for  the audience to connect on a personal level.

“There were over 400 people in Longmont who were involved in the war either as soldiers, nurses, or signed up and in training when the war ended.” That’s a significant number, says Mason, “because the population of Longmont at the time was around just 8,000 people. So really, everyone who lived here at the time was affected on a local level during the war.”

Some of the more notable people featured in the exhibit include a 48 year old doctor who enlisted and served on the battlefront, and ace Fly Boy John Harold “Buck” Buckley.

“He shot down five airplanes which, in that day, qualified you as an ace. And considering that he was really only flying for a few months, it was a pretty remarkable achievement,” explains Mason.

In addition to the grenades and personal diaries, posters and uniforms, the exhibit also features films and lectures from now until May 13^th, when the exhibit closes. Click here for a list of all Longmont & the Great War exhibit offerings.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download