CAMP RIPLEY-The Minnesota Military Museum will open a major exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of America and Minnesota's involvement in World War I on July 22.
The exhibit titled "In the Fight: Minnesota and the First World War" is the creation of curator Doug Bekke as well as museum staff and volunteers, a release said.
"I have thought about creating this exhibit for the past 20 years and wanted to insure its completion before I retired," Bekke said in the release.
The exhibit captures the experiences of Minnesota men and women who served and contributed to the "Great War" effort from 1916 to 1918. Bekke continued, "the purpose of the exhibit is to enrich the public's understanding of how World War I helped change and shape state, national, and world history."
The exhibit opening will include period re-enactors, equipment, interpretive narratives, artifacts, and audiovisual displays and provide stunning witness to a critical portion of 20th century history.
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Museum Board member Dr. Jon Van der Hagen states, "the exhibit is built around a full-size World War I trench and contains artifacts and stories that will interest visitors of all ages," it includes 14 static displays and six media displays.
"Doug (Bekke) has planned this exhibit for years and it is one of the best he has ever created, we hope people from across the state are able to visit and discover the stories of those who served at home and abroad during this landmark period of history," Van der Hagen said.
