Probably the First New Mexico Infantry, but this isn't definite. Photo Credit: Marriott Collection, Courtesy of the Silver City Museum CollectionCommunity members are invited to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the United States' entry into World War I at a presentation at the Silver City Public Library on Tuesday, March 7, 4:00pm. In this presentation, "Grant County and the Great War," a local historian and researcher will outline how the war influenced life in our region.

The Silver City Museum will also be commemorating the centenary with a small exhibit, "April 1917: The United States Enters World War I." The exhibit will be on view in the new education and activity room from March 21 through May 14, 2017, and it will feature a uniform and original photographs. Photographs, informative text, and other materials will be available for study.

During the time before the second World War, people referred to World War I as "the Great War." World War I was fought from 1914 to 1918, but the United States did not enter until April 6, 1917. Several thousand New Mexicans fought and died. The war also affected our region economically.

"The March 7 event and the museum's exhibit will be good opportunities to learn about a sometimes overlooked historical era," said Lillian Galloway, programming and outreach librarian. "It will be particularly interesting to discover how world events influenced our local communities."

The Silver City Public Library is located at 515 W. College Avenue, at the corner of College and Cooper Street in Silver City, and can be contacted at 575-538-3672 or ref@silvercitymail.com. The Silver City Museum is located at 312 West Broadway in Silver City, and can be contacted at 575-538-5921.