2017 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the United States' entry into World War I. The Silver City Museum will host the exhibit, "April 1917: The United States Enters World War I," which will be on view at the Museum from March 21 to May 14, 2017. Featuring military uniforms and original photographs, the exhibit will be in the new education and activity room on the first floor of the historic Ailman House. Photographs, informative text, and other materials will be available for study.

On April 6, 1917 the United States joined the Allies in fighting in France. Over two million men and women were sent to Europe.

Although the United States had professed no desire to fight in a war created by Europeans, by early 1917 it was apparent that America's assistance would change the outcome of the struggle. Several incidents made it likely that most Americans would support sending men to war.

Grant County professed enthusiastic support once war was officially declared. Hundreds of Grant County men joined up or were drafted into the military. Forty were killed in the Great War. Local citizens supported the war effort in many ways. It is estimated that worldwide there were 38 million casualties. Of this number, 320,518 were from the U.S.

In support of this important commemoration, Griffon Campbell will give a presentation about WWI at the Silver City Museum Annex at noon on Thursday, April 27, 2017.

The Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting the region's unique history. For more information, please contact the museum at (575) 538-5921, education@silvercitymuseum.org, or go to the museum's website. www.silvercitymuseum.org.