The exhibit ‘Over Here: Americans at Home in World War I’ will be at the Fairfax Museum until the end of September. Photo by Teresa Carandang
Where and When
Over Here: Americans at Home in World War I
Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center
10209 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free parking available/Handicap accessible
The changes wrought by the First World War on the United States are presented by the traveling National Archive exhibit, “Over Here: Americans at Home in World War I.” The exhibit will be at the Fairfax Museum until the end of September.
When President Woodrow Wilson addressed U.S. Congress to ask them to declare war on Germany, he recognized the “many months of fiery trial and sacrifice ahead of us,” but argued that, “the right is more precious than peace, and we shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts -- for democracy.”
A few days later, Congress formally declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917. Millions of men were sent to fight the war in Europe, leaving the women to take on the jobs the men left behind. It was at this time Victory Gardens were first introduced. Families were encouraged to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs in their backyards and in parks to increase food production. Liberty bonds were promoted by the Federal Reserve to help finance the war. All these events and more were recorded and are part of the vast collection of the National Archives and Records Administration.
The exhibit includes photographs, posters and film excerpts. The exhibit is divided into three sections: (1) Mobilizing the Nation. This highlights the participation of women who manned the "home front" with most of the men away at war; (2) Stirring Patriotic Passions presents how the government and other patriotic organizations used photographs of events and posters to encourage patriotism and volunteerism; and (3) Policing Enemies at Home which shows anti-German sentiments and striking against those who showed disloyalty.
The Fairfax Museum also has a permanent exhibit on the second floor about the history of Fairfax. This comprehensive exhibit includes more contemporary references, including a feature about Kjell N. Lindgren (M.D.), a NASA Astronaut who grew up in Fairfax.
The Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built as a two-story school house in 1873, it was called the Fairfax Elementary School, and is considered a great example of late 19th century and early 20th century American school buildings. Aside from exhibits, the visitor also provides information to visitors about restaurants, lodgings and attractions in the area.