La Cygne museum to host 'Life in the Trenches' exhibit

"Life in the Trenches," a traveling exhibit from the Smoky Hill Museum of Salina about conditions on the front lines during World War I, will be on display at the La Cygne Historical Society museum throughout the month of October. (Submitted photo)

Reporting by John Heidrick, special to the Journal

LA CYGNE – The La Cygne Historical Society museum this fall will host a traveling exhibit depicting the hardships encountered by the "dough boys" of World War I who were locked in brutal warfare. The exhibit will also be made available to teachers who want to bring classes to see the displays.

"Life in the Trenches" is a special exhibit on loan from the Smoky Hill Museum of Salina, Kansas.  Created by Smoky Hill curators, this special exhibit depicts the hardships shared by 80,000 Kansas “Dough Boys” (American World War One soldiers) in the filthy trenches of the war in Europe.

Interactive elements will challenge visitors to see how quickly they can don a gas mask; they will get to see a mess kit that soldiers ate their sparse chow from; and they will experience virtual attacks by bombardment, gas, and bullets while dealing with mud and disease.

The historical society is scheduled to present the exhibit for public viewing from October 1 – 31, every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Area teachers are encouraged to call ahead and schedule an educational tour; call 913-757-4478 or 913-594-1047 and leave your name, phone number, and date and time you want the tour. Appropriate grade-level lesson plans are also available upon request.