Leaders in Peace & War Exhibit
Honorable Service of Women
On Saturday May 29, 2004, the dedication of the WWII Memorial was a national salute to the generation who won WWII. It is important to honor those who serve. The “Leaders in Peace and War” was an exhibit dedicated to the honorable service of women from the Colonial Period to the present. This exhibit clearly illustrates the efforts women made to ensure freedom during WWII and in other conflicts. Free and open to the general public, the opening reception was hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Post 20 & Post 312. Following the reception, a slide presentation featured the history of women in the military.
Katherine Honey, then President of the Women at Work Museum, invited visitors of all ages to visit this informative and inspiring exhibit. “Stories unfold throughout the exhibit and let the truth be known that these women when confronted with danger were brave, faced with deprivation they were resourceful, and when presented with hope of peace they erased the lines that divide us.” Much of the information has been recovered from the archives of historical societies and from personal accounts. Photographs, memorabilia and oral histories present stories of women throughout American history facing conflicts with courage and working tirelessly to restore and preserve peace. These individuals work alone or in tandem with others and move beyond the expected. They inspire us with their perseverance and their valor. Such are the stories found in the exhibit “Leaders in Peace and War.”
One member of the exhibit committee noted, “I have worked with women veterans for over 10 years and have often found it to be true that their military service has gone unrecognized, unrewarded, and most certainly undocumented. I am pleased and honored to be a part of the development of the exhibit "Leaders in Peace and War - Honorable Service of Women" which will inform people of the courageous and dedicated women who have served our country since the Revolutionary War.” Patricia Robinson, LICSW, Women Veterans Program Manager, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston.
Event Highlights
Events reinforce the message of the exhibit that in America, from the Colonial Period to the present, women have fought and died for their country and have made tireless commitment to maintaining peace. “Leaders in Peace and War” presented the story of Deborah Sampson, American Revolutionary War soldier, and other women who dressed as men during the Civil War in order to serve and protect their country. Visitors learned about the adventures of Cathay Williams, a Buffalo Soldier, and the experiences of one woman who landed on Omaha Beach during D-Day and moved forward with the troops until the Battle of the Bulge. Her story is fascinating and one of many that visitors found enlightening and inspiring. Much of the information has been recovered from the archives of historical societies and from personal accounts. Photographs, memorabilia and oral histories present stories of women throughout American history facing conflicts with courage and working tirelessly to restore and preserve peace. These individuals work alone or in tandem with others and move beyond the expected. They inspire us with their perseverance and their valor. Such are the stories found in the exhibit “Leaders in Peace and War.”
Out of the Archives – Stories Recovered
The Easton Historical Society presented this engaging and informative display that features documents and artifacts from the Revolutionary War through WWII. Contributions of women from Easton and members of the Ames family demonstrate their commitment to supporting the troops. Coordinated by the Easton Historical Society, Easton Massachusetts.
Deborah Sampson – Revolutionary War Soldier
Deborah Sampson, born in Plympton, MA, enlisted in the Continental Army during the spring of 1782- dressed as a boy. Unfortunately she was found out- but she did not give up hope and again enlisted under the name Robert Shurtliff in Bellingham, Massachusetts. After being wounded several times and nearly left for dead, a doctor in the army helped her win an honorable discharge from the Continental Army. She went on to marry and start a family, descendents of whom still reside in Massachusetts today. This exhibit describes her life. This exhibit also includes the life of another brave woman, Hannah Dustin, who rescued herself from the clutches of a dangerous group off Native Americans, and the first woman to ever have a statue erected in her name. Developed by the Sharon Historical Society, Sharon Massachusetts. Portrait of Sampson, circa 1780 - Wikipedia.
Cathay Williams - Buffalo Soldier
When Cathay Williams enlisted in the army, women were not allowed to serve as soldiers. Therefore, Williams posed as a man, and joined the Thirty-Eighth Infantry. As a result, she became the first and the only known female Buffalo Soldier.
Williams was born into slavery in Independence, Missouri in 1842. She worked as a house slave for William Johnson, a wealthy planter in Jefferson City, Missouri. She worked for him until his death. About the same time, the Civil War broke out and she was freed by Union soldiers. From thereafter, she worked for the Army as a paid servant. While serving the soldiers, she experienced military life first hand. She served Colonel Benton while he was in Little Rock, Arkansas. She also served General Sheridan and his staff, and was later recruited to Washington to serve as a cook and laundress for them. While traveling with them, she witnessed the Shenandoah Valley raids in Virginia. After leaving Virginia, she traveled to Iowa and then went on to St. Louis. Throughout her time working for the Army, she also had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans, Savannah, and Macon.
After the war, Williams wanted to be financially independent so she joined the army. In November 1866, she enlisted as William Cathay in the Thirty-Eighth United States Infantry, Company A. She was able to do so because a medical examination was not required. Only her cousin and a friend were aware of her real identity. Company A arrived at Fort Cummings in New Mexico on October 1, 1867. At the fort, Williams and her company protected miners and traveling immigrants from Apache Indian attack. While serving in Company A, there was insubordination among some of the troops, but Williams was not involved in the incidents.
In 1868, Williams grew tired of military life so she feigned illness. She was examined by the post surgeon who then discovered that she was a woman. She was discharged October 14, 1868.
Source: About.com
Clara Barton - Founder of the American National Red Cross (1821-1912)
A display of documents, objects, photographs and narrative tell of the heroic efforts of Clara Barton, "Angel of the Battlefield" during the U.S. Civil War, and her post-war work to heal the personal wounds of that conflict. This exhibit focuses on her life and work. While she championed the work of the women suffragettes, she dedicated her life to humanitarian causes, and this exhibit uses pictures, posters, and letters to show exactly how extraordinary this woman truly was. Information illustrated Clara’s long and successful career as a correspondent and her battlefield service nursing wounded soldiers. In 1881, Clara founded the American National Red Cross, her enduring legacy. Developed by Cathy Woods, Clara Barton Birthplace Museum, Emily Thomas, Nichols College, and Jean Garde Parker, Women at Work Museum.
Uniforms -18th Century to the Present
Beginning with the Revolutionary War, displays featured uniforms and period dress 
worn by women during the Civil War, WWI and WWII, Vietnam, Gulf Storm and present day conflicts. Displays included photographs, personal histories and memorabilia. Along with combat nurses, the American Red Cross, the National Guard and other branches of the service, WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) and the US Air Force are represented in an inspiring display, which portrays women aviators from WWII to the present. Photographs, narratives, and artifacts illustrate those women who broke barriers in the air. Developed by the Women at Work Museum in conjunction with veterans organizations, Leaders in Peace and War Exhibit Committee, Naval War College, and the Massachusetts National Guard Museum.
Centuries of Dolls Representing Women Leaders
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For centuries, toy makers have created dolls that represent women leaders. Deborah Britt and her four sisters, Kareena, Felicia, Chantell, and Jerilyn, have over 8,000 dolls of color. For the exhibit “Leaders in Peace and War,” they selected a collection representing black women from the Colonial period to the present, including Harriet Tubman and GI Jane. Doll collectors, historians and visitors of all ages found the dolls interesting and engaging elements of the exhibit that illustrate the important role toys play in teaching children and youth about history. Presented by Deborah Britt, Mansfield Massachusetts and the Passionate Doll Collectors Club (PDCC) of Metro Boston. |
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One of the Most Decorated Military Women in US History Honored
July. 2004
One of the Most Decorated Women in U.S. Military History, General Vaught is president of the Women’s Memorial in Washington DC, which is committed to making known the role of women in the military from the American Revolution to the present. She told stories about women such as
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Sara Luddington, who, along with Paul Revere, made that famous midnight ride to warn the Colonists that the British were coming. Through stories, General Vaught illustrated the bravery and valor of women. She encouraged people to visit the “Leaders in Peace and War” exhibit at the Women at Work Museum where photographs, narrative and artifacts present stories about the courage and perseverance of American women. (Photo at right) Nancy Young, Katherine Honey, General Vaught and Kelly Fox.)
Her Military Decorations and Awards - General Vaught is the President of the Women In Military Service For America Memorial (WIMSA) in Washington, DC - only major national memorial honoring women who have served in our nation's defense during all eras and in all services. General Vaught’s numerous military decorations and awards include both the Defense and Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, Air Force Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Vietnam Service Medal with four service stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following retirement, General Vaught, worked as a consultant with the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization as well as with industry. A reception followed at the Museum. The hosts of this event were the Norton VFW Fillmore-Nason Post 8049 Auxiliary.
Black Military Women
This exhibit celebrates the history of black women in the military. Pictures and biographies describe breakthrough women such as Annie N. Graham, the first black female to enlist in the American Marine Corps, and Condoleezza Rice, National Security Advisor to the President, as well as nine other women who served our country in its different times of need, Cathay Williams, Susie King Taylor, Harriet Tubman, Harriet M. Waddy, Command Sgt. Maj. Michele S. Jones, Brigadier General Julia J. Cleckley, Shoshana Johnson, Evelyn Fields, and Col. Stayce D. Harris. Accompanying this exhibit are a display of black military dolls, and information detailing the work and sacrifice of black women in the military, from the Civil War to Desert Storm
Women in the Air-WASPS (Women Air Force Service Pilots)
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Women in the Air-WASPS (Women Air Force Service Pilots) and the US Air Force are represented in this inspiring display about women aviators. Combat Nurses-videos, oral histories and photos demonstrate the bravery of women who served as nurses. WIMSA-On loan from the
Uniform of the American Revolution
Officially designed in 1779, this standard blue, red,
and cream office uniform of the Continental army hangs
along with its three pointed hat, and information about
exactly how this uniform was worn and used in the
American Revolution.
From Different Eras- Separated by Time
Two pictures hang, both of young women, one dressed in furs and frocks, the other in military camouflage. This exhibit asks us to probe within ourselves- which might we be, had we been born into different times, and how might we, as people, be different in another time?
10 th Massachusetts Light Infantry Uniform
This wool and linen uniform was worn by the continental soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. Along with it is information explaining its versatility and its use in the war.
PHOTO SOURCE: Uniforms of the Armies in the War of the American Revolution, 1775-1783. Lt. Charles M. Lefferts. Limited Edition of 500. New York York Historical Society. New York, NY. 1926.]
World War I - Music, Recruitment Posters, Getting Women into the Navy
This exhibit focuses on the creative ideas used for recruiting women to fight. From “The Navy wants you” posters to popular army songs such as “Bing! Bang! Bing ‘em on the Rhine”, “My Rainbow Ribbon Girl”, and more. Also included in this exhibit are collages about the Waves, with information, and posters about the nurses in the army, and the difficulties they went through. Other artifacts representative of women in the navy are scattered around the room.
World War II
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WWII Pilots and the Planes They Flew
Members of the Bay Colony Historical Model Club have selected historical model airplanes from their collection for a display at the museum. Over twenty models include airplanes flown by Amelia Earhart, Jackie Cochran and Sara Hayden. All were members of the 99ers an organization of women pilots. During WWII when women pilots were needed to ferry planes to Europe, the 99ers were called to action and served courageously. Come to the museum and find out about the significant contribution women pilots made to the war effort during WWII
A Salute to Women Veterans
August, 2004
Dying for freedom isn’t the worst that could happen: being forgotten is.”
From Vietnam Veterans of America poem “In Remembrance”
Veterans and their families were joined by the public in the celebration of the return of those who serve to protect us around the world and in honoring those who gave their lives in service to America. The speakers were: Commander Frank Geary, Vietnam Veterans of America Post 837, General Frank Mahn, Chaplain, Massachusetts National Guard and State Police, and Captain Joyce Massello, USAF NC (retired)
Women Veterans’ Network
August, 2004
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This exhibit displays pictures and information about women veterans from Massachusetts. It also offers information about the Women Veteran’s Network and the work it does for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as for its members.