NEW ROCHELLE, NY — “Over There, Over Here: World War I Posters and New Rochelle’s Part in the Great War,” is the title of the exhibit the New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) is displaying November 10th – December 3rd, in the library’s Lumen Winter Gallery during regular library hours. Marking the 100th anniversary of World War I, the “Great War” that involved all the world’s major economic powers and claimed over 10 million lives, NRPL will display an exhibit of twenty World War I posters loaned by a private collector, and archival photographs and items from the library’s local history collection. The War was waged not just by soldiers on the battlefield, but by artists of the Golden Age of Illustration who created works to stir patriotism, and residents who did their part on the home front, as portrayed in the exhibit and the following related programs.
A narrated concert, “To End All Wars: Music of World War One,” will be presented on Sunday, November 16, 3:00 – 4:00 pm, in the Ossie Davis Theater. Rick Spencer, who is known internationally for his work as a historian, researcher, singer, songwriter and performer of music in the American folk tradition, will perform both well-known and obscure songs of the period along with a discussion of the issues, events, and personalities of the First World War. The program is made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library. A donation of $2.00 is suggested at the door.
“The Golden Age of Illustration and the Great War,” a free digital slide program exploring the significant period known as the Golden Age of Illustration and its impact on the WWI efforts, will be presented by Professor George Fernandez on Thursday, November 20, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. In 1914, posters were already a powerful advertising tool. Four-color printing capabilities allowed them to be printed quickly and inexpensively—an ideal vehicle for spreading wartime propaganda. When America entered the War in April 1917, the country lost no time in producing more of these posters than any other single nation. A number were created by New Rochelle artists–such as Howard Christy Chandler, Coles Phillips, and Joseph Leyendecker. The graphic works now provide a striking visual history of the sentiments of our country. This program is presented in partnership with the New Rochelle Art Association and is made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library.
Another free digital slide program, “New Rochelle’s Part in the Great War,” will be presented by city historian Barbara Davis at the League of Women Voters Coffee and Conversation on Friday, November 21, from 9:30 am – 11:00 am. Eight months after America entered into World War I, a drama of national proportion arrived at New Rochelle’s doorstep. When the December 1917 crisis began to subside, the city had achieved country-wide fame and praise. Ironically, the rave reviews came on the heels of the community’s highly-publicized fall from grace. Complimentary coffee and light refreshments will be served at the program, which is held in the Meeting Room.