Exhibit explores nature of World War I warfare

“Life in the Trenches,” is on display at Peabody Township Library.

Viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday through Feb. 27.

The exhibit explores the human face of World War I and the miserable nature of trench warfare. America joined the war, thought to be “the war to end all wars,” in 1917.

More than two million Americans, more than 80,000 from Kansas, served in the war. The exhibit highlights Kansas soldiers’ vivid, first-hand accounts.

Visitors learn the purpose of trenches and what life was like in them.

Three interactive elements are included.

“Vet Vignettes” provides accounts of Kansas, American, Allied, and Central Power troops in a touch-screen format.

“Gas Attack” challenges viewers to respond quickly and prepare themselves for a gas attack.

“Not-Five-Star Food” explores a WWI mess kit and the recipes they might have used on the battlefield.

The library also showcases a painting by Jack Logan, a local artisan from the early 1900s, that includes a list of every man from Peabody Township who served in WWI and includes seven names in gold of the men who paid the ultimate price.

The adjacent Peabody Historical Museum has recently donated army uniforms on display.

Director Rodger Charles is scheduling library tours. Packets of information have been sent to county schools and other area groups, inviting them to visit the exhibit.

The library phone number is (620) 983-2502.