'Bombshells, Bond Rallies & Blackouts:' WWII In Waterbury
âBombshells, Bond Rallies & Blackouts:â WWII In Waterbury
WATERBURY â âBombshells, Bond Rallies & Blackouts: Waterbury in World War II,â a new exhibit and collection of educational programs exploring how World War II impacted Waterbury, will open September 1 at The Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center.
The exhibition is being supported by a grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council (CHC) grant. An opening reception will take place on Thursday, August 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The exhibition will remain on view until November 18, and coincides with the release of the new Ken Burns documentary The War in September.
The Mattatuck project explores how the war transformed the community between the years 1940 and 1950. This story of American values and experiences will be told by objects, artifacts and narratives drawn from the museumâs varied collection.
Using the personal accounts gathered as part of the Museumâs Neighborhood History Project, They Found Their Way: Jewish Life in Waterbury, the World War II Project and the African-American Project, the exhibition will build the war story around the individual. The CHC award allows the Museum to present unique narratives in photographic and text panels that are key in making the stories come to life. âBombshells, Bond Rallies & Blackouts: Waterbury in World War IIâ furthers part of the CHC mission, the study and understanding of Connecticut history.
The Connecticut Humanities Council is a statewide non-profit institution located in Middletown that focuses its work on two time-honored traditions in the humanities: reflective reading of literature (CHC Reading Programs) and exploration of history (CHC Heritage Programs). Each year, CHC produces and funds over $2 million in cultural programming htat enriches the lives of state residents and visitors statewide.
The Mattatuck Museum, at 144 West Main Street in Waterbury, is planning to host public programs in conjunction with this exhibition. Call the museum at 203-753-0381 or visit MattatuckMuseum.org for additional information.