The 36 historic banners that make up the Chelsea District Library’s community-wide historic interpretation installation, World War I Centennial: Strong Foundations, New Possibilities, have found a digital home at MapMe—a publishing platform that allows for the mapping of sites and sharing of stories.
As part of MapMe, each site includes a photo, address and interactive map that shows visitors exactly where the banners are in relation to each other. Additionally, for each banner there is a detailed story that gives a look inside those from the area who served America during the Great War. The Chelsea stories can be found at http://bit.ly/ChelseaWWI and can be shared or bookmarked for future use.
“Visitors to town will now be able to bring up the map on their mobile device and travel through town to locate each banner,” says Keegan Sulecki, Head of Adult Services at Chelsea District Library. “We’re excited to use the technology to bring our history to life and in a way that’s convenient for our viewers. Those who have missed our guided tours will find the addition of these stories on MapMe give them more background into the individuals, groups and families featured.”
Those who have visited Chelsea to view the installation, or attended any of the events (see upcoming events below), are encouraged to complete an online survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WWIFeedback.
World War I Centennial: Strong Foundations, New Possibilities, commemorates the centennial anniversary of WWI and is made possible in part by a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce Tourism Action Plan Program (CTAP), through Washtenaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The exhibition, which runs through Veterans Day (Friday, Nov. 11) includes two dozen 36-inch x 18-inch avenue banners hung on light posts lining Main Street, as well as 12 large-format images (ranging in size from 55-inch x 91-inch to 167-inch x 96-inch), hung on exterior of 11 community buildings.
The 36 total images were among many hundreds submitted by Chelsea residents who have shared histories from the Great War. This includes the only-known remaining photograph of Herbert J. McKune, a local Chelsea soldier who died on October 4, 1918 during the Battle of Champlain in France. This photo is permanently on display at the Chelsea American Legion Post 31, which was named in his honor. A reproduction of this image is featured on a banner gracing the library’s front steps.
Several WWI-era photographs, letters, stories and artifacts including a helmet, binoculars, sword, riffle, medals, journal, uniform and more from local residents, are also on display inside the Chelsea District Library. Maps for self-guided tours are available free for those who wish to explore the exhibit on their own. Private guided group tours can be made, with prior arrangement.
This project is funded in part by Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the national Endowment for the Humanities. Funding was also provided through the Community Tourism Action Plan Program through Washtenaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
