The World at War:  Memories of World War I and World War II is now on display at the Rosenberg Library.  This exhibition explores the causes and effects of WWI and WWII, and it also highlights Galveston’s role during both global conflicts.  Many residents of Galveston may not be aware that there were military training bases right here on the island.  During WWII, one of these—Fort Crockett—even served as a prisoner of war camp.

 Visitors can view dozens of military uniforms, weapons, medals, photographic images, and other artifacts from the war.  One of the most unusual items on display is a German gas mask from World War I.  The mask was collected by Lt. Charles N. Barrow of Galveston.  It was found on the field after the German retreat at Cierges, France on August 2, 1918. 

 The exhibit includes a variety of helmets from both wars.  Among the most striking is a WWI German pickelhaube, or spiked helmet.  These helmets were used by police and military officials from 1842 until the time of WWI.  It was discovered during the First World War that the leather helmets were not suitable for trench warfare.  These offered virtually no protection against head wounds from exploding shells and shrapnel.  By 1916, durable steel helmets, called stahlhelm, replaced the pickelhauben.   

A stunning 20-piece presentation silver service is also displayed in the gallery.  The set was a gift from the citizens of Galveston to the crew of USS Galveston, a naval vessel commissioned in 1904.  Galveston served in the Asiatic Fleet during WWI.  She transported troops and supplies between the Philippines and ports in Japan and China.

 An assortment of honorary medals, sleeve insignia, and other military decorations from WWI and WWII are on exhibit.  Especially notable are items that belonged to Maurius Chataignon, a veteran of WWI and WWII, and the pastor of Galveston’s Sacred Heart Church from 1924-1957.  Monsignor Chataignon served as a military chaplain, and his Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, and dog tags—with religious medals attached—are on exhibit.

 Visitors may be surprised to see photographs of troops being trained at Fort Crockett during WWII.  The military installation was located near 53^rd Street and Seawall, the present-day location of the San Luis Resort.  There are additional photographs of Fort San Jacinto on the northeastern tip of Galveston Island and of Fort Travis on Bolivar Peninsula.

 People of all ages will enjoy taking a step back into the past and examining relics from two of the most significant events in world history.  The World at War:  Memories of World War I and World War II is located in the Hutchings Gallery on the third floor of Rosenberg Library.  It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.  Admission is free of charge. 

 Photo Captions:

1.    This photograph is of the 1943 War Loan Campaign March at the corner of 22^nd and Market Street in Galveston.

2.   Artifacts from World War I include a United States Army officer’s uniform, a German pickelhaube (spiked helmet) and a German stahlhelm (steel helmet).

3.    This sterling silver tea service was used on the USS Galveston, a naval vessel which served in the Asiatic Fleet during the First World War.

4.    Among the World War II artifacts are American sailors’ uniforms and a Japanese parachute.