The grand opening of  “World War I Remembered" exhibitions at Northern Michigan University's Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center and the Marquette Regional History Center will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Coordinated receptions are planned from 5-7 p.m. at the Beaumier Center and 6-8 p.m. at the MRHC. Coffee and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Admission is free.

The Beaumier Center’s exhibit is titled “Soldier Stories: the U.P. in WWI.” It will feature the personal histories and experiences of individual soldiers involved in the conflict and U.P. soldiers who served in the Northern Russia Expeditionary Force's "Polar Bears" units. There will also be a focus on the formation of the American Legion and individual posts established throughout the Upper Peninsula. 

The Marquette Regional History Center’s exhibit, “World War I Remembered: How Marquette County Served,” will examine why the Great War continues to shape our world nearly 100 years later. Visitors can learn of the events that led up to the war and the legacy left in its wake. They can explore the impact of the 32nd Division, read first-hand accounts of soldiers and sailors from Marquette County, discover the role of the local Red Cross and learn about life on the homefront during the war.

Special events are planned in conjunction with the exhibits. These include a series of WWI films at Peter White Public Library, informational presentations, a ceremony at Sugar Loaf honoring scouting in the Upper Peninsula, and a "Downton Abbey" Dance with music from the era. The full schedule is available at ww1remembered.nmu.edu or on Facebook at World War I Remembered.

The Beaumier Center received a $15,000 grant from the Michigan Humanities Council to support the commemoration. For more information on the WWI events, contact Dan Truckey, Beaumier Center director, at 227-1219.