July 22 – October 17, 2010

Special Exhibit – Loyal Forces: The Animals of WWII

Loyal Forces: The Animals of WWII is an exhibit focused on the animals employed and encountered throughout World War II, from the Home Front to the Pacific. Life-size horses and mules, harnessed in authentic World War II saddles and equipment, along with life-size mannequins, dressed in authentic World War II gear, demonstrate the unique impression made by military animals and their masters. Animals were appreciated both for their labor and love, but unfortunately not all were shown humane treatment when their usefulness was no longer in dire need. This exhibit focuses on each different animal’s specific usefulness and specific role within a campaign.

Loyal Forces: The Animals of WWII examines four types of animals used by armies throughout the world from 1939 to 1945. An American Coast Guard horse and horseman feature artifacts from the Home Front and civil defense. A German horse and reconnaissance soldier depict the European Theater of Operations and the reliance of German forces on horses for several aspects of the war. Pigeons and their varied equipment used in Europe and to cross the English Channel are also featured. A large part of the exhibit is dedicated to war dogs – including a look inside a veterinary clinic in the Pacific Islands. Finally, mules in the jungles of Burma demonstrate how only they could handle these strenuous workloads and conditions.

The exhibit also includes two electronic viewing sections for displaying U.S. servicemen encountering exotic animals from North Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands. It features a slideshow of beloved military mascots from every service branch. Another electronic element utilizes touch-screen technology to allow visitors to explore the contents of a German horse veterinary kit and learn how its contents would have been used to treat these animals.

Loyal Forces: The Animals of WWII allows visitors to see another side of World War II, and demonstrates how lessons learned then continue to help us in the utilization of animals and their unique abilities today.

• Snapshots of D-Day: Photographs of the Normandy Invasion
• Fighting the Fires of Hate: America and the Nazi Book Burnings
• Entertaining the Troops
• 1989 - Year of Miracles: Austria & the End of the Cold War
• June 1944: One Month in the War that Changed the World
• Fighting for Democracy: Who is the "We" in "We, the People"
• Lives Remembered: Portraits of a Community Lost
• When Baseball Went to War
• Incredible Victory: The Battle of Midway
• Boats of Wood, Men of Steel: Wooden Combat Vessels in WWII
• Anne Frank: A History for Today
• Beyond the Call of Duty: The Medal of Honor in World War II