The Great War at RPL

WWI poster featuring a soldier reading a book. Quote: The Camp Library is Yours

2017 marks the 100 year anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I.  To mark the occasion, the Ross Pendergraft Library will host a special program from September 5th – November 9th featuring lectures, a panel discussion, and special displays focused on historic events during the worldwide conflict.

Part of the program will feature a traveling exhibition on display in the library illustrating the historic events of that time.

The program is funded by a grant through the Library of America in support of educational programming about World War I.  Arkansas Tech University received the only such grant for the state of Arkansas.

WWI Poster featuring a sailor and soldier with books. Quote: "Hey Fellows! Your money brings the book we need when we want it"

Mark your calendars for the following presentations.  Each will begin at 7:00 PM in Ross Pendergraft library and Technology Center, room 300 south.

  • Thursday, Sept. 7 –  Dr. Buck Foster, Arkansas Department of Heritage, “World War I and Arkansas”
  • Thursday, Sept. 14 – Dr. Jan Jenkins, ATU, “Propaganda and Persuasion”
  • Thursday, Sept. 28 – Master Sgt. Lee Fields, retired, U.S. Army, “Ozarks to the Argonne Forest”
  • Thursday, Oct. 19 – Dr. Stanley Lombardo, ATU, Reading from WWI and America: Told by the Americans Who Lived It
  • Thursday, Nov. 9 – All Veterans Appreciation Event, Discussion Panel on Veterans’ Issues

Cover of book, World War I and America, featuring typical doughboys in metal helmets.

All presentations are free and open to the public.  For more information, call (479) 964-0569, send e-mail to lheffley@atu.edu or visit http://library.atu.edu.

WWI Poster featuring iconic image of Uncle Same wearing a top hat, blue jacket, white beard, and red tie. Quote: "I want YOU for U.S. Army".