Chapman Museum, OAAS join forces on WWII-themed exhibit

 

Glens Falls – The Chapman Museum's ongoing exhibit honoring the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II also highlights today's efforts of Operation Adopt A Soldier (OAAS), an all-volunteer group that provides free comfort kits for U.S. military personnel serving in areas of conflict.

​

“Let's All Fight,” an exhibit of 54 WWII-era posters donated to the museum by collector Linc Cathers before his death a few years ago, opened July 14 and runs through September 20 at the 348 Glen St. location. The full-color posters carry themes ranging from encouraging Americans at home to invest in war bonds to taking actions stateside that save the country's resources for the war effort.

​

It marks the reopening of the museum after it closed in March because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

​

Likewise, OAAS ceased most operations in mid-March and resumed when allowed under New York state's Phase 3 reopening mandates. The 501(c)3 non-profit uses monetary and product donations to assemble and ship the kits.

​

“From the start, when we first began to plan an exhibit of the Linc Cathers collection of WWII home front posters, we saw an opportunity to connect those messages to the present day,” said Chapman Museum Executive Director Timothy Weidner. “There are people from our region who are serving our nation in places of conflict around the world – not only in harm’s way, but also in the midst of the Covid-19 epidemic.

​

“What better way to get involved than to encourage our visitors to support our troops now – much as everyone was urged to support those fighting overseas during World War II. We are pleased to work with Operation Adopt a Soldier by collecting donations at the Chapman Museum during the run of the exhibit.”

​

OAAS is providing brochures near the museum entrance that explain the group's mission. Visitors to the museum exhibit are encouraged to bring material donations to or make monetary donations at the OAAS display. Acceptable items include non-perishable food, snacks, gum, candy, energy bars/drinks, cookies, toiletries, CDs, DVDs, puzzle books and stationery. A detailed list is available by visiting www.operationadoptasoldier.org.

​

Monetary donations are used to defray the cost of shipping and to purchase items when donated supplies dwindle. Each kit carries a $12 shipping fee.

​

“On behalf of everyone at OAAS, we thank Tim, his staff and museum volunteers for inviting us to join in the Chapman's much-deserved reopening and allowing us to participate in the exhibit that honors our brave military members of the past, present and future,” said OAAS Founder/Chairman Cliff Seguin.

 

“It shows how Americans have and always will come together to support our soldiers and how they'll sacrifice their own creature comforts for the good of the country,” Seguin added. “I'm looking forward to visiting the exhibit myself, and I know our volunteers, some of whom have served in the military or have loved ones serving, will enjoy viewing these patriotic-themed posters.”

​

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The suggested museum donation is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and students. Children under 12 get in free. Visit www.chapmanmuseum.org for exhibit details and reservations, as well as required safety procedures in effect during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

###