plane

World War I Centennial

Smithsonian Commemoration, April 2017–November 2018
Social Media Share Tools

The 100th anniversary of U.S. involvement in World War I is being observed at our museums, archives, and libraries. We invite you to tour our exhibitions and participate in events. Explore online and examine major artifacts from "The Great War," read stories of heroes who served in Europe and on the home front, learn about technological advances that enabled Allied victory, the impact of WWI on popular culture, and how the Smithsonian Institution contributed to the war effort.

Smithsonian Spotlights

John Joseph Pershing

Leading Figures

Portraits and images of military and civilian leaders and other personalities of the period.
Mary Pickford poster

Rallying Support

Every American was called upon to serve in the war effort, and patriotic messages permeated pop culture. See posters, pins, and more.
Yeoman (F) Uniform

Women in World War I

Learn about significant changes to women’s service during the Great War.
Symphony of Terror watercolor

Picturing the First World War

Watercolors by Claggett Wilson and other works by soldier artists.
Stubby

Sergeant Stubby

Official mascot of the 102nd Infantry, 26th "Yankee" Division, and the first dog to be given rank in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Over There sheet music cover

Music of The Great War

Sheet music covers from the era with songs meant to inspire action, entertain, or comfort.
Townsend painting

America's First Official War Artists, 1918-1919

Never before the First World War had any government sponsored artists to record a war in progress.
stamp

World War I Stamps

Enjoy a selection of stamps from around the globe related to World War I and its aftermath. 
American Front book cover

Reading about the War

The Smithsonian Libraries' books, exhibition records, and other publications about military and civilian life.
letters

Letters from the Children of WWI

Children crafted elegant letters to American boys and girls detailing the miseries of war and thanking America for its support.
tank

National WWI Museum and Memorial

The National Air and Space Museum takes you on a video tour of the museum in Kansas City, Missouri.
plane

How History Shaped Technology

This fast-paced webcast looks at how airplanes and technology advanced in a short time during WWI.
black and white fabric design

Bolling Crest Silks

See how one American silk company started a fashion for dressing in black and white in response to the British blockade of German dye imports.
American Eagle Motif

World War I Laces

Laces made in Belgium during World War I are an important part of the lace holdings of the Textile Collection in the National Museum of American History.