One of the things that came about due to the war was the utilization of women in the work force. Since most of the able-bodied men were overseas fighting in the war, it was left up to the women to fill their positions in factories. One of the posters illustrates a government campaign to encourage women to go into previously male-held jobs. How's that for your women's lib poster?
The museum was a multi-media presentation. As you walked
down the hallways you would hear FDR's voice giving one of his famous speeches, then you would see various posters, or display cases filled with memorabilia. In addition to all these they were also showing several movies. Then we turned a corner and walked into what looked like a bomb-shelter in London during the blitz. This was very well done, including flashing lights and the sound of bombs exploding in the background. Something I especially liked was the special way in which the museum gave credit to those individuals who donated items for display. Many times we have been in museums that had a little card that said "Donated by Mr & Mrs. Smith." What it didn't say is how Mr. & Mrs. Smith had come in possession of the items. Their displays, like the one at the left, usually came with a story about the person who donated the items, and how he or she came about being in possession of them. After we exited the museum we looked towards the back of the lot and found a sign indicating a Vietnam Fire Base located down the hill towards the rear. We went down the hill and found something that looked very much like what you saw in many of the Vietnam War movies. As I stood there looking over the various tents, camouflage nets, etc., I could almost hear the sound of the "incoming" missiles. The display was done very realistically. All in all, I would say that the museum was well worth the time spent going through it. I learned a lot about not only WWII but the "depression" preceding it. A time my parents talked about, but I only had an inkling of the true depth of the dark time our country had gone through. I would definitely put this museum high on your list of "things to see" while in Vermont. 

Good Luck! Have Fun! and Stay Safe!

Laura


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