Supreme Sacrifice: WWI

SUPREME SACRIFICE:
COLUMBIA COUNTY IN WORLD WAR I

2017 marked the 100th anniversary of the United States' entry into the First World War

2017 marked the 100th anniversary of U.S. entry into the First World War--this war had already ravaged the European continent, causing major interruptions to daily life on both sides of the Atlantic. US involvement in WWI had a profound impact on industry and culture in Columbia County.

The summer of 1917 saw the first drawing of names of Columbia County drafted men: 420. Over the next year and a half, multiple men were drafted in service, and numerous volunteer drives were held in Hudson and elsewhere encouraging enlistment.

Supreme Sacrifice: Columbia County in World War I honored the heroism and sacrifice of those County residents who served, while educating visitors on the many aspects that the Great War had on local life, including human and economical impacts. Although a century ago, there is a lot we can learn from its stories as we face further global challenges today.

This exhibition explored experiences of County citizens both home and abroad. More than 8,300 men and women from Columbia County registered to serve in some capacity during WWI, with over 1,100 seeing active service abroad, and among which there were at least 95 casualties

This special exhibition featured bequeathed private collections--now part of our permanent collection--of four men: Nelson Caul Hay (Chatham), Harry Sutherland (Mellenville), Robert R. Wait (Hudson), and Robert Reginald Livingston (Clermont). Their collections, among others, tell stories of Italian immigrants from Hudson, African-Americans from Kinderhook, the first Columbia County resident killed in action, and more.

Exhibition Was Generously Sponsored By
Alexandra Anderson
Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation
Susan & Henry Livingston
Joan Davidson | J.M. Kaplan Fund
Edward Parran & James Guidera
Bonnie Eyre
Stephen & Kristina Lang

Paul Cassidy & Vernon Evenson
Susan Sharp & Neal Connolly
Charles Hewett & Charles Olbricht
Peter & Hela Kindler
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special thanks also to Kinderhook Bank