“Welcome Home.”
For many Vietnam veterans, those two words were never spoken when they returned from war. A new exhibit opening July 5 at the Kenan Center Gallery aims to change that.
“I Was There: Unknown Stories of the Vietnam War,” co-curated by Lockport residents Ellen Martin and Mary Brennan-Taylor, will explore the Vietnam War through a series of nine themed rooms focusing on the experiences of those who served, the role of women in the war effort, the return of American prisoners of war, the impact of television coverage, and the war’s lasting effect on American society.
The exhibit was developed in consultation with Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 268 and is designed to honor veterans while presenting the history of the war through personal stories, artifacts, photographs, video, music, and interactive displays.
“We want veterans to feel respected, supported and honored from the moment they enter the exhibit,” Brennan-Taylor said. “This is our opportunity to express gratitude and acknowledge sacrifices that were often overlooked when they came home.”
According to the curators, special attention has been paid to creating a trauma-informed experience. Members of Chapter 268 have provided input throughout the planning process, and designated “Veterans Only” viewing hours will be offered during the exhibit’s run.
A recurring theme throughout the exhibit is the idea of home. Visitors will encounter that theme in displays such as “Welcome Home,” “Voices From Home,” and a tribute to the United Service Organizations (USO), whose motto was “Taking Home on the Road.”
The exhibit’s opening gallery honors the 23 USO centers that operated in Vietnam and the thousands of civilian volunteers and entertainers who supported American troops between 1963 and 1974. Artifacts include photographs, videos, letters, and memorabilia associated with entertainers such as Bob Hope, Martha Raye, and Ann-Margaret.
Other galleries examine the experiences of military nurses and journalists, the anti-war movement at home, local service members from Western New York, and the return of American POWs during Operation Homecoming.
Martin said the exhibit is intended not only for veterans and their families, but also for younger generations who may know little about the conflict.
“Many people know the broad outlines of the Vietnam War,” Martin said. “What we hope visitors take away are the personal stories—the experiences of the men and women who lived through it and the impact it had on the nation.”
The exhibit opens July 5 at the Kenan Center and will run throughout the summer. Admission information and special programming schedules can be found at kenancenter.org.