The Wood County Museum is proud to debut its newest exhibit, “We’ll Meet Again: Remembering World War II”, opened in April. This powerful and alluring experience pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of Wood County veterans through personal artifacts, handwritten letters, and engaging multimedia features.
Made possible through the generous support of Ohio Humanities, the Wood County Historical Society, and numerous local sponsors and donors, the exhibit showcases more than 40 original uniforms alongside dozens of deeply personal stories from local men and women who served.
Visitors will encounter interactive touchscreens highlighting individual biographies, a mini-theater screening 1940s-era films, and hands-on activities designed for younger guests—offering a meaningful experience for all ages.
“It’s important for younger generations to reflect on this era,” said curator Holly Kirkendall. “These were teenagers, sons, fathers—asked to serve for the greater good.”
A Personal, Local Story
We’ll Meet Again offers an intimate perspective of World War II through the lens of Wood County residents. With period artifacts, handwritten letters, and multimedia presentations, the exhibit invites visitors to connect personally with the stories of those who served.
A prominently featured quote from soldier Everett Whitacre offers a window into the difficult decisions faced by many:
“Well son I am back in the Army again which I suppose will not meet with your approval but I just could not stay out after you left the states and the draft coming along.”
Overcoming Historical Gaps
The process of curating the exhibit was not without its difficulties. A 1973 fire destroyed many official WWII military records, making it hard to research the individuals behind the artifacts.
“When doing research on the people associated with the objects, it was difficult not being able to be as accurate as I wanted,” said Kirkendall. “Another challenge was finding photos. Some of the objects have no visual representation—only a story.”
Despite these hurdles, donations from the community over the years helped fill in many of the gaps. “The generosity of local families allowed us to create something truly meaningful,” she added.
Educational Programming and Community Events
A series of events and programs will accompany the exhibit throughout the year:
- WWII Lecture Series: Held monthly from June to September
- Tea & Talk Programs: WWII-themed talks with refreshments
- Education on the Road: A mobile artifact presentation
- 22nd Annual Living History Day: August 31, 2025 – First-person interpreters bring history to life
Schools are encouraged to attend. The museum offers guided tours for high school groups and several activity stations designed for younger children.
Visit the Exhibit
We’ll Meet Again: Remembering World War II is open for self-guided tours Monday–Friday from 10 AM – 4 PM and weekends from 12 PM – 4 PM. Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children, with discounts for students, seniors, and veterans. Historical Society members receive free admission.
The Wood County Museum is located at 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green, OH.
More information and event details can be found on the main website.
