The Thomasville–Thomas County Area History Consortium, made up of Thomasville’s local museums, non-profits and libraries that focus on historical content, have joined together to commemorate the centennial of the United States’ entry into the first World War. During November, each organization will mark the anniversary with educational programs and exhibitions related to their respective ties to the war.

 “We are really excited that this group of institutions has come together to cross promote the educational work that we all do. Thomas County has a vested interest in its history and programs like these are just one way that we can all share our resources with the public,” said Director of the Thomas County Historical Society Anne McCudden.

The Thomas County Library will host two programs. The first one is Nov. 6, the film showing of “Road to Glory,” and following on Nov. 9, Thomas University professor, Gale Whitehurst will present a program, “The Influence of German Geography and United States’ Involvement in World War I.”

The Thomas County Historical Society will share from its collection of photographs, artifacts and stories of Thomas County during the war. 

Pebble Hill Plantation will mark the occasion with an exhibit of items from the Pebble Hill archives. The diaries, letters and photographs in the collection tell a story of the family’s experiences during this period in history. This exhibit opened Oct. 1.

Jack Hadley Black History Museum invites guests to learn about the unknown soldiers who fought for so much more than the war at hand and will highlight the known and also the many unknown African-American soldiers of WWI from Thomas and Grady counties who were unjustly treated by the United States military.

The City of Thomasville will recognize the centennial on Nov. 10 with the annual Veterans Day parade.

The Metcalf Heritage Society will host a Photograph and Memorabilia Exhibition, Nov. 18 and 19. The society’s Nov. 19 fall meeting will feature a WWI exhibit, a short overview of WWI and music from the period.

On Veterans Day, the Jack Hadley Black History Museum, Pebble Hill Plantation and the Thomas County Historical Society will offer free admission to veterans.

For more information contact McCudden, Thomas County Historical Society, at (229) 226-7664 or email history@rose.net.