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In commemoration of Veterans Day, a WWI exhibit is now on display at the Turnage Theatre. The exhibit was the brainchild of a local business owner and Army veteran, Ellen Brabo. “Ellen approached the Turnage and I about collaborating on her idea to commemorate and celebrate Veterans Day,” said Stephen Farrell, curator of special collections at Brown Library. “She is a big champion of veteran recognition, so I thought it would be a wonderful idea given all of our historical military artifacts, and what better location to do it than the Turnage Theatre? After some brainstorming, we decided to come up with a display that highlights the photographs and artifacts of Washingtonians and Beaufort County heroes of WWI.”

The display includes a photo of the first Washington resident who was killed in action during WWI, Hubert Oscar Ellis, along with other military artifacts that have been donated to the Brown Library. There is also a photo of the Washington High School class of 1918, where all of the male students are wearing military uniforms. “The entire class had been mobilized,” said Farrell. “All of the males wore military uniforms and practiced military exercises with wooden cutouts of rifles and would parade around the school grounds at 2nd and Bridge Streets. The females would dress as nurses and learn how to make bandages. It was all in preparation for the war effort, as the students believed they would be headed to France to fight upon graduation. As the years progress, these events seem to fade away in our conscious, and I want to highlight and keep their memory alive through displays like this.”

As Curator and Engagement Director of the Beaufort County Arts Council, it’s a privilege to offer the historic Turnage Theatre as a community space where people can bring their creative visions to life,” said Bronte Labbé. “This venue is a canvas for our county—whether showcasing art, historic collections, special projects, or innovative ideas. I’m grateful to collaborate with community partners like the Pamlico Rose Institute and Stephen Farrell of the Brown Library, who continue to trust us to present their meaningful displays. Together, we’re building a vibrant, inclusive space that fosters creativity, education, and connection in Beaufort County.”

The exhibit will remain on display through November 20.