Learn how American citizens handled gaps in industries and in the home during War World II at this year’s Dennison Railroad Depot Museum’s featured exhibit.
Director Wendy Zucal says it’s interesting to learn about the role women and children played when they stayed behind at home.
“We always do one featured exhibit every year and this year it’s “Shoes to Fill: Victory Begins at Home.” done by our registrar Julia Marec, her staff in our exhibit department. It basically tells the story of when War World II took place and many of the males had to leave and go to war, who filled their shoes. Who did all the things they used to do. And it’s surprising all the different aspects that women stepped up to do but also children doing scrap drives and victory gardens and things, so it really tells that story of how life continued but with a different demographic to do those same chores.”
This need brought about the implementation of the Salvation Army Servicemen’s Canteen in Dennison, which served refreshments to 1.3 million soldiers as they passed through on troop trains from 1942 – 1946. Visitors will learn about how rationing was managed in households, how the war effort was funded, and the roles that were picked up by the women who filled in the shoes of those who left.
Zucal says there’s also special programming.
“The museum is open every day except for Monday. That exhibit has hands-on activities for kids. We have a Bing scavenger hunt and do all kind of activities in the museum. Every time we have new exhibit it changes some of the things in our gift shop and we’ve expanded our gift shop, and it also provides program. A 1940’s game night and a movie night so the programing has activities in conjunction with the exhibit throughout the year.”
As part of the 2025 exhibit, July 16th will feature a family game night from 6 to 8pm.
On August 14th, two movies will be shown; Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front from 4- 5:30 pm, and the second showing is A League of Their Own from 6-8 pm. RSVPS are required. More details at dennisondepot.org.
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