World War I
The Great War
Up until 1939, World War I was referred to as the World War or the Great War. It was like nothing the world had ever seen. While estimates vary, approximately 20 million died and 21 million were wounded; half of these casualties were civilians. In addition to bullets and bombs, famine and disease in war-torn areas took many of these lives. While the war was fought abroad, Americans at home were lucky to be shielded from the violence and horrors of war, but experienced changes as well. Our men went overseas and many lost their lives, creating hardship and heartbreak. Women entered the factories to stand in and contribute what they could to the war effort. German Americans became suspected sympathizers and targets, and all things German were denounced...
Documents
These documents give an interesting glimpse into the world of the Great War. Learn about a private spy organization 250,000 strong, the horrors of mustard gas, and the 1918 Spanish Flu.
Artifacts
Very often men would bring home their war paraphernalia to keep as remembrances. Sometimes they collected these items as a hobby. The MCHA houses many interesting WWI artifacts.
World War II
Fighting on Two Fronts
Our men once again went off to fight, this time in both the European and Pacific theaters. Thousands of Monmouth men enlisted; 356 did not return home.
All Gave Some...
Some Gave All
Freehold High School
1941-1945
These young men walked the halls of Freehold High School as students, and gave their lives in service to their country.
MCHA encourages students to create their own Honor Roll projects for the WWII KIA who once attended their schools.
MC Military
Meet the brave Monmouth County men and women who served their country during WWII.
If there is someone with an inspiring story you would like to see featured here, please let us know and we would be honored to included them.
Home Front
The war was fought at home as well. Rationing, Victory Gardens, women working outside the home, donations, and buying war bonds were some of ways civilians contributed to the war effort. Analyze these primary sources to get a sense of what certain aspects of the war were like.
Rationing
Rationing was an integral part of the war effort. Food, energy, tires, automobiles, gas and even shoes were rationed. Thinking twice about using hot water was part of everyday life during WWII.
Propaganda
The strategy of war has always included a psychological component. War posters and other forms of propaganda express the messages the Office of War Information wished the public to receive.
Artifacts
These WWII artifacts were donated to MCHA by Monmouth county residents. They offer a snapshot of types of things that our residents were familiar with during this time.
Civilian Defense
The U.S. Citizens Defense Corp was made up of all kinds of responsible community members, from housewives to businessmen to the elderly. There was a job for everyone to help keep the homeland safe.