Imagine that it is 1917 and the US has just entered WWI. The government needs a lot of troops to support the Allied cause in France but the peacetime forces are not ready for the challenge. Congress legislates a draft, called the Selective Service Act, the first of its kind since the Civil War. Now, every man between the ages of 21 and 30 will be required to register and may be selected to go to the front. But what if you have deeply held religious or political beliefs that mean fighting in a war would violate your conscience? Will the government protect your First Amendment right to practice your religion? 

Come interact with our newest Education Station titled "Conscientious Objectors in WWI" to learn about the men who chose to support their country without having to kill other humans. Together, we will explore the delicate balance between civic duty and individual religious conviction through pictures and stories. This interactive display will feature primary source texts and photographs, an oral presentation from a staff member, and some interactive components, including a take-home activity! Thanks to the support and contributions of the Eastern Mennonite University Archives and the Bridgewater College Special Collections, the program features local history about conscientious objectors from the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding areas.