Courtesy photo
This American World War I helmet is a favorite artifact of the Salem Museum’s Assistant Director Alex Burke.
In his own words: “For the American helmet, the first thing everyone notices is the dent in the front of it. That was where Salem resident Thomas Shilling was struck in the head by artillery shrapnel. This helmet saved his life and allowed him to return home to his family. [This artifact is a reminder] of the individual journey that objects can take and how they can impact the lives of people who used or viewed them.”
Alex Burke has served the Salem Museum for a decade, first as an intern and volunteer, and then as Assistant Director since 2016. He has been the chief historian, exhibit designer, and speaker for the Museum, especially when the topic is the Civil War.
Please join the Salem Museum for a ‘Thanks & Farewell’ Reception in Alex’s honor on Saturday, June 22. Drop in to see Alex any time between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with a Thank You Presentation at noon. He will be taking a new job with Carilion starting in July, and the Museum wants to wish him all the best!
