Courtesy photo
This American World War I helmet is a favorite artifact of Salem Museum staff and visitors.
The first thing visitors notice about the helmet is the dent in the front of it. This dent shows where Thomas Shilling, a soldier from Salem, was struck in the head by artillery shrapnel during World War I. This helmet saved his life and allowed him to return home to his family.
Artifacts like this are reminders of the individual journey that objects can take, and how they can impact people’s lives.
Students ages 8-14 can see this World War I helmet, and more, this weekend at the Salem Museum during the Summer Fun program.
This week Summer Fun will explore “The Great War and the Roanoke Valley.” World War I had a big impact on local families! Students will learn how local people influenced WWI both at home and overseas.
All programs are free!
Each hour-long program will be held on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. The content will be the same at both times each day. Call 540-389-6760 or email garrett@salemmuseum.org to register. RSVP Required.
