1942: A Remembrance

1 February 2018

As the Untied State became fully militarized after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Halifax County residents and natives of the local area soon found themselves among the more than three million men drafted into the United States armed forces in 1942. The South Boston – Halifax County Museum is proud to present this tribute to those who served in the U.S. Armed forces during that period of time and an examination of the numerous changes that a global war brought to Halifax County. On display are a number of artifacts from the North African campaign and the Pacific theater, military uniforms, and much more.

Unsung Heroes

14 February 2018 – 12 May 2018

In 1917, the U.S. Army was a segregated army. Most African American soldiers were placed into either the segregated units of the 92^nd Infantry Division or the 93^rd Infantry Division. With the United States’ entry into the war in Europe, the need for men to build up the army required creating a draft through the Selective Service Act. African American men were not exempted from the draft; therefore, thousands were drafted in to service during the First World War.

From 1917 until 1920, more than 400 African American men from Halifax County joined their ranks in the U.S. Armed Forces serving on both the front lines and in key support roles. The museum will be commemorating these men from Halifax County with and exhibit of their names in a Wall of Honor.  Additional information about these soldiers including: the companies they served with, the ships they sailed on, and the battles they faced will additionally be present.