World War I reenactors, equipment, and experts are marching toward Governor's Island in new York City for the annual Doughboy Days September 15-16, 2018.
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15 and 16, 2018
Camp Doughboy Returns to NYC - Bigger than Ever!
By Kevin Fitzpatrick, East Coast Doughboys
Special to the United States World War One Centennial Commission web site
A company of living history reenactors will bring World War I soldiers to Governors Island National Monument on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15 and 16, 2018, for a free exhibition. Hear WWI authors and experts give free talks about Great War subjects. See demonstrations and hear stories as reenactors portray 1914-1918 combatants at the third annual Camp Doughboy WWI History Weekend.
The centennial of the Armistice to end “The War to End All Wars” is in 2018. A group of 100 volunteer reenactors will share the story of the war with displays and demonstrations. Both men and women will be in full uniform. Vintage cars, trucks, ambulance, and motorcycle circa 1918 will be displayed. Living history experts will provide displays on artillery, communications, infantry, medicine, and the veterinary corps. They will be joined by representation from American Indian House to honor Native American soldiers. The vital role of women in the war is explored in living history exhibitions.
Other areas of interest are a history and genealogy area to trace your WWI ancestors, a fully functioning replica of a U.S. Army field kitchen, and 1918 field music.
Camp Doughboy is held on the Parade Ground of Governors Island National Monument, a 22-acre historic park maintained by the National Park Service. The events are free, open to the public, and run 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Ferries run from Brooklyn and Manhattan beginning at 10:00. Ferry information: https://govisland.com/visit-the-island/ferry
The weekend is produced by the WWI Centennial Committee for New York City, U.S. WWI Centennial Commission, and Governors Island National Monument.
“This is the largest free public WWI exhibition in the United States,” said Kevin C. Fitzpatrick, program director of the WWI Centennial Committee for New York City. “Last year we welcomed 13,000 to visit Camp Doughboy, I think our deep schedule of programs this year will help us to surpass that, and draw more New Yorkers and visitors to come to Governors Island National Monument. This is the centennial year, and we’re pulling out all of the stops.”
"We hope people from all over the region visit Camp Doughboy and learn about World War I,” said Libby O’Connell, Commissioner, World War I Centennial Commission. “There will free public programs . Come and get smarter on historic Governors Island!”
“The National Park Service is pleased to partner with the WWI Centennial Committee for New York City, and the U.S. WWI Centennial Commission,” said Shirley McKinney, Superintendent of Governors Island National Monument. “We are excited to provide visitors with the opportunity to interact with living historians and authors. ‘The Great War’s influence on American Society helped shape what the United States is today.”
Camp Doughboy opens at 10:00 A.M. with music and the National Anthem. Displays on the Parade Ground are open until 4:00 P.M.
Authors and Experts Area Schedule
Supported by the General Delegation of the Government of Flanders to the USA
Saturday, September 15
11:30 Laurie Gaulke, Doughnuts For Doughboys: A WW1 Salvation Army Lassie in Neuvilly
12:00 M.M. McMahon, How to Research Your WWI Ancestor
12:30 Cheryl Dupris, Native American Heroes
1:00 Randal Gaulke, Putting History into Practice: Visiting the American Battlefields of WW1
1:30 Stephen Harris, Father Francis Duffy
2:30 David Pietrusza, Teddy Roosevelt in 1916
3:30 Lillian Fehler, Women Doctors and Dr. Anna Tjomsland
Sunday, September 16
11:30 Keith Muchowski, MAJ John Purroy Mitchel
12:00 M.M. McMahon, How to Research Your WWI Ancestor
1:00 Libby O’Connell, Food and the War
1:30 Ryan Hegg, Rethinking The Greatest Generation
2:00 Jeffrey Sammons, the Harlem Hellfighters
3:00 David Pietrusza, Teddy Roosevelt in 1916
Supporting Organizations:
Governors Island National Monument (nps.gov/gois) manages 22 acres containing Fort Jay and Castle Williams. The U.S. National Park Service provides education and historic interpretation of the island.
World War One Centennial Committee for New York City (wwi100nyc.org) is dedicated to planning, producing, and coordinating events and activities commemorating the First World War in New York City and the surrounding areas.
U.S. World War One Centennial Commission (worldwar1centennial.org) was created by Congress in 2013 to provide public outreach, education programs, and commemorative events for American involvement in World War I. The Commission was also authorized to build the new National World War I Memorial in Washington DC.
For more information please visit http://wwi100nyc.org/camp-doughboy-2018/
A gallery of images that show scenes and faces from Camp Doughboy 2017, held at Governor's Island last year:
