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Film Series Well Attended
 The MacArthur Memorial theatre was the site of a six week long film/lecture series about World War I. Working
in partnership with the Kirn Memorial Library, and with Old Dominion University professor and former U.S.
Congressman Dr. William Whitehurst who served as narrator and host, more than 100 guests attended each week.
The series began on February 19 with an examination of Woodrow Wilson’s presidency and the events in Europe that
triggered a conflict that embroiled millions of people around the world.
John McLaughlin, MacArthur Memorial educator, sent out more than 1,000 invitations and flyers to area school
districts and teachers announcing the event. Professional development credits were awarded for teacher
participation from all area school systems. Middle and high school students who attended were awarded a
certificate of attendance each week and most could present that to their teachers for extra class credit.
The timing of the event was perfect for students and teachers alike, as World War I is usually covered in the
February-March time period. Over 50% of the participants each week were students.
Topics throughout the series included the effects of the war on the human spirit, the woman’s suffrage movement,
the migration of African-Americans to large cities like Chicago, Wilson’s failing health, technology used in the
war, the bravery of the men of the 369th Regiment, the Versailles Treaty, and Wilson’s Fourteen Points.
 Dr. Whitehurst’s remarks brought the audience a personal touch each week. He related stories about talking to
members of Congress who remembered those directly involved in the issues of that era.
He wittingly challenged the
audience to name for him Wilson’s Vice-President. As a hint, he said the man’s claim to fame was his statement,
“What this country needs is a good five cent cigar.” (Thomas R. Marshall) At one point, Dr. Whitehurst offered a
dollar to any guest that could name the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment allowing women the right to
vote. An audience participant correctly identified the state as Wyoming.
Each film presentation lasted about thirty minutes, followed by remarks from Whitehurst which led directly
into a question and answer period.
Over 100 area teachers and nearly 300 high school and middle school students participated in the series which was
open to the general public.
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