The Wallace Theater’s fourth annual pop-up museum, running from May 7th to May 30th, features Levelland Middle School students from the National History Day program, Levelland High School students, and History majors from South Plains College.
The museum offers a journey into the core of American history, with a special focus on the priceless contributions of individuals during the Second World War.
The fourth annual pop-up museum’s featured exhibit, “Images of Valor: U.S. Latinos and Latinas in World War II,” is an exhibition by the School of Journalism and Center for Mexican American Studies at The University of Texas at Austin and presented in partnership with Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
It highlights the frequently unrecognized contributions of Latino Americans in the war. Visitors will explore a rich array of historical photographs and contemporary images, deepening their appreciation of the diverse tapestry of American involvement in WWII.
“Images of Valor” explores the personal narratives of those who served in WWII, serving as a touching tribute to the sacrifices of numerous men and women. Through images and stories, this twelve-panel exhibition provides a historical overview of U.S. Latino participation in World War II. In addition to photographs from the project’s archives, “Images of Valor” incorporates contemporary photographs of men and women of the WWII generation by photojournalist Valentino Mauricio.
The exhibition focuses on individual stories that reveal larger themes such as citizenship and civil rights and features excerpts from the more than 500 oral history interviews that were part of the project. The exhibit not only educates but also immortalizes a diverse range of experiences for posterity.
The event is further enhanced by exhibits curated by Levelland Middle School students from the National History Day program, which highlight the contributions of groups like the Tuskegee Airmen, the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots, and the Navajo Code Talkers.