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Experience WWII through the eyes of women who served: historic photos, letters and artifacts come alive in a one-session presentation at the Joliet Museum. Join Cyndee Schaffer for a personal exploration of WAC service on Sunday, March 22 at 1:30pm.
Experience WWII through the eyes of women who served: historic photos, letters and artifacts come alive in a one-session presentation at the Joliet Museum. Join Cyndee Schaffer for a personal exploration of WAC service on Sunday, March 22 at 1:30pm.
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Operated by Joliet Area Historical Museum · Joliet, Illinois
The Journey of Mollie's War: WACS and World War II arrives at the Joliet area as a focused, living-history program that places visitors inside the experiences of American women who served during World War II. Held at the Joliet museum at 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, Illinois, this one-session presentation runs on Sunday, March 22 at 1:30pm and includes access to the museum’s galleries before or after the program. Presented by co-author Cyndee Schaffer, the program draws on her mother’s first-hand experience as a WAC and stitches together historic photos, movie clips, letters, uniforms and other artifacts to make the choices and sacrifices of wartime women tangible. The talk takes place in the museum’s Indoor Auditorium Theater on the lower level; seating is general and the event lasts up to 90 minutes. The museum opens at 10:00am so plan to arrive early to pace through the exhibitions and situate yourself for the presentation. What sets this program apart in Will County isn’t just the material, but the locality of the stories. Rather than an abstract lecture, Schaffer connects national history to Midwestern homes and communities, showing how Joliet families figured into larger recruitment, training and support networks for the Women’s Army Corps. The collection emphasizes original letters and ephemera—paper that still carries the weight of wartime decisions—and gives visitors a rare chance to read private voices alongside archival photographs. Accessibility is practical: the museum is ADA compliant with elevator access to all levels, and the lower-level auditorium is easy to reach. Admission to the program is included with museum entry and free to Joliet Museum members. For questions, contact Mike at [email protected] or call (815) 723-5201. This is an especially resonant program for Women’s History Month and for anyone curious about social history, military service, or the everyday realities behind wartime headlines. Whether you’re a local history buff, a veteran, or a traveler seeking deeper cultural context in Joliet, this intimate presentation offers a precise, human-scale view of World War II from the perspective of the women who served and the communities that supported them. To get the most from your visit, budget ninety minutes for the program and another thirty to forty-five minutes to explore the galleries; the museum’s exhibit rotation highlights regional industry, civic history and rotating community displays that provide context to Mollie’s story. Families and educators will find primary sources useful for discussion. If you’re traveling to Joliet for the program, downtown lodging and dining options are within easy reach of 204 N Ottawa St, making the museum a compact cultural stop. Verify current hours and any admission fees on the Joliet Museum website before you go, and consult staff about accessibility needs or group accommodations.
The museum opens at 10:00am; the program begins at 1:30pm in the Indoor Auditorium Theater on the lower level.
Yes—entry to "The Journey of Mollie’s War" is included with museum admission and free to Joliet Museum members.
Yes. The museum is ADA compliant and has elevator access to all levels, including the lower-level auditorium.
The program runs up to 90 minutes; plan extra time to view galleries before or after the talk.
Yes. Guests have access to all museum galleries and exhibits before or after the presentation.
Email Mike at [email protected] or call (815) 723-5201 for event details and accessibility requests.
The Joliet Area Historical Museum preserves and presents the history of Joliet and surrounding communities through curated exhibits, programs, and special events. Located in downtown Joliet, the museum interprets regional narratives from Native American settlements through industrial growth to modern community life. Exhibits include artifacts, interpretive displays, and hands-on experiences designed for adults and children alike. The museum operates the Joliet Railroad Museum within a preserved 1913 signal tower, offering focused exhibits on local rail companies, signaling technology, and early twentieth-century engineering. Public programs include seasonal events, concerts, award ceremonies, and cultural festivals such as the Slovenian Grape Harvest celebration and a rooftop summer music series. Museum general admission provides access to permanent and rotating exhibits; special ticketed events include award ceremonies, concerts, and beverage tastings. Educational offerings include school group visits, docent-led tours, and community outreach that support local history education. The museum collaborates with cultural organizations and local clubs to host community-centered festivals and concerts. Facility spaces are used for both museum interpretation and public gatherings, with beverage service and seating available for selected events. The institution adheres to museum best practices for artifact care, interpretation, and visitor services, working with trained staff and volunteers. Visitors can explore museum exhibits, ride local rail history displays, and attend scheduled events listed on the museum calendar. The Joliet Area Historical Museum provides accessible programming and documented historical information for researchers, students, and residents seeking a deeper understanding of Joliet’s heritage. Visitor services include a museum shop and guided program schedules.
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