Year in Review

2021 is nearly in the books, and what better way to acknowledge it than by reviewing the last twelve months? This year, like last, didn’t have as many opportunities for living history so I had to make the most of the few chances I had to get out. However, it also gave me the time to focus on other endeavors and really assess what was important to me.

The year started out with wrapping up “The Triple Victory of the 6888th” exhibit at the 6th Cavalry Museum in Fort Oglethorpe. The virtual exhibit opening on February 25 featured guest Col. (Ret.) Edna Cummings, who shared the continued efforts for the Congressional Gold Medal for the 6888th. I was able to offer a brief curator’s “tour” of the exhibit, sharing some of my insights and behind the scenes information.

The Lipstick & War online store launched in late February, with branded apparel and accessories as well as the “Edith & Oveta & Charity & Mary” line—honoring some of the key figures in WAC history.

Women’s History Month in March was full of presentations—through the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center’s Virtual Living History program, I taught students from New York, Arizona, Texas, and Nevada. I was also able to lead a public Living History Virtual Class with attendees nationwide, and participate in a panel with the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Arizona State University.

May was a month of big changes, I moved back to Ohio to start a new job as Executive Director of the Maritime Museum of Sandusky!

My first public (non-virtual) living history event of 2021 was Muster on the Maumee at Fort Meigs. I stayed out of uniform and instead portrayed a women attempting to join the Women’s Army Corps. Being able to study the motivations behind volunteering for service (and Spring 1944 fashions!) was really edifying and gave me better insight into my impressions.

Similarly, in October, I repeated this impression at Lauer Farms 1944. The real highlight of the event for me was emceeing the fashion show. I’ve been participating in fashion shows at reenactments as long as I can remember (Thanks, Mom!) and being able to lead one was so much fun.

In November, I was able to get into the classroom and present to Hardin Northern Elementary students, focusing on the experiences of Wacs at the Third WAC Training Center. I also overlapped my interest in WWII with my day job, kicking off the 2021-2022 Historical Program series with a presentation on War Production during WWII that focused on the local maritime trades. The month finished with being accepted in ASU’s Master of WWII Studies Program.

Finally, December saw the launch of this very website! Thanks to everyone who has read, subscribed, and supported Lipstick & War—it really means the world to me.