Program: The 29th & 80th Infantry Divisions of World War 1: The Human Stories Behind the Artifacts
Venue: Meadowbrook Public Library, Shawsville
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Event Types: Speaking Engagements
Cost: Free
Description:
The Meadowbrook Public Library presents the program "The 29th & 80th Infantry Divisions of World War 1: The Human Stories Behind the Artifacts" on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

What member of a prominent Eastern Montgomery County family printed the names of his missions on a gas mask bag that found its way to the Meadowbrook Museum 100 years later? This investigation led to the service of others in World War 1. Included in this research are the stories of personnel from Montgomery County.

What route did the 80th Infantry Division take across France and what obstacles did they face? What descendent of a U.S. president, born in Eastern Montgomery County, served as a nurse in France during World War I?

Learn about the 80th Division, also known as the Blue Ridge Division, with local historian Dr. Lee Anthony. Dr. Anthony was a Professor of Physics and head of the Physics Department at Roanoke College from 1962 to 1979. Hew was the owner and senior associate of Physics Associates, a consulting firm that advises industrial and medical establishments on the use of radiologic equipment. He joined the US Naval Reserve in 1951 as an E-1 and rose to the rank of Navy Captain (O-6) before retiring in 1992. As a pilot, he held a private and commercial license with more than 5900 hours flying time.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Presented by the Meadowbrook Museum and the Meadowbrook Library.

The Meadowbrook Public Library is located at 267 Alleghany Spring Road in Shawsville, VA.

To view the event flyer, visit: https://i.postimg.cc/zG5JLFTH/image.png.

For more information, visit: http://www.montgomery-floyd.lib.va.us/ or https://www.facebook.com/meadowbrookpubliclibrary/ or https://www.instagram.com/meadowbrookpubliclibrary/ or call 540-268-1964.