The 2023 Season at The Wright Museum of World War II

By Mark Okrant

The Wright Museum of World War II was founded in 1994, for the purpose of making future generations aware of the sacrifices and contributions of countless Americans during the Second World War. Located at 77 Center Street in Wolfeboro, the museum has an extremely clever exterior design that passers-by simply cannot ignore. On one side of the building, it appears as though a large tank just blasted through the red brick exterior, heading straight for the street.

In the case of the Wright Museum, the surprises do not end there. The Wright offers two large galleries: one devoted to the military theater and a second that presents the way lives were lived here in the states during the war years. The clever design of the museum simultaneously satisfies those with an interest in the strategy, technology, and regalia of the battleground, while others can experience the film, fashion, culture, and innovations that evolved on the home front.

With more than 14,000 items in its collection, the Wright Museum offers a wealth of special artifacts and dioramas, highlighted by three different types of tanks and a 1939-45 time tunnel that depicts changes occurring at home. It is attention to detail about the home front that truly sets this museum apart. Where else can you view a period soda fountain and a timeline of household items during the war years?

While older visitors will revel in the photographs and artifacts provided by the curators, the collection is certainly relevant to every generation and gender.

In addition to its excellent permanent display, this museum has become increasingly interactive—with several touch screens and four sound stick displays—characteristics that are particularly popular among younger audiences.

The 2023 visitor season projects to be very busy. The Wright will offer three special exhibits in addition to twelve Monday evening lectures. From May 1 through June 15, and September 15 through October 31, the museum will host “Private Charles J. Miller: WWII Paintings from the South Pacific.” Private Miller was a self-taught artist from Nashua. He sketched and painted more than 700 scenes during his time in the South Pacific. The result is a visual diary of his life as an American soldier. The exhibit consists of 81 framed paintings, as well as narrative text panels.

From July 1 through September 9, “Snoopy and the Red Baron” will be on display. Many of us grew up reading Charles Schulz’s comic strip in which the beloved beagle, dressed in his leather flying cap, flew the doghouse version of his Sopwith Camel into dogfights against the Red Baron.

All season, “Red Cross Clubmobiles” will be on display in the muse-