Prof. Goldstein Speaks at Opening of World War I Exhibition
Erik Goldstein, Professor of International Relations and History at Boston Univeristy’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and former Chair of the Department of International Relations, delivered the keynote speech at the opening of a major exhibition on the First World War at the Howard Gotlieb Memorial Gallery in Boston University on Sunday, September 28.
In his remarks, Prof. Goldstein spoke on the enduring significance of WWI, America’s place in that war, and the wealth of materials and archived treasures from WWI at Boston University. He highlighted, in particular, the importance of preserving and celebrating the collection.
Titled “Ardent for Some Desperate Glory – Remembering the First World War,” the exhibition marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Great War. The exhibition includes posters and photographs depicting the issues of the time, as well as the vast collection of manuscript material demonstrating the major upheaval in the world during the Great War. Also featured are rare photographs, letters, maps, literature, and newspapers. Some of the highlights include Alfred Harmsworth’s (Lord Northcliife) account of his mission to the United States to secure more supplies, funding and general support for the war effort, and his noted meeting with Thomas Edison and Henry Ford; a number of poems by Wilfred Owen (soldier and noted poet), such as “The Sentry and Exposure” in which he describes the reality of war, and a letter from Owen to Sir Francis Osbert Sacheverell Sitwell.