What am I willing to

die for?

A traveling exhibit that remembers the witness of peace-minded people against the First World War 1914-1918. This witness included men and women, religious believers and secular humanitarians, political protesters and sectarian separatists. They resisted U.S. involvement in the war, the enactment of military conscription, the war bond drives, and the denial of freedom of speech under the Espionage and Sedition Acts. For this resistance many suffered community humiliation, federal imprisonment, and mob violence at the hands of a war-crusading American public.

This exhibit lifts up the prophetic insights and the personal courage of World War I peace protesters, and suggests parallels to the culture of war and violence in our world today.

2-Page Prospectus
Exhibit Design Layouts
Exhibit Supplements
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EXHIBIT GALLERY

EXHIBIT THEMES

The exhibit is organized in nine themes that encourage exploration and reflection. The theme modules surround a recreation of an Alcatraz Prison cell, the site where Hutterite conscientious objectors were punished for refusing military participation. Text and quotes provide interpretation and raise provocative questions for viewers while large-scale graphics and photomurals immerse visitors in the historical experience of witnessing for peace during “total war.”

Anabaptist Historian Review

Read in the Anabaptist Historian Review blog

BACKGROUND

Exhibit Support

  • Kauffman Museum Association
  • Kansas Humanities Council
  • Rainbow Mennonite Church, Kansas City, Kansas:  The Schowalter Foundation
  • Remembering Muted Voices Symposium
  • Plough Publishing Hutterian Communities
  • Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies Center at Tabor College

 

Voices of Conscience premiered at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City during the “Remembering Muted Voices: Conscience, Dissent, Resistance and Civil Liberties in World War I through Today” Symposium, October 19-22, 2017.

AWARDS

2020 Leadership in History Award

American Association for State and Local History

FAQ

What is the best way to go through the exhibition?

Kauffman Museum designs exhibitions with multiple paths rather than selecting a single direction. We encourage you to read the titles of the headers at the top of each module and go wherever your interests take you. For example, some people might be interested in the timeline of military events in the module “The Great War 1914–1918: A brief history,” while others might prefer to start with the history of dissent. Only two modules are specifically in chronological order: Resisting the Drumbeat of War: (before the U.S. enters the war), Voices Against War (after the U.S. enters the war).

Are you harming the documents hung by thumbtacks?

No, these documents are reproductions of originals that have been digitized by archives.

May I take photographs of the exhibit?

If the host organization allows photography and/or videography, then Kauffman Museum welcomes visitors to take photographs for their personal, non-commercial use. Please note that some of the images in the exhibit have copyright restrictions that must be followed.

Where can I learn more about the exhibit module system?

The modular system of header/label rail/end panels was developed by Kauffman Museum in collaboration with Flint Hills Design (now Upland Exhibits). For more information about this partnership visit our collaborations page or contact Upland Exhibits, North Newton, KS.

VISIT US

27th and North Main St.
North Newton, KS 67117
Across from the main campus of
Bethel College

CONTACT US

(316) 283-1612
kauffman@bethelks.edu
Mailing address:
300 E. 27th Street
North Newton, KS, 67117-1716

HOURS

Tue-Fri  9:30am-4:30pm
Sat-Sun 1:30pm-4:30pm
Closed Mondays and
Major Holidays