How did World War II impact Mt. Lebanon?
That’s the question Todd DePastino set out to answer when he began work on the Historical Society of Mount Lebanon’s newest exhibit, “Mt. Lebanon Goes to War.”
Although the exhibit opened earlier this month, the society will host a special opening gala 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 23. Refreshments and mimosas will be served.
[1]The exhibit is the society’s first one to feature a video element with WWII newsreels, propaganda films and oral histories from residents. In addition, there are pictures, ration books, WWII posters and uniforms on display with text explaining rationing and victory gardens. Photos of the young Mt. Lebanon men who never returned from service were used to create a border around the exhibit area.
DePastino, a 1984 Mt. Lebanon High School grad, lives on Magnolia Place and serves on the society’s board. He has a Ph.D. in American history from Yale University and teaches at Waynesburg University. He is the author of “Bill Mauldin: A Life Up Front” and runs the Veterans Breakfast Club, a nonprofit organization that creates communities of listening around veterans and their stories. Serving on the exhibit committee was Mark Johnson and society president Jim Wocjik.
The Mt. Lebanon History Center is located at 200 Lebanon Avenue on the corner of Washington Road. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays. You can make an appointment for a private or group tour by contacting 412-563-1941 or info@lebohistory.org [2].