Join Historic Annapolis at the Museum of Historic Annapolis on Sunday, December 11, 2022, for Hands-On History Day: Recollections of World War II. Hands-On History Days are offered every second Sunday of the month at the Museum from 10 am – 2 pm, when admission is half-price. Special family activities are included with admission to enhance your visit. This month, visitors will find a unique and special artifact on display – an 80-year-old handmade wooden sign highlighting a piece of our community’s history.
In early October 2022, Captain John and Nicole Holcomb contacted HA about something they discovered in their attic: some plywood sawed into two pieces. When these pieces are joined, they form a sign that reads, “Employees of the Annapolis Post Office Now In The Armed Service Of Our Country.” HA researched the sign and determined it is likely from the mid-1940s, created during World War II. This sign lists names of postal office employees serving in the armed forces during the war, many of whom still have loved ones in Annapolis to this day.
The Holcombs generously donated this item that had been in their home’s attic for many years. Their house in Admiral Heights was once owned by Leonard C. Perry, former Assistant Superintendent of the old Annapolis Post Office on Church Circle and a 165th Army Postal Unit member during World War II. HA believes the sign was likely brought back to the house by Perry after being displayed in the Post Office during the war.
So, who made this artifact? How long was it in the post office? How long did it sit in an attic in Admiral Heights? HA is researching these very questions, but it may have you thinking – what is in your attic? Visit the Museum, experience this reminder of these people, and many others, who bravely served our country, and share with us your family’s stories of Annapolis during World War II.
Additional Hands-On History Day activities include a special reading list, created in partnership with the Anne Arundel County Public Library, to encourage visitors to borrow books from their local library and read more about World War II. Children can explore the Museum, learn more about Annapolis during the war, build a boat out of modeling clay, and design their own medals of honor.
Admission at the Museum on Sunday, December 11 is half-price for adults at $5 per person, and FREE for all children 17 and under, HA members, and those receiving food assistance through the Museums For All program. Hands-On History Day activities are included with admission. Advance registration can be made at museum.annapolis.org or by calling 410.267.7619.
