A World War II exhibit titled, "Camp Forrest, TN- POW Exhibit: Friend, Enemy, or Frenemy?" is on display now in the Thigpen Library on the Gallatin campus, courtesy of Smith County Historical Tourism Society and The Camp Forrest Foundation. The World War II exhibit was curated by Dr. Elizabeth Taylor, president of The Camp Forrest Foundation.
Camp Forrest was one of the U.S. Army’s largest training, induction, and prisoner of war facilities during World War II, built specifically for the Tennessee Maneuvers. The Tennessee Maneuvers were large-scale combat training exercises conducted by the U.S. Army to prepare for World War II. These maneuvers took place all across Middle Tennessee, including in Sumner County.
"As our efforts grow to make people aware of the Tennessee Maneuvers, we also want people to remember Camp Forrest, Tennessee," said Tressa Bush, founder of Smith County Historical Tourism Society. "Camp Forrest played an integral role in the maneuvers."
The exhibit features historical artifacts, photos, artwork, and hand-crafted items made by prisoners of war and civilian internees who were held at Camp Forrest during World War II. The exhibit also features informational posters and a short video explaining the history of Camp Forrest.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. You can view the exhibit on the second floor of Thigpen Library on the Gallatin campus during library hours until September 15th. The library is currently open:
- Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Closed on Friday, July 1; Monday, July 4; and Friday, July 22
To keep up with future events, visit the Campus Events page.
