“Beyond Combat” New Exhibition by The Durham Museum
New Exhibition at The Durham Museum Showcases Rediscovered World War I Photos
Exhibition on Display November 9, 2024 – January 12, 2025
A new exhibition by The Durham Museum showcases photographs by Rudolph “Doc” Cook. His photos, which were rediscovered in a box bought at auction in 2019, provide a personal look into a soldier’s life, beyond combat.
Sergeant Rudolph “Doc” Cook, a photographer who enlisted in 1917 to join the war effort, served with the 88th Infantry Division, 313th Engineers of Camp Dodge in Iowa and captured the company’s experiences with his camera. Many of these images were published in Camp Dodge’s newspaper, Camp Dodger, and official books detailing the conflict. Instead of battles, the world through “Doc” Cook’s lens included different training regimens for the American Expeditionary Forces, such as gas mask trials, boxing programs and bridge building. Overseas, Cook’s images included war-torn structures, trenches, celebrations following Armistice Day and the reconstruction of a train line by the 313th Engineers.
A century later, local resident Mollie Anderson purchased a case that belonged to Cook. The case contained his original photographic negatives. After researching Cook’s life and displaying some of the images at Fremont’s Gallery 92 West in 2022, she donated the collection to The Durham Museum. Beyond Combat: World War I Through the Lens of “Doc” Cook is a temporary exhibition developed by The Durham Museum.
In addition to Cook’s photos, the exhibition also features loans from fellow institutions including the editor of Camp Dodger Lieutenant Laurence Fairall’s uniform, copies of Camp Dodger and trench art (decorated artillery shells). A small theater area featuring additional images invites visitors to linger and immerse themselves in the 313th Engineers’ experience.
“This exhibition utilizes the images taken by Sergeant “Doc” Cook during his military service to tell another story of the World War I experience,” said Chelsea Olmsted, curator at The Durham Museum. “Visitors get to see the various training methods for soldiers at Camp Dodge, the efforts that went into printing the Camp Dodger, the celebrations following armistice and more captured in a visual representation of this history.”
For museum admission and exhibition hours, please visit DurhamMuseum.org.
The exhibition is supported locally by Kiewit Companies Foundation; Douglas County, Nebraska; D.F. Dillon Foundation; the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation; AARP Nebraska; Cox Communications; Humanities Nebraska; Robert H. Storz Foundation; and The Durham Society. Media support provided by KETV.
Related Programming
Beyond Combat: Exhibit Preview & Lecture
featuring guest speaker Dr. Mark Celinscak
Thursday, November 7, 5-8PM
Join The Durham Museum on November 7 for a sneak peek inside their new temporary exhibit, Beyond Combat: World War I Through the Lens of “Doc” Cook, followed by an engaging lecture titled “Great War Propaganda and the Christmas Truce” presented by UNO Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Dr. Mark Celinscak. Dr. Celinscak will discuss the propaganda techniques used during “The Great War” to influence public perception and the impact it had on perception of the so-called Christmas truces.
The exhibit preview includes a social hour with light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Attendees will also have a chance to visit with Durham Museum curator Chelsea Olmsted and Mollie Anderson, the local resident whose discovery of “Doc” Cook’s photographic negatives led to the creation of the exhibition.
Regular museum admission applies, free for members. Advanced registration is required. Register online at DurhamMuseum.org/beyond-combat, by email at reservations@DurhamMuseum.org or by phone at 402-444-5071.
Beyond Combat: Opening Day Celebration
Saturday, November 9, 10AM-2PM
A patriotic celebration at The Durham Museum will kick off Veterans Day weekend and the opening of Beyond Combat: World War I Through the Lens of “Doc” Cook. At 1PM, the Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard will set the stage for a day of remembrance with the presentation of colors followed by the national anthem and an armed forces salute by the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band that pays tribute to our brave veterans.
Guests can enjoy a craft activity at The Platform where they will create their own poppy and learn more about why the flower is known as a symbol of remembrance around the world.
Veterans Day Weekend: Free Admission for Military
Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10
The Durham Museum will open its doors free of charge November 9-10 to those who have served in the military. Veterans and their immediate family can enjoy complimentary museum admission all weekend long and explore the museum’s new exhibition Beyond Combat: World War I Through the Lens of “Doc” Cook. Veterans are also invited to enjoy a FREE hot dog meal at the Soda Fountain both days.
The Durham Museum proudly supports our military and their families and wants to thank all who serve our country!
