BEYOND COMBAT: WWI THROUGH THE LENS OF “DOC” COOK
NOVEMBER 9, 2024 – JANUARY 12, 2025

R.H. “Doc” Cook, a photographer who enlisted during World War I, served with the 88th Division, 313th Engineers and captured the company’s experiences with his camera. A century later, local resident Mollie Anderson purchased a case that had belonged to Cook. The case contained his original photographic negatives. After researching Cook’s life and displaying some of the images at Gallery 92 West in 2022, she donated the entire set to The Durham Museum.

Beyond Combat: WWI Through the Lens of Doc Cook is a temporary exhibition developed by The Durham Museum. Through photos curated from Cook’s collection, it tells the story of the 313th Engineers from their training at Camp Dodge until the completion of their deployment in May 1919. Their story highlights military jobs that contributed to the war effort beyond the traditionally understood duties of combat. The military engineers that “Doc” served with were responsible for repairing roads, building bridges, laying track, improving dugouts and shelters and assisting in the restoration of war-torn regions. Plans for the exhibition also include a small theater area, with seating, featuring additional images in which guests are invited to linger with “Doc” Cook’s images and immerse themselves in the 313th Engineers’ experience.