World War II Comes Alive This Weekend in Saint Cloud

(KNSI) – The Stearns History Museum is transporting people to the World War Two era this weekend.

There are two separate events, including a living history demonstration on the museum plaza in St. Cloud. Scenes from 1944, both at home and abroad, will come to life says Curator Eric Cheever.

“Navy, Marines, Army Air Corps, we’ve got a Tuskegee Airmen reenactor out there. We are also portraying the home front, so there’s going to be people in civilian clothing of the period,” he says.

Kids’ activities, military vehicles, scrapbooking lessons, and an exhibit dedicated to victory gardens are also planned, even temporary tattoos. Program Director Caitlin Carlson says the vehicles are all part of private collections. Living history runs Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00 and Sunday starting at 11:00.

After three years of trying, the Stearns History Museum is finally getting a hangar dance off the ground. Carlson says there will be swing dance lessons early and the entertainment officially kicks off at 7:00 Saturday night.

“We’ve got the Rock City Jazz Band. They’ve been practicing some 1930s-era music that was popular to dance to at that time and they’re gonna have special guests with them. Janelle Kendall will sing a few numbers and then ‘Seems Like Swing,’ who is like an Andrews sister type singing trio,” says Carlson.

Beer and drinks will be on tap, with complimentary treats being served. The show will be at the Whitney Center in Saint Cloud, which makes it a go, rain or shine.

Cheever says the World War Two era remains a unifying time for all Americans 80 years later.

“It was a very national movement. Even if you were at home you were involved in the war. It affected everybody who was living at the time,” he says.

Tickets for either event are only $10. Museum members get in for half price.

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