Carson City's Pioneer Academy students visit 'Ghost Army' at Nevada Museum of Art
“Art is a universal language and through it each nation makes its own unique contribution to the culture of mankind.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower 34th President of the United States.
Earlier in the month, select world history/art students from Pioneer Academy were treated with a field trip to the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno to attend the beginning of a new exhibit.
“Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II” is a new exhibit sponsored by the World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA. While most soldiers drafted during the war were turned into combat soldiers, some were given new tasks that best utilized their abilities and natural talents.
This is why the “Ghost Army” or the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops was created. This unit of 1,100 men were pulled from many walks of American life, chosen specifically for their contributions and skills in deception, subterfuge, and trickery. The unit was comprised of cartoon illustrators, fashion designers, artists, and many others who employed inflatable equipment, sound effects of troops on the move, and fake uniforms.
These men were credited with “holding down” and tricking tens of thousands of enemy soldiers as the Allies made their final push against Germany. This unit’s activities were so classified that many of the soldiers’ contributions were not even recognized until just a few months ago!
Students from Pioneer in Carson City were given tours of the exhibits and participated in discussions by museum staff, learning how it takes people from all walks of life to come together and join in the fight for what is right. Afterwards, students created their own WWII propaganda posters using the silk screening method. The cross-curriculum activities helped to illuminate for students just how much different subjects have in common with one another, while also discovering how writing, visual/auditory, and teamwork techniques can come together for the benefit of all.
If you’re interested in viewing the Ghost Army exhibit, it is available until July 23rd.