One hundred years ago, World War I had a profound impact on all Americans, including those at home. Join the Marathon County Historical Society in exploring “Over Here: The American Home Front in World War I,” another topic in our History Speaks series, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Woodson History Center, 410 McIndoe St., Wausau.

In this presentation, Brett Barker will examine the World War I home front and the ways in which Americans rallied to the war effort and simultaneously attacked the civil liberties of their fellow citizens, especially German-Americans, who were perceived as a “threat to the cause.”

Brett Barker received his Ph.D. from UW-Madison and is a Professor of History at UW-Stevens Point at Wausau, where he has taught since 2002. He is a member of the Marathon County Historical Society Board of Directors and author of Exploring Civil War Wisconsin: A Survival Guide for Researchers.

There is no admission fee; however, donations are appreciated. Registration is not required.

The Historical Society is grateful to Janke Book Store and to Compass Properties for their sponsorship of the History Speaks series.

Visitors might also enjoy a guided tour of the Yawkey House Museum, or visiting our free exhibit spaces. Milking Time: Evolution of the Dairy Industry in Marathon County, shows the hard work that went into creating fields after forests were logged off, and the progress made in breeding, testing, medicine and education that enabled dairying to develop into a viable business option. Rural Electrification: Outlet for Change depicts life before and after electricity made its slow way into rural areas of Marathon County in the 1930s and ‘40s. Our Stories: The History of Marathon County features reminiscences of how people arrived in this area, and how they worked and played in days gone by.

For more information, please call the Marathon County Historical Society at 715-842-5750.