Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and Panhandle PBS will share a
gallery reception, film screening and panel discussion on the Hereford POW Camp
of World War II on Thursday, March 31 at Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum,
2503 4th Ave. in Canyon. The event will start with a 6:00 p.m. reception
in the Alexander Gallery, a 6:30 p.m. film screening
followed by a 7:00 p.m. panel discussion.
The 2008 Panhandle PBS-produced film, “A Cathedral in the Desert:
The POWs of Hereford Camp 31,” shares the stories of the Italian POW camp
outside of Hereford, where over 4,000 Italian soldiers were housed from 1942
through 1946. The film explores how a group of prisoners brought their
artistic talents to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Umbarger, painting murals and
sculpting figures while enjoying country cooking from the
congregants.
This event is held as part of the Panhandle-Plains Historical
Museum exhibition “Paradox in a POW Camp,” on view in the Alexander Gallery
through April 23rd. The exhibition tells the story of then 20-year old
Ann Cockrell who worked at the camp for three years with doctors and military
officials, documenting activities within the camp while getting to know many of
the Italian prisoners held there. Building lasting friendships through
art, writing, and interactions, her memories and mementos of the Hereford POW
camp provide a window into this unique chapter in Texas Panhandle
history.
Following the gallery reception and film, Deana Craighead, PPHM’s
Curator of Art, will lead a discussion on the POW camp, exhibition, and film
with panelists Warren Stricker, Amy Von Lintel, and Michaela Wegman.
The gallery reception, film screening, and panel discussion are
free of charge and open to the public. Light refreshments will be
provided. For more information, visit panhandleplains.org,
panhandlePBS.org, or call PPHM at 806-651-2244.