The Oak Ridge History Museum will celebrate the opening of its Hutment Exhibit with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, April 1.
The Hutment Exhibit “promises to transport visitors back in time to the Oak Ridge Manhattan Project era,” a press release said.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate the exhibit’s opening and “offer an unparalleled glimpse into a piece of history that shaped America,” the press release said.
The Hutment Exhibit will feature an authentic reproduction of a Manhattan Project “Hutment,” showcasing the living conditions of the workers who helped construct the wartime manufacturing facilities during World War II.
The hutments were small, low-cost structures that housed workers and their families who came to Oak Ridge to work on the Manhattan Project, a top-secret federal program to build the world’s first atomic bombs. The small houses provided a space for families to live in during the war years, where they could rest, relax, and escape from the demands of their jobs at the manufacturing plants.
“This exhibit will also shed light on the accommodations provided to African American workers during the war years, highlighting their contributions to the project,” the press release said. “It is essential to understand the challenges these workers faced during this time and acknowledge their role in shaping America’s history. The Hutment Exhibit is an immersive and educational experience, showcasing the lives and struggles of the workers who helped build the foundations of modern America.”
The celebration will start at 1 p.m. with presentations on Manhattan Project housing and the construction of the Hutment replica, followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m., officially opening the exhibit for museum guests.
“Don’t miss your chance to explore the Hutment Exhibit and immerse yourself in the unique history of Oak Ridge,” the press release said. “The exhibit is an unparalleled glimpse into an essential chapter of American history, providing insight into the daily lives of workers who played a pivotal role in shaping the world we live in today.”
The Oak Ridge History Museum is located at 102 Robertsville Road. The museum will be open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., with no admission charge for the day. Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring the Hutment Exhibit and other exhibits within the museum and gain a deeper understanding of America’s history.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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