The Origins of Service Gallery covers the first century and a half of our nation’s history when American women consistently found ways to serve with the Army. Visitors explore stories of camp followers in the American Revolution and Civil War who provided basic logistical support and of women who stepped outside societal norms into roles such as doctors and spies. This gallery illustrates how women’s roles were recognized and legitimized in the early twentieth century. Key artifacts include items from the Army Nurse Corps, established in 1901, and artifacts from women who served in World War I. Visitors will discover the motives of these first service women varied, as did the nature of their work, but they shared a dedication and willingness to serve their country’s needs.

Gray Dog Tags

These identification tags were worn by Ethel Gray when she served as a reconstruction aide in France during World War I.

Lyeth Uniform

This nurse’s uniform was worn by Ruth Lyeth (Hamblen) during World War I. She served at Camp Meade before being sent to Evacuation Hospital #30 in Meaux, France and then to Germany after the war. She returned to the U.S. in 1919.

Interactive Switchboard

The interactive switchboard enables visitors to answer the call and see what it takes to be a telephone operator. At telephone switchboards like this 1915 model, “Hello Girls” worked in exchanges across England and France. These World War I operators were able to transmit messages quickly and efficiently from battlefield to headquarters and back.