Stonington — Residents are being asked to bring their letters and photos from World War I to the Stonington Historical Society’s R.W. Woolworth Library on Saturday afternoon so digital copies can be made and included in a permanent archive at the Connecticut State Library.

The initiative is part of an effort by the La Grua Center and the historical society to create an exhibit of WWI letters, photographs and memorabilia collected from residents and the historical society's archives that will go on display at the center from April 21 to May 10.

Copies of some of the letters and photos being scanned Saturday also may be included in the exhibit which will mark the 100th anniversary of the country’s entry into World War I. Letters can be brought to the center from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The letter and photos can be from any branch of the service and related to life in the military during the war. For example, the center said they can be “about basic training, time on the front lines, recollections of veterans written down after a conflict is over, the experiences of family and friends at home, or observations on war from civilian bystanders and survivors.”

Those who bring letters and photographs will be asked to fill out some paperwork, including biographical and permission forms. The original documents and photos will be scanned and then returned to the owners. Letter owners will be encouraged to donate the originals to The Center for American War Letters in Orange, Calif., for scholarly access and preservation.

Letters also can be brought to the Groton Public Library reference desk for digitization through Friday by calling ahead for an appointment.

Anyone wishing to contribute originals can do so through the La Grua Center by contacting its program director, Kelli Rocherolle, at (860) 535-2300 or kelli@lagruacenter.org.

An opening reception for the exhibit is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 21, at the center. 

On Sunday, April 30, Andrew Carroll, the founding director of The Center for American War Letters, will present a lecture at the center about his newest book, “My Fellow Soldiers: General John Pershing and the Americans Who Helped Win the Great War.” The book recounts the American experience in the war based on eyewitness accounts from Pershing, senior officers, soldiers, pilots and nurses.

Also participating in the project are the Stonington Free Library, Groton Public Library and Connecticut State Library. More information about The War Letters Project is available on the Chapman University’s page for The Center for American War Letters at www.warletters.us.

j.wojtas@theday.com