A new display is up in the Government Documents Collection at the James B. Duke Library entitled, “World War I Draft Registration Cards: Famous, Infamous, and Interesting.”
On April 6, 1917, the United States declared war on Germany and officially entered World War I. Six weeks later, the Selective Service Act was passed, which authorized the President to increase the military establishment of the United States. As a result, every male between the ages of eighteen and forty-five was required to register for the draft. Among these men were many of the businessmen, writers, musicians, artists, athletes, gangsters, political leaders, and comedians that shaped the 20th century.
The WWI Draft Registration Cards Database can be an extremely useful resource because it covers a significant portion of the U.S. male population. If you had family in the country during WWI, you are likely to find at least one relative’s information within this large collection. You can access these draft registration cards by going to the Library’s homepage, clicking on “All Databases”, and choosing Ancestry Library Edition. Once you’re inside Ancestry Library Edition, use the drop-down menu at the top of the page. Choose to search “Military Records.” Finally, from the list of featured data collections, select U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918.
The display in the Government Documents area highlights some of the more famous, infamous, and interesting individuals who registered for the draft including Louis Armstrong, Babe Ruth, Harry Houdini, J.C. Penney, Al Capone, Hector Boiardi (Chef Boyardee), and Norman Rockwell.
i LOVE this! thank you!