In 1914, tensions throughout Europe erupted into the start of The Great War following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The United States joined the Allied Powers in 1917 to oppose the Central Powers in a conflict remembered today as World War I.

Rudolph “Doc” Cook, a photographer who enlisted to join the war effort, served with the 88th Infantry Division, 313th Engineers of Camp Dodge in Iowa and captured the company’s experiences with his camera. Many of these images were published in Camp Dodge’s newspaper, Camp Dodger, and official books detailing the conflict. Instead of battles, the world through “Doc” Cook’s lens included different training regimens for the American Expeditionary Forces, such as gas mask trials, boxing programs and bridge building. Overseas, Cook’s images included war-torn structures, trenches, celebrations following Armistice Day and the reconstruction of a train line by the 313th Engineers.

A century later, local resident Mollie Anderson purchased a case that belonged to Cook. The case contained his original photographic negatives. After researching Cook’s life and displaying some of the images at Fremont’s Gallery 92 West in 2022, she donated the collection to The Durham Museum.

Beyond Combat: World War I Through the Lens of “Doc” Cook is a temporary exhibition developed by The Durham Museum. The exhibit also features loans from fellow institutions including the editor of Camp Dodger Lieutenant Laurence Fairall’s uniform, copies of Camp Dodger and trench art (decorated artillery shells). The display will include a small theater area featuring additional images in which guests are invited to linger and immerse themselves in the 313th Engineers’ experience.

Admission:

Adults: $15*
Seniors (62+): $12*
Military/Veteran: $12*
Children (ages 3 – 12): $8*
*PLUS TAX
Children 2 years and under FREE