April 2 will be the 100th anniversary of when President Woodrow Wilson asked a joint session of Congress to declare war on Germany.

According to U.S. Department of State Office of the Historian, Wilson’s reasons included Germany’s violation of a pledge to not bomb merchant ships and other nonmilitary ships in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, also known as the “Sussex pledge,” named after a merchant ship sunk by a German submarine.Another reason was the interception of a telegram by the British from Germany to Mexico. The Zimmermann Telegram stated that Germany would help Mexico regain territory it lost in the Mexican-American War in exchange for its help in the European War, which is what it was known as before the U.S. entering the war.The Senate voted on April 4, 1917, to support declaring war, and the House two days later. On Dec. 7, 1917, the United States also declared war on German ally Austria-Hungary.The Palmerton Heritage Center has brought artifacts from that war to the area through its current exhibit: “Remembering the 100th Anniversary of WWI.”“The collection as a whole is something we believe will help to educate children and adults alike as to the importance and significance of World War I,” said Peter Kern, director of the heritage center.The collection of artifacts is owned by Bob Dunn, a volunteer with the Palmerton Historical Society. He acquired many of the items while living in the Midwest through antique shops, military auctions and several that were given to him for safekeeping.Dunn said a woman asked him to take her grandfather’s World War I uniform and her father’s World War II uniform. She told him that she saw how well he cares for the articles he has and wanted the uniforms to go to someone who would treasure them. They are part of the exhibit at the heritage center.“We’re entrusted as the keeper of history,” he said.Dunn said he always encourages people to ask if there is someone in the family who would want to keep the artifact. If there isn’t, then he recommends giving to a history museum because they are required under law to keep it.“Or find a reputable collector who will keep it and give it back if you decide you want it back,” he said.Dunn’s collection actually began when he was 7 years old living in Palmerton. He found a British bayonet on the top of the furnace in the house where he was living. When he was 10, his father, who was the store manager at the W.T. Grant, brought home a broken .303 rifle, which was commonly used in WWI and WWII.Today, his collection includes German and American helmets and uniforms, hand-painted postcards of scenes from the war, a shadow box of items belonging to a WWI soldier, ship pennants and more.“We have a very well-rounded display for people to come and enjoy and learn from,” Dunn said.He encourages people to try on the helmets and jackets. They might be surprised at how small the clothing is.“Most of the soldiers who were over there were youngsters, plus the average soldier was about 5 foot 8 inches to 5 foot 10 inches,” Kern said.“Even 5 foot 5 inches,” Dunn added.The exhibit also includes books. There is a set of three volumes of the names of soldiers who died in the war. Dunn said if someone thinks an ancestor may have died in the war, the volumes are a great source to check.“We want individuals to come in and use this, to have a hands-on display,” he said.If a group would like to schedule a time to visit, they should call the heritage center at 610-824-6954. They can visit during regular hours or a time convenient for the group, Kern said. The Heritage Center is open 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Friday. The exhibit will be up through July.