To commemorate the 100^th anniversary of World War I, the Kansas National Guard will support weekend opening events for the Kansas Historical Society’s exhibit “Captured: The Extraordinary Adventures of Colonel Hughes” May 27-28 at the Kansas Museum of History, 6425 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka.

The exhibit features the military career of Kansas soldier James Clark Hughes. He began his service as a member of the Kansas National Guard’s 130^th Field Artillery and was sent to the Texas border with the American Expeditionary Forces in 1916. Later, as a member of the 35^th Infantry Division, Hughes fought in both world wars, leaving many detailed records of his time in service. He photographed battlefields and towns in Europe, recorded his daily survival as a Japanese prisoner of war, and saved many belongings from the wars that were later donated to the museum.

Hughes father, Brig. Gen. James W.F. Hughes, was adjutant general of Kansas from 1905-1909.

Brig. Gen. Robert Windham, assistant adjutant general – Land Component and commander of the Kansas Army National Guard, will be the guest speaker for the society’s VIP reception on Friday, May 27. Windham will be discussing the history of the 35^th Infantry Division, which was activated in August 1917 to take part in the U.S. war operations in France. Prior to his current position, Windham was assistant division commander for the 35^th ID. Lt. Col. Paul Schneider, commander, 2^nd Battalion, 130^th Field Artillery, will also be speaking at the reception on the history of the 130^th Field Artillery Regiment.

Soldiers of the 130^th Field Artillery Brigade; 1^st Battalion, 161^st Field Artillery; and 2^nd Battalion, 130^th Field Artillery will support the museum’s Family Day events Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with a color guard and static displays of a Paladin mobile howitzer and a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.

The 35^th Infantry Division Band’s Brass Quintet will be providing music in the museum’s plaza from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, May 28. The Kansas National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion will also be supporting Saturday’s event with a climbing wall, joust pit and obstacle course.

All active military personnel and their families will receive free museum admission during the events.

For information about the exhibit and related events, go online to the museum’s website http://kshs.org/event/topeka-kansas-museum-of-history-exhibit-opening-event/19657