Bart Wilkus

The threat of Bio-terrorism since 9-11 has caused many in the country to think about gas or protective masks.

WWI saw the beginning of gas warfare and the development of the gas mask.  Since then many designs, styles and uses of protective masks have evolved.  To understand the development and history of protective or gas masks the MUSEUM OF THE SOLDIER was pleased to present BART WILKUS, a historian in the development, use and history of chemical and biological warfare.

His interest in chemical and biological aspects of war led to the collecting of masks and other items related to this aspect of war.   “It’s the most horrific part of war and one of those things that people generally don’t know about and don’t want to know about” according to Wilkus. 

On Sunday afternoon 8/4/2002 Mr. Wilkus presented a program on military gas or protective masks which included a comprehensive collection of masks from WW I to the present.  Among the more unusual masks exhibited, were one for war dogs as well as one for use by horses in the combat arena. Masks from the Museum’s collection were also included. 

               This was be a rare opportunity to hear Mr. Wilkus and have an opportunity to see many unusual examples of masks developed for use by soldiers operating in hazardous combat environments.