This staged diorama, part of a World War I-era relief exposition, recreated the devastation wrought on French villages for American audiences who had never seen the war firsthand. Built inside an exhibition hall from real brick and salvaged timber, the display used costumed volunteers to dramatize the plight of French civilians left homeless by the fighting. Exhibits like this one, tied to campaigns such as the Fatherless Children of France fund, encouraged Americans on the home front to donate to war relief and adopt French orphans through monthly sponsorships. The exhibit likely appeared at a Cincinnati, Ohio war-work fair or Liberty Loan drive around 1918-1919. Project: 218708