World War I history buffs are in for a treat over the next several months as Waddell & Reed Inc., along with its affiliate Ivy Funds, celebrates its 75th anniversary with a traveling exhibit commemorating the war.
The firm's founders, Chauncey Waddell and Cameron Reed, both served in World War I before starting the company in 1937.
“We felt that this was a great way to honor the company's founders and commemorate our 75th anniversary, which is next year,” said Tom Butch, president and CEO of Ivy Funds.
The Honoring our History tour was unveiled over the Memorial Day weekend at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, in Kansas City, Mo. Over the July 4 weekend, the traveling exhibit will officially make its debut at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York.
The exhibit will travel around the country over the next year. Visitors will have the chance to experience the tight conditions of trench warfare and see the relatively primitive tools, weapons, equipment and uniforms — including Mr. Waddell's flight suit — amid sounds and sights of war 100 years ago, Mr. Butch said.
Waddell & Reed and Ivy Funds have set up a website entitled Honoring Our History to promote the tour.
Jessica Toonkel is a reporter at InvestmentNews, a sister publication of Pensions & Investments.