The setting
is humble, but proud at the Pa. National Guard Military Museum at Fort
Indiantown Gap. It's two floors of military memorabilia, housed in World War
Two wooden barracks. It's a close up look at how soldiers lived, what they wore
and the weapons they used, dating from the Civil War to the Gulf War.
Museum
director and curator, Charlie Oellig, was there when the museum opened twenty
seven years ago. He delights in sharing the Guard's long and honored story with
visitors.
"We
date back to 1747," he explained. "The Guard was founded by Ben
Franklin as a 'Battalion of Associators.' The 28th Division, our Guard
Division, is the oldest continuous serving Guard Division in the whole U.S.
Army."
Visitors to
the museum are able to trace the evolution of the Guard's guns and uniforms
throughout the years, and those of the enemy. Living quarters in the barracks
are maintained just as they were in the early 1940s. In addition, the equipment
and uniforms used in medical care are displayed in a separate room. There
is also a special tribute to Guardsmen who made the ultimate sacrifice for our
country, including an actual Medal of Honor. And the first female enlisted
member of the Pa. National Guard is honored. Perhaps, the Guard's most famous
alumnus, Anthony Biddle Jr., is honored for his many years as an American
diplomat, a World War One soldier, General Eisenhower's right hand man and
Adjutant General of the Pa National Guard.
Many of
museum items are from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, while
others were collected from aging buildings at the Gap, that were slated to be
demolished. But, a surprising amount of material comes from private donations.
"People
pass away and their grown children don't know what to do with dad's
uniform," explained Oellig. " Sometimes they'll give us everything.
They won't even keep dad's medals."
