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INTRODUCTION: Background information on the Museum, the Veterans
Research Center, the Oral History Program, the Flag Conservation
Project, and the Military Heritage Institute. Features of this
exhibit are:
* A selection of donations that include a WWII 8th Air Force
dress uniform and snapshots of WWII training activities.
* A Civil War battle flag that has undergone conservation and
the history of the unit that carried it.
THE ORIGINS OF THE NEW YORK STATE MILITARY MUSEUM: Our remarkable
collection is available due to the foresight of state officials
and veterans during the latter part of the Civil War. This exhibit
will show how the collection grew from a relic display in an office,
to an exhibit room at the State Capitol, to its present home in
the Saratoga Springs armory. Features of this exhibit are:
* Uniforms worn by New York State soldiers during the Civil
War.
* A collection of weapons from the Civil War period.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR RELICS AND THE CREATION OF AN AMERICAN IDENTITY:
A selection of 18th century objects that explore the reasons why
Americans began collecting Revolutionary War artifacts and what
those objects meant at a time when people were creating a distinct
national identity. Features of this exhibit are:
* Muskets captured from the British and Hessians in the war.
* A British drum and Native American war club taken by New York
troops at the siege of Fort Stanwix.
* A cannon captured during Benedict Arnold's expedition into Canada.
CASTLES IN OUR CITIES: ARMORIES AND THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVED:
Castle-like armories were built in many states beginning in the
1870's. They provided storage and drill space for National Guard
units and served as fortresses in case of civil unrest. This exhibit
explores how their functions changed, ultimately becoming civic
centers in many communities. Features of this exhibit are:
* A re-creation of a company day room circa 1915, using furniture
and decorative objects from New York State armories.
* A cannon taken by the militia from rioters in the New York City
"Dead Rabbit" riot of 1857.
ON ALL FRONTS: NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD UNITS IN WORLD WAR II:
The U.S. Army relied heavily on the National Guard to provide
much of the manpower needed to fight the war. New York's units
were one of the largest state contingents to be used in federal
service. These units went all over the world, serving from Alaska
to North Africa and Europe. Features of this exhibit are:
* Mannequins fully dressed in original uniforms with a selection
of infantry weapons, from rifles to anti-tank artillery.
* Gear that America's industrial base provided, from field desks
to tool chests, range finders to mine detectors.
* Enlarged images taken by army photographers during the 27th
Division's service in the Pacific
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF DMNA: Paintings,
prints and photographs have been used in New York State armories
and other DMNA buildings to inspire a sense of tradition and pride,
but the public seldom had the opportunity to view this art. Featured
pieces are:
* Civil War recruiting posters.
* Portrait paintings by some well-known early 20th century artists.
* Oversized photographic images of Grant's funeral procession
through Saratoga Springs, NY over a century ago.
Copyright New York State Military Heritage Institute May 2002
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