Pennsylvania Military Museum

06/10/2026

On June 10, 1898, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps landed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during the Spanish-American War. Establishing Camp McCalla, they engaged Spanish forces and Cuban guerrillas throughout the remainder of June and into July. Among those who saw their first combat in Cuba was West Chester, Pennsylvania, native 2nd Lieutenant Smedley Butler. At just 17 years old, Butler began a career that would make him one of the most decorated and beloved officers in Marine Corps history
Photo from the US Marine Corps Archives.

06/07/2026

The Pennsylvania Military Museum would like to thank the Fort Bedford Museum for having us at their River Rendezvous event earlier today! This community fair was a great opportunity to talk about our educational mission and upcoming events. We were on-site to discuss the American Revolution and colonial pastimes! Special thanks to volunteers David Rosendale and Cati Keith for helping man the booth! Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum next month as we continue to celebrate America250 with several other community events!

06/06/2026

Today, on June 6, 1944, 73,000 Americans and 81,000 Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, to liberate a continent from Fascism. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the invasion is still the largest amphibious assault to take place in history. It is estimated that at least 53 Pennsylvania-made LSTs (Landing Ship Tanks) participated in D-Day. The Pennsylvania Military Museum remembers those who were lost 82 years ago today. Below, infantrymen of the 4th Infantry Division crowd aboard an LCT (Landing Craft Tank), heading to Utah Beach.

05/31/2026

The Pennsylvania Military Museum was happy to have a pop-up booth at The Central Pennsylvania American History Museum's Voices of Valor event yesterday, May 30, at the Blair County Convention Center. Our educator was on-site to discuss Pennsylvania's role in the Vietnam War. Their up-and-coming museum will showcase veterans' stories and we are looking forward to visiting when it opens!

05/30/2026

The Pennsylvania Military Museum went on the road two weeks ago to join Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site for their Amazing Race to Brandywine event! It was our pleasure to participate in this well-attended road rally and to greet visitors to the grounds with our colonial pastimes activity. Come check out the display next week at Fort Bedford's River Rendezvous on June 6!

05/28/2026

The Pennsylvania Military Museum had a very busy May! Two weeks ago, staff and volunteers hosted Newport Middle School. Over 60 students visited. These sixth graders participated in both the "Wheels of War" and the "They Fell Silent" tours, showcasing stories behind the museum's outdoor vehicle displays and the 28th Infantry Division National Shrine. Special thanks to volunteers Mike Siggins and David Rosendale for leading the charge!

05/27/2026

Thanks to WTAJ for visiting our museum grounds on Sunday to reflect upon the meanings of Memorial Day.

BOALSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Widely considered the birthplace of Memorial Day, Boalsburg annually draws crowds looking to honor the history of the holiday. Many residents and visitors make their w…

05/25/2026

Special thanks to WPSU for partnering with us to produce this episode of "Keystone Stories!" It was a pleasure showcasing the passion behind our dedicated crew of living historians. Watch the episode online or live tonight at 9PM.

Living historians share how they keep the past alive.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day
The names of Pennsylvanian service members adorn headstones and memorials across the globe. Pennsylvanians rest at the North Africa American Cemetery in Tunis, the Tanggok UN Memorial Cemetery in South Korea, and the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France. Their names are also found at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Thousands more Pennsylvanians are buried in small-town and church cemeteries across our Commonwealth. Memorial Day is a time to remember their names, honor their service, and reflect on all they sacrificed.

05/24/2026

Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum this Memorial Day weekend, May 23-24, for an authentic experience! During the American Civil War, weather was sometimes a formidable enemy. Despite the rainy forecast, living historians, educators, and museum volunteers, will be on-site to discuss the struggles and sacrifices of Pennsylvanians during the war. Stop by their tents for activities!

The Battle Cry of Freedom takes place today and Sunday, 10AM-4PM. Depending on the severity of the weather, scheduled programs may be altered or adapted each day. Parking is $5 per car and donations are encouraged. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum. Please dress warm and bring an umbrella. Thank you for the understanding and support!