Hall of Freedom
Revolutionary War Gallery
This gallery chronicles America’s War for Independence. Featured items include documents signed by King George III, Patrick Henry, and Lord Cornwallis. A musket and cartridge box carried at the 1775 Battle of Lexington is displayed as is an original cannon carriage.
War of 1812 Gallery
America’s second war of independence from Great Britain features a musket used in the defense of Fort McHenry, a militia coat worn by a Rhode Island soldier, and a cannon used by Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans.
Mexican War Gallery
The 1848 war with Mexico was a short but significant war. Don’t miss the original Mexican broadside calling for Mexicans to invade Texas to prevent its annexation by the United States. Only 3 copies exist, and this Museum has one. A military commission signed by General Santa Anna also is displayed.
War between the States Gallery
The second largest gallery in the museum includes over 100 original artifacts and uniforms. You can view a camp scene, Confederate items, and artifacts related to the infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Featured items include the sword that belonged to Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston and the personal binoculars of General John C. Breckinridge. Also featured are a number of artifacts related to the Virginia Military Institute and the Battle of New Market. A section on Tyler and East Texas is of particular interest. The “Hall of Flags” contains several historically significant flags including a war-torn flag carried at Gettysburg, the Confederate garrison flag surrendered at Galveston, and the last Union flag captured in the war at the Battle of Palmetto Ranch, Texas.
Spanish-American War Gallery
This conflict is depicted by a large painting of Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders charging up San Juan Hill (it was actually Kettle Hill). Artifacts include the blood-stained uniform and bugle belonging to a bugler who was hit while engaged in that battle. You can view original video footage from the war.
World War I Gallery
The horrific conditions of trench warfare are depicted in a life-size vignette of American soldiers situated in their trench on the Western Front. Several uniforms displayed are identified to specific members of the American Expeditionary Force that fought in France.
World War II Gallery
The largest gallery in the Museum contains over 200 artifacts, 20 uniforms, and a number of flags representing all sides in the conflict. At Pearl Harbor, one can listen to the story of Joe Fritcher, who survived the sinking of the U.S.S. California on that fateful day. Featured items include a 1943 Willys Jeep, an M-29 tracked “Weasel”, and silverware belonging to Adolf Hitler. As you board the C-47 airplane, you are greeted by a fully uniformed paratrooper from the 101st Airborne Division followed by an informative video describing D-Day. A 50’ mural of the beaches at Normandy depict what it was like to land amidst German fire. Video interviews of veterans are available on the monitors in the gallery.
The Holocaust Gallery
Recommended for 6th grade and above, this gallery graphically depicts this horrific event. Featured items are the huge Nazi flag taken down at Dachau concentration camp by U.S. troops and original prisoner uniforms and insignia.
Cold War Gallery
An East German border guard greets the visitor alongside a life-size mural of the Berlin Wall. Featured item is the signed speech given by President Reagan to the European Parliament in 1985. A video of Reagan’s Brandenburg Gate speech is available.
Korean Conflict Gallery
This gallery outlines the undeclared war that cost over 33,000 American lives with featured artifacts.
Vietnam Gallery
A Huey helicopter has just landed and is completely outfitted with soldiers and gear as armed Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers approach from the perimeter. Hear the sounds of a firefight from the 48th Assault Helicopter Group and view videos of key events. The uniform of Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Chief of Naval Operations, is on display.
Persian Gulf Gallery
Uniforms of an Iraqi tank officer and Captain Dave Anderson with the U.S. Army are displayed.
War on Terror Gallery
This ongoing conflict is portrayed with key artifacts including the uniform of Sgt. Toby Meister (KIA in Afghanistan on December 29, 2005). An Iraqi road sign from Baghdad is displayed along with a captured Iraqi flag. A poignant and graphic video (recommend for 6th grade and above) describing the events of 9-11 is available along with artifacts from Ground Zero.
Republic of Texas Gallery
Mexican Army Pike recovered from the site of the Battle of the Alamo.
Texas Revolution Gallery
Republic of Texas Musket manufactured in 1840 by Tryon of Philadelphia at the request of the Republic of Texas.