(8/26) Gettysburg’s newest museum highlights the dedication of the 20th century’s largest conflict and sacrifice, WWII.
The new museum - The World War II American Experience - is located along Mummasburg Road, just north of town. The nonprofit museum strives to educate the public about the American sacrifices and dedication made during the world’s largest conflict of the 20th century, both on the battlefield and on the home front.
Patrons can experience a wide variety of authentic WWII vehicles, uniforms and artifacts in realistic dioramas and exhibits that portray, not just the battlefield, but the home front as well.
Museum features include regular re-enactments, as well as speakers, seminars, and special hands-on interactive experiences.
Museum operators and Gettysburg residents Frank and Loni Buck have been avidly collecting all manner of WWII tanks and memorabilia for 50 years. The tank collection was originally housed on the Buck family farm before realizing a long-term placement was needed. "People would just discover us and want to see the collection," she said.
The museum holds Tank Talks with blank fire demonstrations. Patrons are encouraged to speak with tank crews, sit in the gunner's seat, and enjoy an up close and personal experience of the powerful wartime weapon, the M4 Sherman tank.
The museum aims to be an all-encompassing interactive museum to bridge the gap from what is often glossed over in schools and educate on the global war's effect on both soldiers and citizens. Often what people don’t realize is during the war, "everybody participated," including women working in factories and children collecting scrap materials, Loni explained.
The museum continually works to expand programs and welcomes stories of all kinds for a truly one-of-a-kind local WWII museum. Museum developments in the pipeline include a video display with continuous loops of WWI veteran interviews the museum has conducted playing.
Gettysburg is such an imperative location for the museum as a landmark town that draws history enthusiasts in general, according to Loni. "We need to keep these stories alive," she said.
American Experience is home to nearly 950 items including helmets, uniforms, and vehicles, all expertly documented by museum quartermaster archivist Michael Jorgensen.
Serving 30 years in the U.S Army, primarily in logistics, Jorgensen loves cataloging the artifacts and bringing the often-lesser-known education to the public.
"Everything under the sun comes through this door," he said, from general supplies to formal evening wear, as well as flags and souvenirs brought home by service members.
A dedicated group of volunteers are essential to the museum, including wood and metal workers who refurbish the legendary vehicles. "The handiwork is just beautiful," Jorgensen said.
