State College Off The Beaten Path

"Boalsburg ~ Birthplace of Memorial Day"

Just down the road apiece (5 miles) from State College is Boalsburg which is home to The Pennsylvania Military Museum. It's mission is "to preserve history and educate, as well as honore this state's "Citizen Soldier." How appropriate that this museum is located in Boalsburg since it is the place where the national holiday of "Memorial Day" came into being.

The Museum is housed in a large building painted to look like a bar of military ribbons ( campaigns) such as you would find on a soldier's "Class A" uniform. I think this in itself is clever and unique!

Exhibits cover years of military history spanning from the "French and Indian War" right through to "Desert Storm."Exhibits include a full-scale replica of a WWI trench battlefield, tanks, jeeps, WWI ambulance, uniforms, weapons, and narratives. The perspective is that of the "homefront" efforts of citizens.

The Museum hosts special events on their grounds as well such as a Memorial Day celebration, antique car shows, "People's Choice Art 's Festival", and a "28th Division Memorial Service." A Shrine is deidicated to the memory of "citizen-soldiers of America's oldest Army division, the Pennsylvania 28th." See the memorial on the museum grounds.

Museum may be closed Mondays. Tues - Sat. 9 - 5. Sunday Noon - 5pm. Admission is charged, but please check their website for updated hours and admission fees. There's a gift shop in the Museum

Consider becoming a member of the Museum. Family memberships are only $25 per year. If you love history, military history (like my son), it will be worth the minor cost.