Military Museum of Southern New England

Friday, 25 June 2010 15:34

Youngsters are fascinated by the hardware of war, but they can also learn about the human dimensions of historic battles at the Military Museum of Southern New England in Danbury. There are armored vehicles, tank destroyer weapons, all kinds of military hardware, including a remote-controlled demolition vehicle known as the “Goliath,” which was manufactured by the Germans and first used in Italy, at Anzio. Monthly Open Turret Days on weekends from April through October allow visitors inside some of the vehicles; call or check the Web site for a schedule. There are displays dedicated to World War I and World War II, including a major exhibit on the Battle of the Bulge. One gallery is devoted to the 10th Mountain Division, which fought in the Italian mountains during World War II and has been reactivated in recent years. A new permanent exhibit is being added to pay tribute to those lost on 9/11; it will include a fireman's helmet and turnout coat as well as a piece of an I-beam from the World Trade Center.

Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 to 5; Sunday, 12 to 5 (Dec. 1-March 31, Friday-Saturday, 10-5; Sunday, 1-5). Admission is $6 for adults; $4 for active duty military, seniors, and children 6 to 18. There is a gift shop and a library. Volunteers staff and maintain the museum.

Details

The Military Museum of Southern New England is at 125 Park Avenue in Danbury; turn right at the bottom of the Park Avenue exit of Route 7/I-84. For information: 203-790-9277 or usmilitarymuseum.org.