Thousands Of Military Artifacts And Memorabilia Are Frozen In Time At The Cleveland History Center
By Nikki Rhoades|Published November 03, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
When we meet a veteran, we often find ourselves thanking them for their service. However, there is much more to say that words can’t quite express. These individuals took risks, dedicated time, and served our country… and there is no easy way to comprehend the extent of their skill, expertise, and dedication without taking a walk in their shoes. While civilians have friends and family that have served, there is much we have to learn about the experiences of military members, past and present. Fortunately for locals, there is an incredible museum with an impressive collection of military memorabilia in Cleveland.
The Cleveland History Center, operated by the Western Reserve Historical Society, boasts some of the most interesting artifacts in Cleveland.
The Western Reserve Historical Society is the oldest cultural institution in the city. Its headquarters in University Circle is spread across a complex of fascinating buildings housing numerous artifacts.
The Hay-McKinney Mansion, The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, and the The Bingham-Hanna House are each filled to the brim with incredible exhibits.
These facilities make up just a portion of the Cleveland History Center. Its collections are both vast and varied, and visitors are delighted time and time again by its displays.
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Though the museum features too many collections to count, there's one that truly stands out: the militaria collection.
Estimates number the collection at around 4,000 items. The relics vary in age, size, and shape, but each shares a story that we are all compelled to learn, lest we allow history to repeat itself.
Mess kits, gear, knapsacks, and more are among the more personal objects in the collection. Of course, the collections are varied, and objects range in size from teeny tiny buttons to a torpedo discovered in the Tennessee River.
The Cleveland History Center is open to the public every Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to an massive collection of military memorabilia, you will also find an unrivaled opportunity to explore Cleveland's own past.
All in all, this collection is an incredible monument to the experiences of American military members and veterans, and one that civilians, veterans, and active service members should experience in person.
There is an incredible collection of military memorabilia in Cleveland awaiting your visit. Have you ever visited the Cleveland History Center? Which collection was your favorite?
