AMERICAN MILITARY HISTORY
EXTRA CREDIT EXERCISE
Dr. Lee Bruce Kress
Fall 2008
To receive extra credit, it will be necessary for you to visit one of the following military
historical sites. The days and times that the attractions are open as well as the admission policy
may have changed. Be sure to telephone before visiting to be sure of availability. Many of the
sites also have pages on the Internet. Then, based on what you have observed on your visit to the
location and on at least three published sources, including brochures obtained at the site, (no
textbooks or encyclopedias), prepare a three page paper, typed and double-spaced, on the
importance and background of that site and on the objects found there in American military
history. Do not just consult the Internet. You should also comment on the value and
thoroughness of the exhibits displayed from an educational as well as a historical viewpoint. Be
sure to analyze all aspects critically and comment on what is presented well and what is not. Use
citations or footnotes throughout your paper and include a bibliography. This should be done in
accordance with the procedures of the Chicago Manual of Style. Also attach to your report an
admission ticket, pamphlet, brochure, personal photographs, or some other evidence proving that
you actually visited and toured the site.
Other historic American military exhibits or locations not listed here also may be
acceptable, but check with the course instructor first.
This exercise can be worth up to +3 points added to your final course average, depending
on the quality and thoroughness of your work. The more distant sites will earn the higher points.
The report is due in class on November 26. It may be handed in before that time if you choose to
do so, but no materials will be accepted after that date.
SELECTED AMERICAN MILITARY HISTORICAL SITES
IN OR NEAR NEW JERSEY AND THE DELAWARE VALLEY REGION
AIR VICTORY MUSEUM (NJ)
South Jersey Regional Airport, 68 Stacy Haines Rd., Medford
A collection of military aircraft, ordnance, and other aviation artifacts
Admission charged
Winter hours: Wed.-Sat., 10-3, Sun., 10-4. Call for summer hours. Museum is
closed on Mondays.
Phone: (609) 267-4488
ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD (MD)
On SR 34/65, 10 m. S. of Hagerstown or 1 m. N of Sharpsburg on SR 65 in
Sharpsburg, MD
Bloodiest one day battle (1862) in American history
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Admission charged
Visitor Center open daily 8:00-7:00 Memorial Day to Labor Day, and 8:30-5:00
during rest of the year
Phone (301) 432-5124
BALTIMORE MARITIME MUSEUM (MD)
Pier 3, 5, Pratt Street, Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
A collection of ships, including the submarine U.S.S. "Torsk” and the C.G.C.
"Taney”
Admission charged
Open daily, 10:00-5:00
Phone (410) 396-3453
BRANDYWINE BATTLEFIELD PARK (PA)
On US 1, ¾ m. E. of SR 10 in Chadds Ford, PA
Site of a major Revolutionary War battle (1777)..
Admission charged.
Visitor Center and other historic buildings open Tues.-Sat. 9:00-4:30, Sun. 12:004:30
Phone (610) 459-3342
CIVIL WAR AND UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MUSEUM OF
PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM (PA)
1805 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA
The national headquarters of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United
States (a post Civil War Union veterans’ organization)
Admission charged
Open Thurs.-Sat. 11:00-4:30
Phone (215) 735-8196
CARLISLE BARRACKS (PA)
2 m. west of PA Turnpike Exit 226 in Carlisle, PA,
Including Army Heritage and Educational Site (AHEC), Hessian Powder
Magazine Museum, Omar N. Bradley Museum, U.S. Army Military History
Institute and Army War College
Free
AHEC, Mon.-Fri. 9:00-4:45
Phone (717) 245-3971
DOVER AIR MOBILITY COMMAND MUSEUM (DE)
On Dover Air Force Base
½ m. from intersection of Rt. 9 and US 113
Museum houses a collection of vintage planes and artifacts concerning military
airlift and tankers since the establishment of the Dover base in 1941.
Open Tues.-Sat., 9:00-4:00
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Phone (302) 677-5940
FIRST TROOP, PHILADELPHIA CITY CAVALRY MUSEUM (PA)
In First City Troop Armory, 12 South 23rd Street, Philadelphia
Established in 1774, it is the oldest continuously active military unit in American
history. Today it is part of the Army National Guard.
Free, but tours by appointment
(215) 564-1488
FORT DELAWARE STATE PARK (DE)
On Pea Patch Island, DE, Ferry (currently undergoing repairs) at foot of Clinton
St., Delaware City, DE
Prison used during the Civil War for Confederate soldiers.
Admission charged (includes boat fee)
Open weekends and holidays from April 28 to Sept. 30 and Wednesdays-Sundays,
June 13-Sept. 3. Call for hours.
Phone (302) 834-7941
FORT DIX MILITARY RESERVATION MUSEUM (NJ)
Wrightstown, NJ
Established in 1917, it has been a major basic training center for the Army and
National Guard.
Base Museum, Eighth Ave. Open Mon-Sat. 7:45-4:30
Phone (609) 562-6983
FORT HANCOCK MUSEUM (NJ)
Enter from bridge off SR 36 in Middletown Township, Highlands, Monmouth
County, , NJ,
Established in 1872, the fort was as part of the defense system for the NY harbor
for 100 years. Also includes Sandy Hooke Museum
Museums free
Open daily 1:00-5:00 July-Aug., 1:00-5:00 Sat.-Sun. rest of year
Phone (732) 872-0115
FORT HAMILTON MUSEUM (NY)
Last exit off I-278 before Verrazano Narrows Bridge in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY
NY harbor defense site
Free.
Open Mon.-Fri 10:00-4:00, Sat. 10:00-2:00
Phone (718) 630-4101
FORT LEE HISTORIC PARK (NJ)
On Hudson Terrace at 1588 Palisades Ave., S. of GW Bridge in Fort Lee, NJ
Revolutionary War site and museum involved in defense of New York City, 1776.
Parking fee charged
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Open Wed.-Sun, 10:00-5:00
Phone (201) 461-1776
FORT McHENRY NATIONAL MONUMENT AND HISTORIC SHRINE (MD)
Exit 55 of I-95 (Key Highway/Fort McHenry Monument) to Lawrence St. and
follow signs to E. end of Fort Ave. in Baltimore, MD
War of 1812 and Civil War defense site for Baltimore harbor. Birthplace of “Star
Spangled Banner”
Admission charged.
Open daily June 2-Sept. 3, 8:00-7:45, rest of year 8:00-4:45
Phone (410) 962-4290
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE MUSEUM (MD)
1.8 m. E on SR 32 from jct. SR 295 in Bldg. 4647 on Griffin Ave. in Fort George
W. Meade in Odenton, MD
Established in 1917 as a training center, today the fort administers the activities of
a variety of Army installations over a 15 state area.
Free.
Visitor Control Center, 902 Reece Rd, (301) 677-1064, Open M-F: 7:30-5:30.
Museum hours: Wed.-Sat. 11:00-4:00, Sun. 1:00-4:00
Phone (410) 677-6966
FORT MIFFLIN (PA)
I-95 to Island Ave exit, then ½ m. S. to Ft. Mifflin Rd., follow signs.
to Magazine Lane and the Delaware River, Philadelphia, PA
Part of Philadelphia defense system (1777) in the American Revolution.
Admission charged
Open Mar.1-Dec.1, Wed.-Sun.10:00-4:00,
Phone (215) 492-1881
FORT MONMOUTH MUSEUM (NJ)
In Kaplan Hall, on Avenue of Memories, Ft. Monmouth, NJ
U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Museum.
Fort serves as Army research and development center for communications,
intelligence, etc.
Free
By special appointment, M-F, 12:00-4:00; however, with the imminent closing of
Ft. Monmouth, this iste may no longer be available.
Phone (732) 532-4390
FORT MOTT STATE PARK (NJ)
NJ, 4 m. NW on SR 49, then SW on Ft. Mott Rd. at Finns Point in Salem, NJ
Part of Delaware River and coastal defense system. Confederate Civil War
prisoners who died at Ft. Delaware are buried here as are other POWS.
Free
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Open 8:00-7:30 Memorial Day-Labor Day, 8:00-4:00 rest of year
Phone (856) 935-3218
FORT WASHINGTON NATIONAL PARK (MD)
4 m. S. of DC off I-95 to SR 210S, then 3½ m. W on Ft.
Washington Rd., Oxon Hill, MD
Part of the 19th century defense system of Washington, DC
Admission charged
Open daily 8:00-dusk
Phone (301) 763-4600
GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK (PA)
97 Taneytown Rd (SR 134)., Visitors Center on SR 134, Gettysburg, PA
Bloodiest battle (1863) of the Civil War; “High water mark of the Confederacy”
Free, but a charge for some programs and tours
Visitor Center open daily 8:00-5:00, Sept.-May, 8:00-6:00 rest of the year
Phone (717) 334-1124 for park information and (717) 334-4474 for advance ticket
purchases.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC CIVIL WAR MUSEUM AND
LIBRARY (PA)
4278 Griscom St., Germantown, Philadelphia
Civil War collections and artifacts maintained by a Union veterans group.
Free, donations appreciated
Open Tues. 12:00-4:00, Wed. 10:00-2:00, and the first Sunday of each month
from 12:00-5:00, plus occasional special programs
Phone (215) 289-6484
HAROLD F. PITCAIRN WINGS OF FREEDOM AVIATION MUSEUM (PA)
Route 611 (Easton Road), two miles north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, across
from the Willow Grove Naval Air Station, Willow Grove, PA
Collection of historic aircraft and paraphernalia maintained by the Delaware
Valley Historic Aircraft Association
Free.
Open Sat., Sun 10:30-4:00; Wed. 10:30-3:00
Phone (215) 443-6039.
INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK (PA)
Between 6th and 2nd Sts., and Walnut and Chestnut Sts., Philadelphia, PA
Military sites include New Hall, Marine Corps Memorial Museum, 4th and
Chestnut, Pemberton House, Army-Navy Museum, 4th and Chestnut
Tomb of Revolutionary Unknown Soldier, Washington Square
Important sites associated with the nation’s establishment.
Free
Generally open daily 9:00-5:00, although building hours vary
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Phone (215) 965-2305
"INTREPID” SEA-AIR SPACE MUSEUM (NY)
At Pier 86 at 12th Ave. and W. 46th St., New York City
Collection of 20th century warships
Admission charged
Closed until fall 2008
Phone (877) 957-SHIP
MILLVILLE ARMY AIR FIELD MUSEUM (NJ)
Millville, NJ, at Millville Airport
America’s first defense air field (1941-45)
Admission charged
Open Tues.-Sun, 10:00-4:00, Mondays by appointment
Phone (856) 327-2347
MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK (NJ)
3 m. W. on SR 33 in Fort Lee, NJ
Longest battle of the American Revolution (1778)
Free
Visitor Center open daily 9:00-5:00 Memorial Day-Labor Day, 9:00-4:00 rest of
year
Phone (732) 462-9616
MONOCACYNATIONAL BATTLEFIELD (MD)
Frederick, MD, on SR 355 (4801 Urbana Pike)
Civil War battle (1864) that saved Washington, DC from Confederate capture
Free
Visitor Center open Labor Day-Memorial Day, 8:30-4:00, Memorial Day-Labor
Day, 8:30-5:00
Phone (301) 662-3515
MORRISTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK (NJ)
Including Fort Mansion, Fort Nonsense on Ann St., and Jockey Hollow, 4 m. SW
of Morristown, NJ, 3 m. S. On US 202
Winter quarters of the Continental Army in 1777 and again in 1779-80
Free
Phone: (908) 766-8215
Fort Nonsense open daily in spring-summer 8:00-8:00, fall-winter, 8:00-5:00.
Historical Museum and Library open daily 9:00-5:00, Phone (973) 539-2016;
Jockey Hollow Visitor Center open daily 9:00-5:00
Phone (973) 539-4030.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY (DC)
Washington, DC, Constitution Ave, between 12th and 14th Sts, NW
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Division of Military History, Smithsonian Institution
Free
Closed until summer 2008 for renovation
Phone (202) 357-2700
NATIONAL CRYTOLOGIC MUSEUM (MD)
From Baltimore, take I-95 South to MD Rt. 32 East to Canine Road to Colony
Seven Road.
Exhibits of codes and cipher devices since the 18th century. Part of the National
Security Agency
Open Mon.-Fri., 9:00-4:00, first and third Sat., 10:00-2:00
Phone (301) 668-5849
NATIONAL KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL (DC)
French Drive, SW, Washington, DC
Commemorating those who served in Korean War 1950-1953
Free
Open daily 8 am-midnight
Phone: (202) 426-6841
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH MILITARY HISTORY (DC)
1811 R St., NW, Washington, DC
Documents and preserves the contributions of Jewish Americans
Donations accepted
Open Mon.-Fri 9:00-5:00
Phone (202) 265-6280
NATIONAL VIETNAM VIETERANS MEMORIAL (DC)
Bacon Drive and Constitution Ave., Washington, DC
Honors those who served in Vietnam, 1961-1975
Free
Open daily 24 hours, Rangers available 9:30 am-11:30 pm
Phone: (202) 426-6841
NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL (DC)
17th Street between Constitution and Independence Aves., Washington, DC
Honoring those Americans who supported and fought in WW II, 1941-1945
Free
Open 24 hours a day
Phone: (202) 619-7222
NEW JERSEY NATIONAL GUARD MILITIA MUSEUM (NJ)
Sea Girt, NJ
Preserves and displays the military heritage of NJ National Guard units.
An artillery annex is located in the Artillery Arsenal in Lawrenceville.
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Open Tues, Thurs., 10:00-3:00
Phone (732) 974-5966
NEW JERSEY NAVAL MUSEUM (NJ)
Docked at 78 River St at Court St. in Hackensack, NJ
Includes U.S.S. “Ling,” a WW II submarine, and other exhibits
Admission charged
Open Sat.-Sun. 10:00-4:00; Wed 10:00-3:00 until Labor Day
Phone (201) 342-3268
OLD BARRACKS MUSEUM AND TRENTON BATTLE MONUMENT (NJ)
Barrack St., opposite. W. Front St. in Trenton, NJ
French and Indian War and Revolutionary War sites
Admission charged
Open daily 10:00-5:00
Phone (609) 396-1776
103d ENGINEERS ARMORY MUSEUM (PA)
33rd St. and Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia, PA
Free, Tours only by appointment
Phone (215) 823-4850
PENN’S LANDING (PA)
Columbus Boulevard at Spruce Street, between Market and Lombard Sts. along
Delaware River in Philadelphia, PA
Includes submarine U.S.S. "Becuna,” cruiser U.S.S. "Olympia,”
Independence Seaport Museum, and Vietnam War Memorial
Admission charged, Free Sundays, 10:00-2:00 (Call to check)
Open daily 10:00-5:00
Phone (215) 413-8658
PICATINNY ARSENAL (NJ)
Off I-80, exit 34, then 1 m N on SR 15 in Dover, NJ
Established in 1880, the arsenal has been a major producer and developer of Army
munitions and weapons systems.
Includes ARDEC (Army Research and Development Command) Museum,
Free
Tues.-Thurs., 9:00-3:00
Phone: (973) 724-2797
PRINCETON BATTLEFIELD AND CLARK HOUSE (NJ)
500 Mercer Rd. (Princeton Pike), Princeton, NJ
Revolutionary War battle (1777) site.
Free
No visitor center. No hours listed
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Phone: (609) 921-0074
RED BANK BATTLEFIELD (NJ)
100 Hessian Ave, 2 m. W. of US 130 at Delaware River in National Park, NJ
Part of Philadelphia defense system in the Revolutionary War. Includes Fort
Mercer and Mary Whithall House. Battle site in 1777.
Free
Park open dawn to dusk. House open Apr. to Sept., Wed-Sun. 1:00-4:00; Oct to
March, Mon.-Fri. 9:-12:00, 1:00-4:00
Phone (609) 853-5120
U.S. ARMY ORDNANCE MUSEUM (MD)
Exit 85 off I-95, 3 m. E on SR 22, or 2.7 m. S of jct. of US 40 and SR 22 in
Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD
One of the world’s leading collections of Army ordnance
Free, but a required pass is issued at the Maryland Ave gate on SR 715.
Open daily 9:00-4:30
Phone (410) 278-3602
U.S.S. "CONSTELLATION” MUSEUM (MD)
Pier 1, Pratt and Light Sts. In in Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
Civil War frigate rebuilt from a 1798 frigate.
Admission charged
Open 10:00-6:00 May 1-October 14; 10:00-4:00, rest of year
Phone (410) 539-1797
U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY MUSEUM (MD)
Entrance Gate 1 at jct. of King George and Randall Sts. In Annapolis, MD
Comprehensive collection of US naval history in peace and war
Free
Open Mon.-Sat. 9:00-5:00, Sun. 11:00-5:00
Phone (410) 263-6933
U.S.S. “NEW JERSEY” (NJ)
Docked at Camden Water Front, 62 Battleship Place in Camden, NJ
America’s most decorated battleship.
Admission charged
Open Jan 1-Feb 28, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon. only, 9:00-3:00; Mar 1-31, daily 9:003:00; Apr. 1-Sept. 30, 9:00-5:00; Oct. 1-Dec. 31, daily 9:00-3:00
Phone (856) 966-1652 or (866) 877-6262
U.S. NAVY MEMORIAL AND NAVAL HERITAGE CENTER (DC)
Pennsylvania Ave at 7th and 9th Sts., NW, Washington, DC
Exhibits and library highlighting Navy history.
Free
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Visitor Center open Nov 1-Feb. 28, Tues.-Sat, 8:30-5:00; Mar. 1-Oct. 31, Mon.Sat. 9:30-5:00
Phone (202) 737-2300, ext. 733 or (800) 821-8892
VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (PA)
Near end of I-76W, then along SR 23 and N. Gulph Rd. Valley Forge, PA
George Washington’s winter headquarters, 1777-1778
Free
Park open daily 6:00 am-10:00 pm, Phone (610) 783-1077; Welcome Center open
daily 9:00-5:00
Phone (610) 783-0535
WASHINGTON CROSSING STATE PARK (NJ)
8 m. NW on SR 29N onto CR 546E, Titusville, NJ
Includes Ferry House Historic Site
Entrance fee Memorial Day-Labor Day
Visitor Center open daily. 9:00-4:00, Phone (609) 737-9304; Ferry House
at S. end of Continental Lane open Wed.-Sun. 9:00-4:00
Phone (609) 737-2515
WASHINGTON CROSSING HISTORIC PARK (PA)
SR 32, Washington’s Crossing, PA (connected by bridge to New Jersey’s
Washington Crossing State Park)
Site of George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River prior to the Battle of
Trenton in the Revolution War, 1776.
Admission charged.
Tues.-Sat. 9:00-5:00, Sun. 12:00-5:00
Phone (215) 493-4076
WASHINGTON NAVY YARD (DC)
9th and M Sts, SE, Washington, DC,
Includes the Naval History Center, destroyer U.S.S. "Barry,” Marine Corps
Barracks, Marine Corps Museum Navy Art Gallery,, and U.S. Navy Museum
Free
Navy Museum (Buildings 70, 76) Mon-Fir: 9:00-6:00, Phone (202) 433-6897;
U.S.S. "Barry” (Pier 2), open Mon.-Fri. 9:00-6:00, Sat.-Sun. 10:00-7:00., Phone
(202) 433-3381; Marine Corps Museum (Building 58) open Mon.-Fri. 10:00-6:00,
Fri. evenings 6:00-8:00, Sat. by appointment 10:00-6:00, Phone (202) 433-3377.
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