Mississippi Armed Forces Museum

The Mississippi Armed Forces Museum is located at Camp Shelby, approximately 12 miles (19 km) south of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The Armed Forces Museum serves as the military history museum for the State of Mississippi. It is a member of the Army Museum System.[3]

Mississippi Armed Forces Museum
Front facade 2017
Established2001
LocationCamp Shelby
Coordinates31.19831°N 89.22372°W / 31.19831; -89.22372
Visitors50,000 per year[1]
DirectorTommy Lofton (2019)[2]
Websitewww.armedforcesmuseum.us
MAFM Foundation

Museum objective

The purpose of the museum is to honor the service and sacrifices of Mississippi veterans from all military branches.[4]

Museum description

Two military veterans started the museum in 1984 with their personal collection of war artifacts.[5] At that time, the museum was housed in a small room of a warehouse at Camp Shelby.

In 2001, a 23,000 sq ft (2,100 m2) facility was completed. The museum contained 16,000 sq ft (1,500 m2) of exhibits, 17,000 artifacts, 4,500 volumes of military history, and 2,000 historical documents.

In February 2015, the museum was closed for expansion. The expansion increased the museum space by 7,500 sq ft (700 m2), added three new exhibition galleries, and remodeled older exhibits. The museum was officially reopened by the Governor of Mississippi on October 27, 2016.[6]

Museum exhibits

Within the museum building are eight galleries for viewing exhibits: late 19th century conflicts, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Global War on Terrorism, and Medal of Honor. Military weapons, equipment, clothing, and medals are on display.

Outdoor exhibits include aircraft, tanks, field artillery, and memorials.

  • Museum entrance
  • Exhibits of 19th-century conflicts
  • World War I exhibits
  • World War II exhibit
  • Vietnam War exhibit
  • Medal of Honor exhibits
  • Outdoor exhibits

See also

References
  1. "Mississippi Armed Forces Museum Newsletter" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 10, 2011. Retrieved 2011-05-08.
  2. Museum, Mississippi Armed Forces. "ABOUT". Mississippi Armed Forces Museum.
  3. Army Museum System Directory, U.S. Army Center of Military History
  4. "Mississippi Armed Forces Museum Brochure" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 10, 2011. Retrieved 2011-05-08.
  5. "The Patriot Campaign" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 10, 2011. Retrieved 2011-05-08.
  6. Ciurczak, Ellen (October 27, 2016), "Mississippi Armed Forces Museum reopens to rave reviews", Hattiesburg American, retrieved 2016-11-19.
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