17th Public Affairs Detachment

Story by Pvt. Rachael Ray

FORT LEWIS, Wash. - With summer in full swing and the recession still in effect, budgets can be tight, making fun summer activities scarce for families. Exploring the Fort Lewis Military Museum can be a fun and cost efficient option for the whole family.

The museum is free and open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and is located at Building 4320. Guided tours of the museum and the surrounding 2.5 acres, containing tanks and artillery pieces, are also available. With an on-post location it is just a short drive away and can be a good alternative to pricey attractions nearby.

With five major galleries full of historical items dating back to the Lewis and Clark expedition, the history of I Corps, past wars and the Hall of Valor; the museum can be the perfect place to explore the background of the military and its role in both the Northwest and throughout the world.

"My son reads a lot about history, so to see what he reads about is pretty amazing," said Julia Arrasmith, a first-time visitor of the museum.

Many of the pieces in the museum's collection came from the Soldiers who have personally fought in battles or were stationed at Fort Lewis.

"The majority of pieces are brought through the door by these veterans or their families," said Greg Hagge, the acting curator at the museum.

Sydnee Mealhem, a museum volunteer added, "I love to hear the stories of war veterans who come into the museum."

Once in a while when veterans visit the museum, not only do they share their stories, but a little something extra as well.

Many of the people who bring in pieces have a strong connection to Fort Lewis. In 1927, 'The Patent Leather Kid' was filmed at Fort Lewis and used the museum, which was then an inn owned by the Salvation Army, as a film set. Many of the Soldiers stationed at Fort Lewis were used as extras.

Even though it displays many pieces from past military operations the museum isn't entirely dedicated to older generations of the military. The museum has many pieces from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

"The head of one of the fallen statues of Sadaam Hussein was brought in recently from Iraq," said Mealhem. "That was really interesting to see, because it's so easily recognizable."

With something for every generation to explore, it's easy to see why the Fort Lewis Military Museum is a great place to take the whole family for a fun filled learning experience this summer.

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