Darwin Military Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1965 |
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| Location | East Point, Northern Territory |
| Type | Military, War |
The Darwin Military Museum is a special place that helps us remember Darwin's important role during World War II. It started as a small museum to show photos and items from that time.
Today, the museum has a huge collection of things from the war. You can see items from the Australian, US, and other armed forces. These include things from the Navy, Army, and Air Force. The museum is built among old concrete gun positions and other strong defenses. This area was one of the most protected parts of Australia during the war.
Around 1943, over 110,000 soldiers, sailors, and air force members were based in Darwin. It was from here that General Douglas MacArthur began his plan to free the Philippines from Japanese control.
During the war, Darwin was bombed many times over almost two years. The first attacks happened on 19 February 1942. These events were a very difficult time for the city.
History of the Museum
How the Museum Started
The museum began in the 1960s. It was created by a group called the Royal Australian Artillery Association (NT) Inc (RAAA). They started by fencing off an area around an old gun command post at East Point.
Two large six-inch guns, which were being damaged, were moved inside this fenced area. Trees and gardens were planted to make the place look nice. The RAAA slowly added more items to their collection. These included anti-aircraft guns, military vehicles, weapons, and uniforms.
Growing Over Time
At first, the museum was only open once a week. But over the years, it started opening on weekends, and then eventually every day. The RAAA also hired people to manage the museum.
In 2009, the RAAA took over running the museum directly. Now, a board of eight people manages it. They also employ staff to help visitors.
New Developments
Before the 2008 elections, the Northern Territory Government announced big plans for the museum. They said they would provide over A$10 million to improve it.
In July 2009, the East Point Military Museum changed its name to the Darwin Military Museum. The government and the RAAA have worked together since 2008 to make the site better. Since mid-2009, the RAAA has spent about A$250,000 on improvements. They have also changed the museum's main focus. It now highlights the 1942 air raids and all of Northern Australia's defense efforts during the war.
