MacArthur Memorial facts for kids
 |
|
| Established | 1964 |
|---|---|
| Location | MacArthur Square, 198 Bank Street, Norfolk, Virginia, US |
The MacArthur Memorial is a special place in Norfolk, Virginia. It honors the life of a very important American leader, General Douglas MacArthur. It's not just a memorial; it's also a museum and a place where people can study his life. The memorial has three main buildings in an area called MacArthur Square.
Contents
Why General MacArthur Chose Norfolk
General MacArthur never lived in Norfolk himself. However, his mother, Mary Pinkney "Pinky" Hardy MacArthur, grew up there. Douglas MacArthur had happy memories of visiting his mother's family home, Riveredge, when he was a boy. Because of this special connection, he decided he wanted to be buried in Norfolk.
In 1951, MacArthur visited Norfolk to dedicate a park. This park honored his mother and was built on the land where her childhood home once stood. In 1960, the mayor of Norfolk, W. Fred Duckworth, made an interesting offer to MacArthur. Many cities wanted to be the place where MacArthur would be buried. But Mayor Duckworth's idea was the most appealing.
MacArthur agreed to give all his important papers, medals, and personal items to the city of Norfolk. He also agreed to be buried there, along with his wife, inside the memorial. Mayor Duckworth offered the old Norfolk City Hall building. This building would become a museum and a burial place to honor General MacArthur. The city of Norfolk built the memorial in the 1960s. They still own, update, and run it today, keeping the promise made to MacArthur.
What You Can See at the Memorial
The MacArthur Memorial is made up of three main parts. Each part helps visitors learn about General MacArthur's life and his important role in history.
The Memorial Building
This building used to be the Norfolk City Hall. It is the main part of the memorial.
- The Tomb: In the center of the building, called the rotunda, you will find the tomb of General MacArthur and his wife, Jean.
- The Museum: The museum has nine different rooms, or galleries. These rooms tell the story of MacArthur's life and his long career. You can see many interesting things here.
- Exhibits: The exhibits include old photos, military uniforms, flags, and medals. You can also see weapons, personal items, paintings, and sculptures. The museum also honors all the brave men and women who served with General MacArthur. This includes those who fought in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
The Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is another important part of the memorial. It offers more ways to learn and explore.
- Movie Theater: Here, you can watch a 27-minute movie about General MacArthur's life. It gives a good overview of his journey.
- Special Exhibits: There is a gallery for special exhibits that change over time.
- Vehicles: You can see General MacArthur's personal staff car. There are also other military vehicles from World War II on display.
- Gift Shop: The Visitor Center also has a gift shop where you can find souvenirs.
Jean MacArthur Research Center
This building is named after General MacArthur's wife, Jean. It is a place for serious study.
- Archives: This center holds all of General MacArthur's personal archives. These include his trophies, medals, awards, and decorations. You can also find his uniforms, flags, swords, and souvenirs from battles.
- Documents: The center also keeps his personal papers and many official documents.
- Research: It is open to researchers who want to study his life and times. You need to make an appointment to visit this part of the memorial.
- Admission: Visiting the MacArthur Memorial is free for everyone.
See also
- MacArthur Monument – Statue in Los Angeles
- MacArthur Monument (West Point)
