Rock Island Arsenal Museum facts for kids
| Former name | Ordnance Museum |
|---|---|
| Established | 1905 |
| Location | Rock Island Arsenal Rock Island County, Illinois |
| Type | United States Army |
| Public transit access |  Quad Cities MetroLINK |
The Rock Island Arsenal Museum tells the story of Rock Island Arsenal, a special island where the U.S. Army makes important things. It shows how the Army has built and created items over time. This museum is very old, actually the second oldest museum of the United States Army!
Contents
Discovering the Museum's Past
The Rock Island Arsenal Museum first opened its doors on July 4, 1905. Back then, it was called The Ordnance Museum. It's almost as old as the West Point Museum, which started in 1854. That makes it the second oldest Army museum in the whole country!
How the Museum Started
The idea for the museum began in 1903. A leader named Major General William Crozier sent a letter. He told the Rock Island Arsenal commander that special military items were coming. These items were meant to be kept safe in a new museum.
The boxes held many weapons and gear from other countries. These were sent to the Army to be studied. Major General Crozier wanted a good building to show these items. He hoped people could learn from them.
Early Homes and Closures
The museum first found a home in a building called Shop A. But in 1917, during World War I, the space was needed. The museum's collection had to be put away in storage.
After the war, the community wanted the museum back. So, on July 4, 1919, it reopened in the same spot. It was then named The Rock Island Arsenal Museum. For the first time, the museum also started showing the history of the Arsenal itself.
The museum closed again during World War II. This was to make room for making and storing war supplies. It reopened in May 1948 in its current spot, Building 60.
A New Name and Focus
In 1959, the museum was renamed the John M. Browning Memorial Museum. This was to honor Mr. Browning, who invented many important weapons. During this time, the museum became famous for its large collection of weapons. It had weapons from many countries, both military and civilian.
On July 1, 1986, the museum went back to being the Rock Island Arsenal Museum. A new idea was created: "People, Processes, and Products." This helped explain the important stories of the Arsenal. While still known for its weapons, the museum began to focus more on the island's history. It also highlighted the people and things made there.
Today, the museum continues this tradition. It shows how the Arsenal has impacted U.S. military history. It also shares the contributions of the Quad Cities area. The museum helps us understand its role in national defense. In 2023, the museum reopened after a big renovation.
What You Can See: The Collection
The Rock Island Arsenal Museum has over 7,000 items! These items tell the story of Arsenal Island. They show everything from the first people who lived there to what is made today.
Some of the most exciting items include:
- The very first M1903 Springfield Rifle made at Rock Island Arsenal.
- The second M1 Garand rifle ever made at Springfield Armory.
- Special experimental weapons and systems.
- A huge Mark VIII "Liberty" Tank that was built right there at Rock Island Arsenal.
Exploring the Exhibits
The main exhibits at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum show the island's history. They cover from 1805 to today. Visitors can learn how Rock Island Arsenal has helped protect the country. They can also see how the Quad Cities area has supported the U.S. Military.
This amazing story is told through more than 250 items. There are also hundreds of photos. You can even use digital and hands-on displays to learn more.
