Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum facts for kids
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Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum and Memorial
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Front view of the memorial and its lawn from Fifth Avenue
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| Location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
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| Built | 1908-1910 |
| Architect | Henry Hornbostel |
| Architectural style | Beaux-Arts |
| Part of | Schenley Farms Historic District (ID83002213) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001746 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 30, 1974 |
| Designated CP | July 22, 1983 |
The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum is a special landmark in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is the biggest memorial in the United States that honors all military veterans and service members. This amazing building remembers everyone who has served in the country's armed forces.
Contents
A Look at the Memorial's History
This important building was first thought of in the 1890s by a group called the Grand Army of the Republic. This group was made up of veterans from the American Civil War. They wanted a way for people in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County to honor the Civil War soldiers. The memorial was built on land that was once a training ground for the Union Army during the war.
Today, the memorial honors all parts of the military. It celebrates both career soldiers and everyday citizens who have served the United States throughout history.
Building Design and Location
A talented architect named Henry Hornbostel designed this memorial in 1907. It was finished and opened in 1910. The building is designed in a grand style called Beaux-Arts, which means it looks very impressive and important.
You can find it in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh, on Fifth Avenue. The path to its main door is even named "Matthew Ridgway Blvd." This honors a hero from World War II and the Korean War who lived in Pittsburgh. The memorial is surrounded by the University of Pittsburgh campus. It sits near the university's famous Cathedral of Learning. The building has large, well-kept lawns with old cannons and other military items.
Inside the Memorial: Exhibits and Halls
The memorial is home to many unique exhibits. These displays cover military history from the American Civil War up to today's conflicts. Since 1963, it has featured the "Hall of Valor." This special exhibit honors brave veterans from the Pittsburgh area who showed incredible courage.
The Hall of Valor currently celebrates over six hundred heroes. These include winners of very important medals like the Medal of Honor, The Kearny Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Navy Cross. Other awards include the Air Force Cross, the Silver Star, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Memorial Facilities
The building has a large auditorium that can seat 2,500 people. It also includes a banquet hall for big dinners, meeting rooms, and a museum. The big lawn outside the memorial is actually on top of an underground parking garage.
The memorial has hosted many important events for the city, universities, and businesses over the years.
Famous Visitors to the Memorial
Many well-known people have visited the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall.
- Ferdinand Foch, a famous French general, visited in 1921.
- Garner Ted Armstrong spoke here in 1978.
- G. E. Lowman gave talks at the hall in 1938 and 1962.
- Nelson Mandela, a world leader, spoke at the hall in 1991.
- Barack Obama visited the hall in 2008.
- Donald Trump spoke here in 2016.
Images for kids
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The bronze work America (1910) by Charles Keck sits above the entrance to the memorial
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The cast bronze Lookout (1923) by Frederick Hibbard on the memorial grounds.
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Cast bronze Parade Rest (1923) by Frederick Hibbard on the memorial grounds.
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World War II torpedo monument outside of the memorial
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Bell from the heavy cruiser USS Pittsburgh (CA-72)
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The 2,300-seat auditorium, which includes a stage backdropped by the Gettysburg Address, holds events and concerts throughout the year.
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Barack Obama with Senator Bob Casey, Jr. in the auditorium in 2008.
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A life mask of Abraham Lincoln on display in the museum
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Interior hallway with military uniforms and equipment on display
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USS Pennsylvania bow ornament
