First Division Museum

First Division Museum is a military museum located in Wheaton, Illinois, United States, dedicated to the history of the 1st Infantry Division. The museum showcases the division's rich history, from its formation in World War I to its current operations, with exhibits featuring General John J. Pershing, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and General Omar Bradley. The museum's collection includes artifacts from notable battles, such as the Battle of Cantigny, Battle of Soissons, and Battle of Aachen, as well as World War II and Vietnam War-era equipment and uniforms, including those worn by General George S. Patton and General Creighton Abrams.

● History

The First Division Museum was established in 1991 to commemorate the 1st Infantry Division's 75th anniversary, with support from the 1st Infantry Division Association and the Wheaton Park District. The museum's history is closely tied to that of the 1st Infantry Division, which was formed in 1917 and has since participated in numerous conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, under the command of notable generals such as General Douglas MacArthur and General Matthew Ridgway. The division's history is also marked by significant events, such as the Treaty of Versailles, the Invasion of Normandy, and the Battle of the Bulge, which are all featured in the museum's exhibits, alongside artifacts from General Charles de Gaulle and Winston Churchill. The museum's founding was also influenced by the National World War I Museum and Memorial and the United States Army Center of Military History, which provided guidance and support.

● Exhibits

The First Division Museum features a range of exhibits showcasing the history of the 1st Infantry Division, including a recreation of a World War I trench, a World War II-era M4 Sherman tank, and a Vietnam War-era UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, as well as artifacts from General George Marshall and General Henry H. Arnold. The exhibits also highlight the division's role in notable battles, such as the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of St. Mihiel, and the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and feature artifacts from General Bernard Montgomery and General Erwin Rommel. Additionally, the museum features exhibits on the division's Medal of Honor recipients, including Alvin York and Audie Murphy, as well as its Distinguished Service Cross recipients, such as General James Van Fleet and General Lucian Truscott. The exhibits are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the division's history and its significance in American military history, with connections to the National Museum of the United States Army and the United States Army Heritage and Education Center.

● Collections

The First Division Museum's collections include a wide range of artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the 1st Infantry Division's history, including uniforms, equipment, and personal items from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, such as those worn by General Curtis LeMay and General William Westmoreland. The collections also include artifacts from notable division commanders, such as General Terry de la Mesa Allen Sr. and General Clarence R. Huebner, as well as Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross medals awarded to division soldiers, including General Matthew B. Ridgway and General James Gavin. The museum's collections are used to support its exhibits and educational programs, and are also made available for research by historians and scholars, including those from the United States Army Military History Institute and the National Archives and Records Administration.

● Facilities

The First Division Museum is located in Wheaton, Illinois, on the grounds of Cantigny Park, which was once the estate of Robert R. McCormick, a World War I veteran and former commander of the 1st Infantry Division. The museum's facilities include a 12,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a research library, and a gift shop, as well as a memorial garden and a World War I-era trench system recreation, designed in consultation with the United States World War I Centennial Commission and the National Park Service. The museum also offers meeting and event spaces, which can be rented for functions and ceremonies, including those hosted by the 1st Infantry Division Association and the Wheaton Park District.

● Programs

The First Division Museum offers a range of educational programs and events, including guided tours, lectures, and living history demonstrations, which are designed to educate visitors about the history of the 1st Infantry Division and its significance in American military history, with connections to the National Museum of the United States Army and the United States Army Heritage and Education Center. The museum also offers programs for scouting groups, school groups, and veterans' organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, and partners with other organizations, such as the National World War I Museum and Memorial and the United States Army Center of Military History, to provide educational resources and support. Additionally, the museum hosts annual events, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, which are attended by notable figures, including General Martin Dempsey and General Raymond Odierno. Category:Museums in Illinois