Harbor Defense Museum

04/28/2021

#DidYouKnow

To think for a moment Mr. Collins was truly alone, with no human contact when he took his famous photo.

04/27/2021

#DidYouKnow

The "Broken TV" patch, the 3rd Infantry Division Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, is among the most recognizable symbol in our Army. But where does it come from? And, what do the lines represent? And, what does "Rock Of the Marne" mean? So many questions answered in this one graphic. Take a look.

04/19/2021

A year later the Patriots were setting up defenses throughout NYC and Long Island.

04/09/2021

Days of Remembrance Observance Event

In case you missed yesterdays Days of Remembrance Observance.

The program is built around an interview with WWII Liberator Alan Moskin.

#HolocaustRemembranceDay

04/06/2021

Please join us this Thursday, April 8t @1100.

FACEBOOK LIVE EVENT on USAG Fort Hamilton's FACEBOOK Page.

#HolocaustRemembranceDay

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
West Point Museum
U.S. Army Center of Military History
USAG Fort Hamilton
Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust

Please join us this Thursday, April 8t @1100.

FACEBOOK LIVE EVENT on USAG Fort Hamilton's FACEBOOK Page.

#HolocaustRemembranceDay

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
West Point Museum
U.S. Army Center of Military History
USAG Fort Hamilton
Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust

04/02/2021

Fort Lafayette Signage

#ArmyMuseums

Exciting announcement at USAG Fort Hamilton.

West Point Museum
U.S. Army Center of Military History
The Lafayette Trail

03/29/2021

Timeline Photos

HONORING VIETNAM VETERANS WITH ARMY ART

"Two Men Of The Americal Division"
by Army Artist Peter Copeland, 1967

#Armyhistory #USArmy #ThankVietnamVets

03/25/2021

Celebrating Women's History on USAG Fort Hamilton

During World War II, each branch of the military had all-female bands.

The U.S. Army fielded five (5) such bands:
400th WAC (Women’s Army Corps) ASF (Army Service Forces) Band,
401st WAC ASF Band
402nd WAC ASF Band
403rd WAC ASF Band
404th WAC ASF Band (all-female, African American band)
405th WAC ASF Band

The 401st Women’s Army Corps (WAC) Band was stationed at USAG Fort Hamilton from 1944-1946 consisted of twenty-eight (28) professional musicians.
Their primary mission was to play for the embarkation/debarkation of our American Soldiers here in the New York City harbor.

SGT Ruth Tenzer was a member of the 401st WAC Band. In a letter to the museum Mrs. Tenzer said, “When the ships docked our band played the ships home. Coins were thrown down from all over the world.” The coins were later made into the necklace.

#WomensHistoryMonth
#ArmyHistory
#armymuseum

West Point Museum
U.S. Army Center of Military History
U.S. Army Women's Museum
BAY RIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

03/24/2021

Photos from West Point Museum's post

03/22/2021

#ProjectInclusion

#servetogether

03/08/2021

Timeline Photos

In 1853, Louisa Bird Cunningham wrote these words to her daughter, Ann Pamela Cunningham, after seeing the decrepit state of George Washington's home while traveling on the Potomac River.

Inspired by her mother's words, Cunningham took it upon herself to challenge the nation to save Mount Vernon.

She founded the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association in 1853, and by 1858 had raised $200,000 to purchase the Mansion and 200 acres. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association was the first national historic preservation organization & is the oldest women's patriotic society in the US, and continues to safeguard George Washington’s home to this day. Learn more today on #InternationalWomensDay: http://bit.ly/3aAKp2q

03/03/2021

Our man Rock Merritt is in rough shape in the hospital.

Rock is a legend within the 18th Airborne Corps: He's a WWII paratrooper who jumped into Normandy and Operation Market Garden and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded and earned the Distinguished Service Cross. He later fought in Vietnam and served as the first Command Sergeant Major of this Corps (he's actually the only Soldier to ever hold that position twice). In addition to all that legendary stuff, he's an all-around awesome guy. Every time he comes on Fort Bragg, he takes time to talk to our Soldiers.

Well, we've got his back. We know you do too.

We're starting a letter-writing campaign and we plan to deliver your letters to him in the hospital. We want letters pouring in; we're hoping to deliver him hundreds of get-well notes.

We cannot talk about Rock's condition but he does not have COVID-19. We know he'll pull through.

PLEASE send Rock a note to this address:

XVIII Airborne Corps PAO
2175 Reilly Road, Stop A
Fort Bragg, NC 28310

Let's rally around Rock.

02/28/2021

Timeline Photos

LET'S FIGHT THIS HISTORIC COVID PANDEMIC TOGETHER!
#Armyhistory #COVID19 #USArmy

Consider the vaccination, let's defeat COVID together!

02/19/2021

Q & A with Julien Icher, President of The Lafayette Trail Inc.

Today we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Lafayette Trail Inc., a nonprofit organization with the mission to document, map and mark General Lafayette's footsteps during his 1824-1825 Farewell Tour of the U.S.

This spring a marker will be installed on Fort Hamilton, overlooking the Narrows to commemorate Lafayette's visit to Fort Lafayette on September 8, 1824.

This couldn’t have been accomplished without the support of the Garrison Command Team of Fort Hamilton and the Center of Military History.
Stay tuned, in the near future the Garrison Commander will be making a special announcement.

The Lafayette Trail
USAG Fort Hamilton
West Point Museum
U.S. Army Center of Military History
William G. Pomeroy Foundation
Daughters of the American Revolution National Headquarters
U.S. Army

#Armyhistory
#Armymuseums

02/15/2021

Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony

Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony

02/14/2021

In his Memoirs published posthumously in 1837 by his family, General Lafayette reminisced about his involvement in the American Revolution. A letter to Henry Laurens dated September 23, 1778, captures the strong attachment that Lafayette felt very early on for the American cause. Happy #valentinesday!

02/09/2021

TRIVIA TUESDAY - PVT HENRY JOHNSON MEDAL OF HONOR #WWI
#AfricanAmericanHistory #Armyhistory #USArmy #MOH

While on night sentry duty on 15 May 1918, Private Henry Johnson and Private Needham Roberts manned an outpost in their company's sector when it was attacked by a German raiding party of at least 12 enemy soldiers. Although suffering twenty-one wounds, Johnson fought with his rifle, hand grenades, a knife and his rifle butt to prevent the Germans from taking his position and capturing his wounded comrade. For his battlefield valor, Johnson became one of the first Americans to be awarded the French Croix de Guerre avec Palme, France's highest award for valor. Unfortunately, due to institutional racism and / or other causes in the segregated U.S. Army of the era, it took almost a century before he received the Medal of Honor posthumously.

Henry Johnson enlisted in the U.S. Army, on 5 June 1917, and was assigned to Company C, 15th Infantry Regiment, a segregated all-black unit of the New York National Guard. The 15th Infantry Regiment, New York National Guard, became the 369th U.S. Infantry Regiment when taken into federal service.

DID YOU KNOW

The four infantry regiments of the 93d Division were each attached to French divisions for front-line duty. The 369th Infantry was assigned to a French Colonial unit.

Sergeant Henry Jonson died in 1929 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery

02/05/2021

A feeling of nostalgic as we reflect on our last lecture before the COVID 19 pandemic.

One year ago the Harbor Defense Museum coordinated a special Black History Month event, “The Emancipation of Sandy Wills” at USAG Fort Hamilton. Mr. Sandy Wills was a Soldier in the 4th Field Heavy Artillery, United States Colored Troops.

It was only fitting to have as our guest speaker Cheryl Wills, the great-great-great granddaughter of Mr. Wills, and the author of Die Free: A Heroic Family Tale.
You might know Mrs. Wills better as a prime-time anchor for NY1. But did you know she is the founder and commander of the New York State Chapter of the Sons and Daughters of the United States Colored Troops?

In honor of this event an “Authorized Edition” of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln was on display. Of the forty-eight copies signed by President Lincoln, twenty-six are known to survive today.

The West Point Museum also exhibited several notable artifacts from the Civil War: a bugle that sounded the surrender at Appomattox, Gen. Philip Sheridan’s Corps badge, Gen. George Custer’s memorabilia from Appomattox, and a uniform and sword of the famous 54th Massachusetts Infantry.

Mr. Gene Peters a private collector from New York City, assembled a display from his personal collection, “The Gene Alexander Peters Collection of Rare & Historic African American Artifacts.” Mr. Peters exhibited slave-era shackles and 1800s documents including an 1833 bill of sale for a slave.

The event attended by 165 guests, ended with complimentary coffee, cake and music to celebrate National Freedom Day. The Thirteenth Amendment, which formally abolished slavery, was officially approved on 1 February 1865. Almost 100 years later, that day became known as National Freedom Day.

Our friend Solomon Hicks provided the music, playing long into the night.

It was quite the evening to witness the Mrs. Wills passionately share her family story and to see firsthand the impact this lecture had on members of our military community.

It was a heart-warming reminder that people do care.

This will not be our last lecture.

In the meantime be safe and be on the lookout for virtual productions.

#COVID19
#BlackHistoryMonth
#ArmyHistory #ArmyMuseums
U.S. Army Center of Military History
USAG Fort Hamilton
West Point Museum
Cheryl Wills Page King Solomon Hicks

01/29/2021

Q & A with author John Weaver II on Fort Lafayette.

Hello - Click on the video below to learn more about Fort Lafayette with author John Weaver II, former chair of the Coastal Defense Study Group.

#DidyouKnow
USAG Fort Hamilton
West Point Museum
Fort Putnam
U.S. Army Center of Military History
#Armymuseums
#Armyhistory
#FortLafayette
#Lafayette

01/25/2021

#DidYouKnow

Have you ever visited the blockhouse in Central Park?

BLOCKHOUSE 1

o This blockhouse was part of a line of fortifications extending from the Hudson River to the Harlem River built for the defense of New York during the War of 1812.

o Built by volunteers, from all walks of life.

o High ground on the northern end of Manhattan, overlooking the lower lands of Harlem.

o After the War of 1812 used as an ammunition depot.

o The designers of Central Park decided to keep Blockhouse 1.

o Located in the North Woods of Central Park, oldest building in Central Park.

#ArmyMuseums
#ArmyHistory
U.S. Army Center of Military History
New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
USAG Fort Hamilton
West Point Museum

01/21/2021

Photos from US Army Military District of Washington's post

01/18/2021

On this day we honor the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. #MLKJr

Take a moment to watch the video below.

To the 181st Infantry Brigade - MFTB Well done.

#ArmyMuseums
West Point Museum
USAG Fort Hamilton
U.S. Army Center of Military History
Rock Island Arsenal

01/14/2021

Great job USAG Fort Hamilton!

It’s such an honor to be part of such an unique Garrison!

#armystrong

01/06/2021

Army History Magazine - Winter 2021 Edition | U.S. Army Center of Military History

To our colleagues at the West Point Museum- great job!

Their partnership with the West Point Department of History is featured in the current issue of the Army History Magazine.

Here at the Harbor Defense Museum our education programs are also built around bringing artifacts into the classroom, putting Soldiers and students in direct contact with history.

To visit please call and schedule an appointment, 718 630-4349.

#ArmyMuseums
USAG Fort Hamilton
U.S. Army Center of Military History

In the Winter 2021 issue of Army History, we are pleased to offer two engaging articles, an interesting selection of book reviews, a look at some unique Army art, and an announcement concerning the opening of the National Museum of the United States Army.

01/04/2021

Happy New Year!

Today is National Trivia Day.

Do you know why Fort Diamond was renamed Fort Lafayette?
Read for yourself-

General Order 22

Adjutant Generals Office
Washington 26 March 1823.

Orders.

In commemoration of the highly distinguished services of Major General La'Fayette in the War of American Independence, the President of the United States has been pleased to direct that the new fortress of the first class recently finished at the Narrows below New York shall be called and known of "Fort La'Fayette."
In hoisting the National flag for the first time and in complement to the name, the commanding shall cause a National Salute to be fired.

Communicated by order of Maj. Gen. Brown

Chs. J. Nourse
Actg. Adj. Gen

USAG Fort Hamilton
U.S. Army Center of Military History
West Point Museum
#ArmyHistory
#ArmyMuseums

12/26/2020

“These are the times that try men’s souls; the summer Soldier and the sunshine patriot, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

- The Crisis by Thomas Paine (Dec. 19 1776)

GEN Washington ordered The Crisis to be read aloud to the Continental Army before the Battle of Trenton.

If you want to learn how the Battle of Trenton connects to the Battle of Brooklyn, come visit the Harbor Defense Musuem. Please make an appointment by calling 718-630-4349.

26 DECEMBER 1776 - BATTLE OF TRENTON #RevolutionaryWar

On Christmas night 1776, General George Washington's ragged Continental Army left its encampments in Pennsylvania, crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey during a driving sleet and snow storm, then just after dawn on 26 December, conducted a surprise attack on the Hessian soldiers posted at Trenton, and won a stunning victory.

After a series of defeats and retreats the American Revolution appeared near collapse. The enlistments for most soldiers were about to expire, but Washington persuaded enough to stay for one bold stroke. With the remnant of the Main Army reinforced by the Pennsylvania militia for a total force of about 7,000 men, Washington planned to attack the Hessian garrisons at Trenton and Bordentown, New Jersey.

Only the 2,400 men under his personal command crossed the ice-choked Delaware successfully and formed two columns. The left column, commanded by Maj Gen Nathanael Greene, and right, under Maj Gen John Sullivan, took separate routes toward Trenton, ten miles to the south. They converged on the town at about 0800 and achieved complete surprise.

Continental infantry, supported by Colonel Henry Knox's artillery, forced the enemy infantry and artillery attempting to form a line of defense on King and Queen Streets to retreat to an orchard. With their commander mortally wounded, most of the Hessians surrendered after an hour and a half of hard fighting.

The Battle of Trenton cost the British and Hessians about 30 killed and 918 captured, while American combat losses amounted to 4 dead and a similar number wounded. Washington's army returned to the Pennsylvania, the success enabled Washington to keep his army together to fight for independence for at least a few more weeks.
#Armyhistory #USArmy

ALSO SEE

https://history.army.mil/news/2014/141200a_trenton.html

https://history.army.mil/news/2016/160100a_princeton.html