Admission to the museum is free. The Sullivan Museum and History Center is a 16,000-square-foot facility that features permanent and changing exhibitions, learning stations, a visible-object conservation lab, spaces for exhibit preparation and object storage, a fully equipped electronic classroom and conference space, and a reference room for researchers and scholars. The building’s lighting, heat
ing and cooling systems are designed to provide maximum protection for Norwich University’s collection of artwork and artifacts. The exterior features natural materials—granite, warm cherry wood and copper—connecting the building visually to both Kreitzberg Library and the rich architectural traditions of the area. Norwich Trustee Col. Pritzker, a generous supporter of the museum project and founder of the Pritzker Military Library in Chicago, noted, “The greatest intangible asset of the University is its history and traditions … It is essential to have a place where the physical artifacts of that history can be properly stored, cataloged and displayed.”
The Sullivan Museum and History Center offers dynamic opportunities for visitors, students, faculty and alumni to, in the words of Norwich University Pres. Richard Schneider, “immerse themselves in the heritage of this great institution.”
Permanent exhibitions:
The Sullivan Museum and History Center features a historical timeline that traces the development of Norwich University from its founding in 1819 up to the present day, and introduces notable Norwich alumni. Displays tell the story of Norwich founder Capt. Alden Partridge (1785 -1854), and feature his uniform, swords and surveying equipment. Exhibition space is also devoted to the career of Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan (Class of 1959), former chief of staff of the Army and namesake of the museum. Exhibit cases throughout the museum present Norwich objects related to military history, academics, music and sports. Changing exhibitions:
These displays allow us to rotate artifacts that are on display, helping to preserve fragile collection items. Changing exhibitions remain on view for about six months and present fresh and engaging exhibitions on a variety of themes. Please see the section on Current Exhibits to explore what’s up at the museum now. An archive of our previous temporary shows is available under Past Exhibits.
