New Mexico Military Museum

New Mexico Military Museum The primary goal of the New Mexico Military Museum will be to discover, preserve, and disseminate kn

The New Mexico Military Museum is beginning a new construction project at our main entrance. Until further notice pleas...
02/19/2025

The New Mexico Military Museum is beginning a new construction project at our main entrance. Until further notice please follow the signage and use the Memorial Garden gates to access the Double Doors that lead into our gallery. We appreciate your cooperation. If you have any questions about access please call (505) 372- 9738. Thank you.

We are so grateful for our new partnership with Quilts of Valor . Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 with a dream,...
02/05/2025

We are so grateful for our new partnership with Quilts of Valor . Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 with a dream, literally a dream. Founder Catherine Roberts’ son Nat was deployed in Iraq. According to Catherine:
The dream was as vivid as real life. I saw a young man sitting on the side of his bed in the middle of the night, hunched over. The permeating feeling was one of utter despair. I could see his war demons clustered around, dragging him down into an emotional gutter. Then, as if viewing a movie, I saw him in the next scene wrapped in a quilt. His whole demeanor changed from one of despair to one of hope and well-being. The quilt had made this dramatic change. The message of my dream was: Quilts = Healing.
The model appeared simple: have a volunteer team who would donate their time and materials to make a quilt. One person would piece the top and the other would quilt it. I saw the name for this special quilt: it was Quilt of Valor, a QOV. We will be hosting QOV quarterly as the present the quilts they have made for the many Veterans and Enlisted. If you or a loved on is interested in receiving a quilt please visit our bio for a link to the QOV website and fill out the request form.

On February 4, 1945, American forces liberated the Bilibid Prison in Manila, Philippines, rescuing hundreds of Prisoners...
02/04/2025

On February 4, 1945, American forces liberated the Bilibid Prison in Manila, Philippines, rescuing hundreds of Prisoners of War and civilian internees from Japanese internment.

Bilibid Prison, located in Manila, was originally built during the Spanish colonial period but was later used by the Japanese as a detention center for Allied POWs and civilians during their occupation of the Philippines (1942-1945). Many of the prisoners were American, British, and Dutch military personnel, along with Filipino resistance fighters and civilians.

As part of the Battle of Manila, the U.S. Army’s 37th Infantry Division advanced into the city.
By February 4, 1945, American troops reached Bilibid Prison and found that the Japanese had abandoned the prison just hours before their arrival.
The Americans freed approximately 800 POWs and civilian internees, including military personnel and missionaries.

Many of the liberated prisoners were in poor health due to malnutrition and mistreatment.
They were taken to medical facilities for treatment before being repatriated.
The liberation of Bilibid was part of the larger effort to free Manila from Japanese control, culminating in the Battle of Manila (February 3 - March 3, 1945).

The rescue was crucial in saving the lives of many POWs who might have otherwise been executed, as the Japanese often killed prisoners before retreating.
It was one of several key liberation missions, alongside the Raid at Cabanatuan (January 30, 1945) and the liberation of Santo Tomas Internment Camp (February 3, 1945).

For more information Please visit our website, link in bio.

We are observing and commemorating each of the raids, rescues, escapes that each took place in rapid succession in late ...
02/03/2025

We are observing and commemorating each of the raids, rescues, escapes that each took place in rapid succession in late January and early February of 1945. January 30, 2025 commemorated the 80th Anniversary of the raid and rescue at Cabanatuan, and today we honor those who were interned at Santo Tomas Prison.

On February 3, 1945, American forces launched a daring rescue operation to liberate over 3,700 civilian and military internees held by the Japanese at Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila, Philippines. The camp, housed within the University of Santo Tomas, had been a prison for Allied nationals since early 1942, subjecting them to brutality, abuse, disease, and starvation, as so many of our Prisoners of War faced.

With the Battle of Manila raging, the 1st Cavalry Division spearheaded the mission, racing nearly 100 miles from their landing at Lingayen Gulf to reach the prison before the Japanese could execute the captives. The reality of the atrocity at Palawan had finally reached U.S. Forces, causing fear and an extreme urgency to act before another massacre took place. Tanks from the 44th Tank Battalion smashed through the gates of Santo Tomas, while soldiers engaged the Japanese guards in fierce combat. After a tense standoff, the remaining Japanese defenders surrendered, and the internees were freed.

The rescue at Santo Tomas remains one of World War II’s most remarkable missions, showcasing the bravery with which U.S. forces acted to save innocent lives.

For More information, please visit our website.

Flags of Freedom: Honoring the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Our Bataan Prisoners of War, tells the harrowing st...
01/31/2025

Flags of Freedom: Honoring the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Our Bataan Prisoners of War, tells the harrowing story of survival, focusing on three flags we received and that now serve as part of our permanent collection. We received a clandestine American Flag that was secreted away by a group of Bataan Prisoners of War when they saw surrender was imminent. They worked together relentlessly to keep the flag hidden through the entirety of the Bataan Death March and throughout their internment.

Through the atrocity of the Bataan Death March erupts the daring story of Oscar Avery Cox a narrative of true unending patriotism in the face of unspeakable horrors and suffering, an adherence to a moral code of values and honor above and before all else, self-sacrifice, enduring brotherhood, and pride and honor. Oscar Avery Cox and three fellow POWs risked their lives to protect this worn American flag. Now On Display, for more information please visit our website, link is in our bio.

The New Mexico Military Museum will be closed today as we finish preparation for our exhibition, FLAGS OF FREEDOM, Comme...
01/29/2025

The New Mexico Military Museum will be closed today as we finish preparation for our exhibition, FLAGS OF FREEDOM, Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Our Bataan Prisoners of War. Exhibit opening January 30th at 5pm. Director Laureta Huit will discuss the significance of the Flag (pictured above) carried by PVT Oscar Avery Cox and 3 others as they endured the horrors and atrocity of the Bataan Death March. Joining her will be Author Hampton Sides, to discuss the 80th Anniversary of the Raid and Rescue of Prisoners of War at Cabanatuan Prison Camp. For more information see our link in Bio.

The New Mexico Military Museum is proud to present “Flags of Freedom: Honoring the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of...
01/10/2025

The New Mexico Military Museum is proud to present “Flags of Freedom: Honoring the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Our Bataan Prisoners of War.”

Opening Reception: January 30, 2025, at 5 P.M.

Featuring an exhibition discussion by Author Hampton Sides and Museum Director Laureta Huit.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of our Bataan Veterans. We will honor their freedom by commemorating key events: the raid at Cabanatuan in January and the Japanese surrender in September.

This exhibition reflects on the final year of internment for our Bataan Prisoners of War, highlighting rescues, raids, escapes, and their ultimate release.

We will tell this harrowing story by focusing on three flags we received and that are now a part of our permanent collection. We received a clandestine American Flag that was secreted away by a group of Bataan Prisoners of War when they saw surrender was imminent and kept hidden through the entirety of The Bataan Death March and throughout their internment. Please see our link in bio for more details.

We are working on our New Exhibit and we are Under construction. “Flags of Freedom,” opens January 30, 2025 at 5pm. Ou...
01/06/2025

We are working on our New Exhibit and we are Under construction. “Flags of Freedom,” opens January 30, 2025 at 5pm. Our hours will shift over the next few weeks for visitor and object safety. For any questions about hours of operation call (505) 372-9738. Thank you!

Wishing you and your family a very safe and happy New Year!! The New Mexico Military Museum will be closed tomorrow Janu...
01/01/2025

Wishing you and your family a very safe and happy New Year!! The New Mexico Military Museum will be closed tomorrow January 1, 2025. We will reopen January 2nd at 10am. We look forward to continuing to serve our Veteran and enlisted communities around the state. Best Wishes!! ✨✨🇺🇸✨✨

The New Mexico Military Museum will be close Tuesday December 24th and Wednesday December 25th for Christmas Eve and Chr...
12/24/2024

The New Mexico Military Museum will be close Tuesday December 24th and Wednesday December 25th for Christmas Eve and Christmas. We will reopen Thursday December 26th at 10am. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!

A look in the collection, a letter home for Christmas in 1941. Many soldiers still spend Christmas deployed. To them, an...
12/23/2024

A look in the collection, a letter home for Christmas in 1941. Many soldiers still spend Christmas deployed. To them, and all Military Personnel and Veterans, and everyone else, MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

The New Mexico Military Museum will be closed today from 11am to 1:30pm for staff holiday celebration. Thank you for yo...
12/19/2024

The New Mexico Military Museum will be closed today from 11am to 1:30pm for staff holiday celebration. Thank you for your understanding and 🎄Merry Christmas!! 🎄

On this day, 80 years ago, one of the most significant battles of World War II began—the Battle of the Bulge. Taking pla...
12/16/2024

On this day, 80 years ago, one of the most significant battles of World War II began—the Battle of the Bulge. Taking place from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, this historic battle was Adolf Hitler’s last major offensive on the Western Front.

In the freezing forests of Belgium and Luxembourg, German forces launched a surprise attack, creating a “bulge” in the Allied front lines. The goal? Divide the Allies, capture key supply ports, and turn the tide of the war. But the Allies, led by generals like George S. Patton, refused to back down. Despite brutal conditions and initial losses, they regrouped and pushed the German forces back.

The battle was the largest fought by the U.S. Army in WWII, involving over 600,000 American troops. Tragically, more than 19,000 American soldiers gave their lives, but their bravery and resilience helped ensure the ultimate defeat of N**i Germany.

Today, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. As we commemorate its 80th anniversary, let’s reflect on how their determination in one of history’s darkest moments helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

For more information please see our link in bio.

Happy Birthday to the National Guard! 🇺🇸✨Today, we celebrate 387 years of courage, dedication, and service to our nation...
12/13/2024

Happy Birthday to the National Guard! 🇺🇸✨

Today, we celebrate 387 years of courage, dedication, and service to our nation and communities. From protecting our homeland to serving abroad, the National Guard has been a steadfast force since 1636.

To all the soldiers and airmen who selflessly answer the call — thank you for your commitment, sacrifice, and strength. You are truly the backbone of our nation’s security.

REMINDER: Our Christmas Card work shop will be this Saturday December 14, 2024 starting at 1PM. This is a free workshop...
12/11/2024

REMINDER: Our Christmas Card work shop will be this Saturday December 14, 2024 starting at 1PM. This is a free workshop with supplies/refreshments included and all ages are welcome. Cards will be crafted and sent to The New Mexico State Veterans Home. We will also be showing the Army-Navy game in our theater. To register please see our link in bio.

We will be showing the Army-Navy game this Saturday December 14, 2024 at 1PM during our Holiday Card Marking event. The...
12/11/2024

We will be showing the Army-Navy game this Saturday December 14, 2024 at 1PM during our Holiday Card Marking event. The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic rivalries in college football and a cherished American tradition. Played annually since 1890, this matchup between the U.S. Military Academy (Army) and the U.S. Naval Academy (Navy) symbolizes the camaraderie, service, and sacrifice of the armed forces. It’s more than a game—it’s a celebration of national pride and military excellence. Please join us, make cards for our Veterans and enjoy the game.

“…December 7, 1941-a date which will live in Infamy…”- President Franklin D RooseveltToday we commemorate those who lost...
12/07/2024

“…December 7, 1941-a date which will live in Infamy…”
- President Franklin D Roosevelt
Today we commemorate those who lost their lives when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on this day in 1941. 2,343 in total lost their lives, 1,177 aboard the USS Arizona. Of the 1,177, 7 sailors were from New Mexico with two of them being brothers. May they rest in peace.

Address

1050 Old Pecos Trail
Santa Fe, NM
87505

Telephone

+15054761479

Website

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On this Giving Tuesday, please help New Mexico Military Museum Foundation, Inc. support the New Mexico Military Museum in developing, promoting, and enhancing the programs of the New Mexico Military Museum. LINK IN COMMENTS. #givingtuesday #militaryhistory #newmexicomilitarymuseum #nmmilitarymuseum #newmexico #santafe

Medal of Honor recipient SSG Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura
Medal of Honor recipient SSG Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura

Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, a New Mexico native who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Korean War, spoke to the New Mexico Military Museum in his home in Gallup and spoke to a group of U.S. Navy Seabees. During his talk, Hershey recounted his time in service, from completing basic training during WWII to his time as a prisoner of war in the Korean War. He also shared his best advice for young servicemen and women.

Medal of Honor recipient SSG Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura
Medal of Honor recipient SSG Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura

Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, a New Mexico native who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Korean War, spoke to the New Mexico Military Museum in his home in Gallup before his last speech to the U.S. Navy Seabees. Hershey recounted his time in service during his talk, from completing basic training during WWII to his time as a prisoner of war in the Korean War. He also shared his best advice for young servicemen and women.

Come see our World War I exhibit at the New Mexico Military Museum! Open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

New Mexico National Guard Museum
New Mexico National Guard Museum

A video tribute to the New Mexico National Guard's 'Legacy of Honor'... Siempre Adelante!!! Come visit the museum and share the experience with your family. Special thanks to Vinny Stenerson for his work on this video.

World War II Living History Event
World War II Living History Event

Join us for the First World War II Living History Event New Mexico National Guard will be hosting a WWII living history weekend at our Museum located at 1050 Old Pecos Trail Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505. The event will be Friday, May 13, 2016 from 1-4 pm, and Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 9am-6pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the New Mexico National Guard Museum as well as tour a WWII period camp, complete with weapons and vehicles. Both Allied and Axis reenactors will be on hand to talk about life during World War Two for the soldiers of both sides. Our partners, the Children’s museum and the CCA, will also be participating. The CCA will be showing 1940’s era movies to include “Mrs. Miniver” and “Hail the Conquering Hero”. There is no admission fee. FREE and Open to the Public Parking will be at St. Johns Church 1200 Old Pecos Trail.

SGT Fiorito of the New Mexico National Guard Medical Detachment served on the flag detail for today's 74th Anniversary of the Fall of #Bataan ceremony here.

An interview with three young patriots, children's of a currently serving New Mexico National Guard soldier, MSG Davis. Their thoughts follow the 74th Anniversary of the Fall of #Bataan ceremony here.

Col. Kenneth Nava, Chief of Staff of the New Mexico National Guard presents some remarks during the 74th Anniversary of the Fall of #Bataan ceremony here. (Part two of two)

Col. Kenneth Nava, Chief of Staff of the New Mexico National Guard presents some remarks during the 74th Anniversary of the Fall of #Bataan ceremony here. (Part one of two)

A 21 gun salute is performed by the New Mexico National Guard during the 74th Anniversary of the Fall of #Bataan ceremony here.

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ABOUT US

The primary goal of the New Mexico Military Museum will be to discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge about New Mexico’s military history. This museum will seek to strengthen public understanding of how conflicts have shaped the state of New Mexico as well as the national experience.

​By documenting, preserving, and exhibiting the stories of war through our collections, we hope that we may begin a dialogue with the community about how wartime efforts have shaped the state of New Mexico and the world-at-large.