West Haven Veterans Museum & Learning Center

10/25/2022

At the WHVM we have a display honoring James Gilbert, the only soldier from West Haven declared MIA during WWII

10/17/2022

10/08/2022

Another new display at the museum - a soldier representing the 29th CT Regiment, an all-black volunteer infantry regiment that organized in New Haven in 1863. There were over 1,000 soldiers in the regiment at one point. There is a monument to the 29th Regiment at the corner of James and Chapel Streets at Criscuolo Park in New Haven.

10/01/2022

New to the museum: a WWI 101st Engineers mannequin which has a period issue backpack made in 1918. We are looking for a WWI Springfield 03 bayonet scabbard to hang off the side of the backpack. He also has a WWI era engineers compass hanging next to the medal on his pocket 🇺🇸

09/24/2022

September 25, 2022 is Gold Star Mother’s Day. Started during WWI, the award commemorates the tragic death of a family member in the military who perished in the line of duty. The WHVM has a display honoring Matthew Nastri, who lived in West Haven. Matthew served in the U.S. Army 1943-1945. He was killed in action in Germany, having been hit by machine gun fire in May 1945. Matthew was buried in Holland and later his body was brought back to the United States to be interred in St. Lawrence Cemetery in West Haven. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal.

09/13/2022

Meetings & Tours - The Civil War Round Table of the District of Columbia

Join museum member Irving Moy on Sept 14 for this interesting online presentation on the life of Civil War soldier Joseph Pierce:

“An American Journey: The Life and Times of Joseph Pierce,” presentation by IRVING MOY

A common misconception of the Civil War is that it was fought exclusively by white Anglo-Saxons. But many ethnic groups took part in this great struggle. Few people are aware that the Chinese were among them and the highest-ranking was Corporal Joseph Pierce, a member of Co. F, 14th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry.

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022

6:00 pm ET: Social Period
6:30 pm ET: Business Agenda
6:45 pm ET: Presentation

Learn more:
https://cwrtdc-meetings.blogspot.com/?fbclid=IwAR2XXkK81tankqGh2r2MqG5KC6jIyZYuOuu0ufs8f0zza4emYqsTQz5s3M4

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)Meeting ID: 828 9304 8523Passcode: 24641769

09/10/2022

A brand new display at the museum honoring the memory of Frank Carrano who was the founder of the 102nd Infantry Regiment Museum, which later became the West Haven Veterans Museum and Learning Center 🇺🇸

09/03/2022

On this date in 1945, Japanese forces in the Philippines surrendered to the Allies 🇺🇸 This is the wing of a downed Japanese zero plane that was used to track the success of the 211th Anti-aircraft Artillery Battalion with many soldiers from the Branford area.

08/28/2022

Everyday is Veterans Day at the West Haven Veterans Museum and Learning Center - come check us out!
🇺🇸🪖

08/21/2022

We have been building new display areas and in the process of rearranging several exhibits. Come check us out!! 🇺🇸

08/13/2022

The West Haven Veterans Museum will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC on Saturday, 8/20/22. Come check us out soon!!

08/06/2022

August 7th is The anniversary of the establishment of the Purple Heart. It was created by George Washington in 1782 to be awarded for meritorious service. At the beginning of WWII, General MacArthur authorized the presentation of the Purple Heart be made to all soldiers wounded or killed in action.

07/30/2022

We are having a life-size replica of Sgt. Stubby created which should be ready this fall. Stay tuned!!

07/23/2022

We have created a new display of painted helmets of the 26th Division from WWI 🇺🇸

07/18/2022

Shelton’s Eagle Monument swooping into Veterans Memorial Park

Shelton is working to consolidate its veterans memorials downtown

The monument’s move is among a host of plans the city’s Veterans Memorial Committee...

07/17/2022

Things are going to be heating up over the next week 🥵 Visit the West Haven Veterans Museum in air conditioned comfort! 🇺🇸

07/09/2022

The Thresher, the first of a class of U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarines, was launched on this date in 1960. The Thresher sank in 1963 in the nation's worst submarine accident.

07/02/2022

Connecticut Summer at the Museum program has started for many museums throughout Connecticut to allow children under the age of 18 to visit local museums for free. The West Haven Veterans Museum and Learning Center is free EVERYDAY to children and adults alike! Happy 4th of July weekend!

06/30/2022

June 29, 2022, Herschel "Woody" Williams, USMC, passed away. He was the last living recipient of the Medal of Honor from WWII. Woody was a Chief Warrant Officer and was part of the 1st Battalion 21st Marine Regiment 3rd Marine Division. He served 1943-45, 1948-49 and 1954-69. Woody was in the Battle of Guam and Iwo Jima. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he was also awarded a Purple Heart. Rest in peace, Woody.

06/25/2022

June 25, 1950, the Korean War began. Come explore our full-sized Korean bunker, as well as other interesting displays of military history.

06/14/2022

The symbol of this great nation - long may she wave! 🇺🇸

05/28/2022

Remembrance ceremony for departed members

05/21/2022

The West Haven Veterans Museum was present at the flag raising at Fort Nathan Hale and Black Rock Fort today on Armed Forces Day 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

05/20/2022

Dedication Of Brick Veterans Walk Of Honor To Take Place In West Haven

More progress in honoring West Haven's veterans

The 14th phase of the brick Veterans Walk of Honor will be dedicated in the seaside ceremony. All veterans are invited to participate.

05/14/2022

The Women's Army Corps was the women's branch of the United States Army. It was created as an auxiliary unit, the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps on May 15, 1942. Dorothea Ganter of Forest Road, West Haven, was a member who was sent to Texas to help with the work of opening the new administrative school of the WAACS.

05/07/2022

May 8 is recognized as Victory in Europe Day, abbreviated to V-E Day in the U.S., to celebrate the formal acceptance by the Allies of WWII of Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces.

04/30/2022

We have recently acquired a painted helmet of the 101st Field Signal Battalion of the 26th Division of WWI (on the left). This is the 12th addition to our collection of painted helmets from this era. We hope to acquire every painted helmet from the 26th Division - 8 more to go!

04/23/2022

We have a new display featuring James F. Potter who was born in South Meriden. He enlisted in July 1917 and served in the 2nd Division-9th Infantry, Company H. James participated in the battles of Bella Woods, Chateau Thierry and Soissons, where he was wounded on July 19, 1918, causing the loss of his leg.

04/15/2022

The museum will be closed on Saturday, April 16, for the holiday weekend

03/29/2022

Mark Matthiessen Vietnam Patch Blanket HD 720p

Today, as we celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day, be sure to listen to the very moving speech by Mark Matthiessen who created a Vietnam patch blanket. His creation was dedicated at the WHVM on Saturday, 3/26/22, with many of Mark’s family, friends and co-workers from the WH VA Medical Center in attendance, as well as many veterans. General Gerald Lukowski, from the Adjutant General’s office, participated, as well as Mayor Rossi, State Representative Dorinda Borer and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. We encourage everyone to come see this fantastic exhibit!
https://youtu.be/Heyu1vo2Dr0

Speech by Mark Matthiessen at the unveiling of his Vietnam Patch Blanket at the West Haven Veterans Museum, March 26, 2022.

03/29/2022

Tuesday marks National Vietnam War Veterans Day

On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we pause to honor those who served and sacrificed

On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, communities around the U.S. will pay tribute to Vietnam veterans and their families on National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

03/26/2022

Full house as we dedicate a patch blanket honoring our Vietnam veterans

03/19/2022

Please join us! On Saturday, March 26th, we will be debuting a new exhibit - a Vietnam Patch Blanket created by Mark Matthiessen. We will be having a dedication starting at 12:00 noon followed by a light reception. Please RSVP if you will be attending by email at [email protected] or leave a message at 203-934-1111. Hope to see you there!

03/07/2022

Image: Female WWII Pilots: The Original Fly Girls : NPR

During the month of March, Women's History Month, we will be highlighting the contributions of heroic women in the service. There were 25,000 women who applied to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) program. Only 1,800 were accepted into the program and just over 1,000 graduated in 1944. They were all civilian volunteers, and flew almost every type of military aircraft - including the B-26 and B-29 bombers. They ferried new planes long distances from factories to military bases all across the country. In total, the WASP flew over 60 million miles and 38 of them made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for their country. The WASP expected to become part of the military during their service, but the program was canceled after just two years. They weren't granted military status until the 1970's.

Found on Google from www.npr.org

02/26/2022

We have a new display of a WWI Marine tunic and helmet. During WWI the Marines were attached to the Second Division. They fought in France alongside the Army. This tunic has a nice Second Division patch, discharge stripe, overseas stripes and a wound stripe. Come check it out as well as our other fine displays!

02/20/2022

Happy Presidents Day! 🇺🇸

02/10/2022

The West Haven Veterans Museum is now open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10AM until 2PM. Come visit us or call to set up a private tour (203-934-1111).🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

02/04/2022

We're reopening on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 10am. We're looking forward to seeing you and sharing the stories of our veterans!

01/16/2022

Although we are closed to the public this month, due to the pandemic, the staff have not been completely idle. Several members have been revising and adding to our Vietnam display. Come check it out when we re open on February 5th! 🇺🇸

01/08/2022

Thank a veteran for their service - they can never hear it enough 🇺🇸

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Pfc. Lawrence Brooks, today. At 112 years old, he was our oldest surviving WWII Veteran in the country.

We are grateful for his service.🇺🇸 https://bit.ly/3JN2jl1