American Legion Turned Into Military History Museum
In a remarkable transformation, an American Legion in Northumberland County has been turned into a military history museum, paying tribute to area soldiers from all wars. This unique initiative not only preserves the rich military heritage of the region but also serves as a vital educational resource for future generations. However, with this significant endeavor comes a pressing concern: who will eventually take care of the thousands of pieces of memorabilia for future generations?
A Rich Collection of Military History
Visit any American Legion in NEPA (Northeastern Pennsylvania), and you’ll see bits of military history hanging on the walls, but at American Legion Post 73 in Shamokin, the number of items on display is astonishing. The collection includes thousands of artifacts ranging from historic photos to military uniforms, each telling a story of bravery and sacrifice.
The initiative to create this museum-style display can be traced back to veteran Roger Alleman. Years ago, he began collecting items from his tour of duty in Vietnam, driven by a desire to honor the experiences of those who served. Over time, family and friends contributed artifacts they found in garages and basements, further enriching the collection with pieces from local soldiers who also fought in Southeast Asia.
Roger Alleman believes preserving military history is crucial, especially for young visitors. “That’s history. We like it when the kids come in, even the older kids. They get to see what went on,” he remarked. His passion for educating the younger generation highlights the importance of keeping military history alive.
A Commander's Vision
Enter Stephen Miller, the commander of Post 73, who has taken a significant interest in developing this collection into one of the largest military history displays in Pennsylvania. He emphasizes the importance of the artifacts, which range from photos of the Spanish-American War Monument dedication in Shamokin to medals and uniforms that represent the sacrifices made by local soldiers.
“There are so many guys from the area that served. Mt. Carmel, Shamokin, Coal Township, Treverton, Kulpmont. The whole surrounding area. The coal region,” stated Miller. His dedication to preserving this local military history underscores the importance of community involvement in keeping these stories alive.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the commendable efforts, American Legion Post 73 is at a critical juncture. Maintaining the museum is not an easy task, and Stephen Miller does most of the hard labor himself. “I just re-did all the floors. I painted the hallways, the floors, and two rooms back there. It took months,” noted Miller. The labor-intensive upkeep of the museum showcases the dedication of those involved, but it also highlights the challenges faced by local posts.
Like many American Legion posts, membership is down, and there aren’t enough people to manage the day-to-day operations. Miller is concerned about the future of the museum and suggests that it’s possible another legion could eventually take over the responsibility. For now, both Miller and Alleman remain committed to honoring every Shamokin veteran they come across, ensuring their stories are told.
Accessibility and Future Plans
Currently, the museum is located on the second floor of Post 73, which poses accessibility challenges for disabled veterans and visitors. To address this issue, the post has applied for a grant to buy an elevator, allowing all individuals to experience the rich military history on display.
The transformation of this American Legion into a military history museum is not only a commendable project but also a vital one. It stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by local veterans and offers an educational resource for the community. The efforts of Roger Alleman and Stephen Miller exemplify the spirit of the American Legion and the importance of preserving military history for future generations.
For those interested in learning more about this project, visiting the museum, or supporting the ongoing efforts, you can find more information on the Pennsylvania American Legion website and at Post 73. Together, we can ensure that the stories of our veterans are not only remembered but also celebrated for years to come.
