American Armed Forces’ history is on display at Motts Military Museum in Groveport, Ohio.
Exhibits at Motts are teaching opportunities – and ways to preserve the memories of all who served in the United States military. The items displayed are a reminder of the price paid for freedom and the sacrifices put forth by servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
Motts’ collections include some rare relics from the American Revolution and the Civil War, plus extensive collections from World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm.
Perhaps one of the most talked-about exhibits Motts has is an historically accurate, full-scale replica of the boyhood home of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, a decorated WWI aviator and hero. Rickenbacker memorabilia is on display throughout the house.
Also catching the eye of Motts visitors are the displays about NASA, our nation’s space program, including several items from astronaut Ellison Onizuka – who was killed in the 1986 Challenger Shuttle accident, and the actual Lunar Module logbook from Apollo 13.
Motts’ collection of medals contains military decorations of servicemembers and the stories behind the medals. For example, Motts has a Purple Heart which was awarded posthumously to Ted W. Cossin, who died in the Korean War.
There’s an exhibit dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen, an elite group of African-American military aviators and mechanics whose service to America during WWII also helped pave the way for racial integration in the U.S. Armed Forces that followed later.
Another section of the museum is dedicated to exhibits that help tell the stories of former POWs, with the goal of educating the public about the experiences of Americans held in captivity.
Future exhibits will include Motts’ large collection of Holocaust memorabilia and its extensive collection of 9/11 artifacts from the former site of the World Trade Center, and from the Pentagon.
WHAT: Motts Military Museum
WHERE: Groveport, Ohio
WHEN: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (call for holiday hours)
FEE: Adults – $10; Seniors and veterans with ID – $8; Student – $5; Children 5 and younger – Free
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.mottsmilitarymuseum.org or call (614) 836-1500
This story was originally published in the May Auxiliary magazine.
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
