Part of our in-depth series exploring the forts of Comancheria
The Frontier Army Museum
Fort Leavenworth Kansas. The original collection began in 1939 when the wagon shop at Fort Leavenworth closed and the horse-drawn vehicles were relocated and called the "Old Rolling Wheels Museum". In 1960, the Museum was officially recognized as an Army Museum and has continued to preserve one of the finest collections of nineteenth century military artifacts in the country. The Museum exhibits material culture of Frontier Army soldiers who served west of the Mississippi River between 1804 and 1917. The Museum is free and open to the public Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sun. and Federal Holidays 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Easter.
Tours and Information
Guided tours can be scheduled by calling 913-684-3186. For information regarding research, administrative information, or general information please call 913-684-3767 or e-mail [email protected]
Collections
The museum collection of over five thousand items consists of weapons, uniforms, equipment, and vehicles used by Frontier Army soldiers as well as many Fort Leavenworth related items. Two of the premier pieces are the 1832 General Officer Coat worn by General Henry Leavenworth and a Curtiss JN4D aircraft, of the type used by General Pershing during the "Punitive Expedition" into Mexico. For information about the collection or to inquire about a donation e-mail [email protected]
Exhibits
The Fort Leavenworth gallery highlights the importance of Fort Leavenworth's role in the exploration and expansion of the nation throughout the nineteenth century as well as its continuing role in soldier education. The Museum's main gallery highlights the efforts of the Frontier Army in exploration, expansion and protection of the Trans-Mississippi West from the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804) to the chase of Pancho Villa by General John Pershing (1916). The museum offers a unique look at the tools of soldiering used throughout this time period.
The Frontier Army Living History Association
The Frontier Army Living History Association provides living history programs for the Fort Leavenworth Community and throughout the Midwest. These men and women preserve military history by portraying army life of the 1840's from the soldiers perspective. The group has mounted Dragoons, Infantry, and Laundresses. For information about the living history program e-mail [email protected]
The Friends of the Frontier Army Museum (formerly the Musettes)
This group of volunteers has been helping support the museum programs for over twenty years. Active in all aspects of the museum, the Friends of the Frontier Army Museum raise money for artifact purchases, new exhibits and provide a volunteer staff second to none. For information about about "Friends" please call 913-684-3186.
Fort Leavenworth Historical Society
Operating since 1955, the Fort Leavenworth Historical Society protects and shares National history and the heritage of the U.S. Army. The Society sponsors monthly history programs as well as operating the Museum Gift Shop. If you would like more information, please call Randy Mullis at 913-684-3348 or Rich Barbuto at 913-684-2074. The Gift Shop can be contacted at 913-651-7440.
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