About the Library & Museum

A history presented by our president Ron Crisman

Dear Friend:

Since its founding in the 1970's, the Vermont National Guard Library and Museum has made tremendous strides in preserving our state's proud military heritage. The collection has grown from a few items to a large facility and grounds housing many one-of-a-kind items, including vehicles, tanks, and several aircraft.

Through the efforts of dedicated volunteers, we have successfully moved and "recycled" old buildings, remodeling them into first-class exhibit space. We occupy a premier location at the entrance to Camp Johnson in Colchester and are open to the general public plus special events for private groups with an interest in learning or promoting military history.

Some of the exhibits currently on display include a variety of vehicles and Vermont militia uniforms going back to the 18th century. We also have War of 1812, Civil War, World War One & Two, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm artifacts for all to see. The Hall of Heroes includes uniforms and displays from several Vermonters, such as our state's first 4-Star General, Wallace M. Greene, Jr. – 23rd Commandant of the USMC.

The World War One exhibit is complete with the restored "40 & 8" railroad car given to the people of Vermont by France for our state's efforts and losses in the trenches of Europe. A captured WWI German cannon, various weaponry, uniforms, and amazing large-scale model planes all enhance this unique exhibit.

Work on Phase III was just completed and for the first time since 1914, the massive 1888 Civil War painting by Vermont artist Charles Hardin Andrus of Enosburg has been placed on permanent display. At 17' by 28', "Sheridan's Ride" was the largest oil painting in North America at the time of its completion in 1900. The scene depicts General Phil Sheridan galloping onto the field of battle at Cedar Creek, Virginia on October 19, 1864 as he rallies the Vermont troops who then quickly turn the tide of battle and save the day for the Union.

All of these tremendous advances have been accomplished through the efforts of a small group of dedicated volunteers. From 1996 when we moved to the current location, we have expanded, recycled and built a large complex through thousands of hours of volunteer labor, donated materials, and contributions. Just to complete the new wing, known as "Phase III," it has taken over three years of continual volunteer labor.

Future plans call for an expanded library for our vast collection of written materials and shelter for some of our unique wheeled and tracked military vehicles dating from the Spanish-American War.

We want to invite you to visit the museum and strongly encourage you to volunteer a small piece of your time to help us expand our hours and reach out to the public more effectively. Vermont has a strong and important military history that you can help to ensure is never forgotten.

If you can volunteer time or skills, please call us. Currently, we are open only on Tuesday due to a lack of volunteers but the dream is expand to three days per week. We continually expand through the donations of artifacts – please consider us before disposing of old uniforms, documents, etc.

If you have skills that can help the museum to grow, please volunteer. We have needs as diverse as changing the oil in one of our Jeeps to painting aircraft to carpentry to creating new displays. Computer skills are always welcome.

If you have an interest in military history, here is a chance for you to step forward. Volunteer time, become a member, donate artifacts, and/or help with funding with your fully tax deductible contributions. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Ron Crisman
President

All donations are fully tax deductible under IRS 501(c)(3)

The mission of the Vermont National Guard Library and Museum is to collect, preserve, manage, interpret, and exhibit the Heritage of the Vermont National Guard, both Army and Air Force, and the overall military heritage of the State of Vermont and its Veterans of all military services.  In accomplishing this mission, the museum functions as a resource to both the military and civilian communities for education/training, primarily through standing and temporary exhibitions, and for research.

The Vermont National Guard Library and Museum is operated and maintained in accordance with Department of the Army and National Guard Bureau Regulations (AR 870-20 and NGR 870-20).  To assist with the operations of the Museum, The Adjutant General, Vermont National Guard has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, as approved by the Director, Center of Military History, Department of the Army, with the Vermont Veterans Militia Museum & Library, Inc., a Not for Profit Membership Organization Incorporated by the State of Vermont and functioning under a 501(c) (3) determination issued by the Federal Internal Revenue Service.  The Vermont Veterans Militia Museum & Library, Inc., is governed by a Board of Directors in accordance with published by-laws.

The museum is maintained and staffed by volunteers. 

The Museum operates under, and is recognized by, the IRS as an educational tax exempt 501(c) (3) organization.  Gifts are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  The museum receives no government funds for its day-to-day operations and relies on the generosity of its visitors and supporters.  Donations of any kind or value are, of course, always welcome and are truly appreciated!