Location(s)

The Pennsylvania Military Museum

Route 322, Main Street

Boalsburg, PA

This Museum and the surround grounds are in the center of Boalsburg, PA. It is not just a Museum, the area is an historic site in itself. Right across the street is old Boalburg Cenetery. Local tradition holds that this is the birth place of Memorial Day.

Please follow this link for the story of how Memorial Day was first observed in Boalsburg in the fall of 1864:

 http://www.boalsburgcentral.com/memorial.pdf

The Museum grounds have many historic armor vehicles from World World II. Inside the Museum, you will find more military vehicles, includling a World War I tank.  

The Military Museum is also the home of the 28th Division shrine.

The 28th Infantry Division is the "Oldest Division in the Armed Forces of the United States".  The Office of the Chief of Military History certified that General Order No. 1, dated March 12, 1879, officially established the Division.

Revolutionary War Days - Elements of the Division can trace their histories back to 1747, when Benjamin Franklin organized his battalion of "Associators" in Philadelphia. Other Pennsylvania units of the 28th Infantry Division had their beginnings in the Revolutionary War. Troop A, 1st Squadron , 104th Cavalry, was organized on Nov. 17 , 1774. The 109th Artillery Regiment was formed Oct. 17 , 1775 as the 24th Connecticut Militia. Both units served with distinction in General George Washington's Continental Army during the war.

There are a number of events that are held on the Museum grounds throughout the summer months. In addition to Memorial Day Observance, The People's Choice Arts Festival, and several auto shows are held on the grounds. There are activities throughout the year at the Museum and/or on the Museum grounds. Follow this link to see everything that is scheduled for 2007:

http://www.boalsburgcentral.com/specialevents.html

The Museum grounds are a pleasant family experience for a leisurely walk, or to have a picnic. Portions of Spring Creek run through the grounds and make for a nice day out. Boalsburg Historic Village is directly across the street from the Museum grounds, including Boal Mansion and Columbus Chapel, and Duffy's Tavern. Boalsburg is a charming little town just a few miles from Penn State University. Don't miss it!