This blog will take you through a tour of the museum and explain what you’re able to see there along with some interesting facts about itself and its otherworldly collection. You can explore the museum at 4125 Cleveland Ave #1755, Fort Myers, FL 33901.
The History of the Museum and Library
The Southwest Florida Military Museum and Library is the result of a collaboration between the National Veterans Foundation, the City of Venice,the Venice Area Historical Society, and the Southwest Florida Military Museum Foundation. It was formed to provide a home for these collections and to ensure they were preserved for generations to come. In 2015, the Southwest Florida Military Museum and Library opened to the public.
What to Expect at the Museum
As you browse the museum, keep in mind that most of the exhibits here were never on display to the public before. And while many were acquired through private donations, others were obtained through the cooperation of the military or federal agencies and are considered to be federal records. As such, they are not allowed to be viewed or copied by the public. In terms of the physical layout of the museum, Check it out here it is divided into two major wings. The first is dedicated to the Coast Guard and the second is dedicated to the Air Force.
Tour of the Museum and Library
We recommend that you visit the museum yourself to get a better understanding of everything that’s on display. First, we start in the lobby of the museum. Here, you can find a large map of the layout of the museum and some information about the various rooms that make up the museum. Next, we head up the stairs into the first floor lobby of the museum. This is where you’ll find a gift shop and information about the rest of the museum. The main entrance to the museum is on the first floor of the building and leads you into the grand entrance lobby. For this tour, we’re heading up the grand staircase, which is on the left as you walk in the door.
Home to a Rare Military History Collection
The museum and library are home to some of the most rare and interesting military history artifacts in the world. We’ll start by going through the collections that are private property. These include pieces such as a painting of the USS Monitor, which was the first ironclad ship to serve in the U.S. Navy. The Monitor served in the Battle of the Virginia Capes on the Eastern Seaboard during the Civil War. The painting is owned by the National Society of the Naval Reserve and was donated to the museum by its board of directors. It is a very rare piece and is extremely rare to find at a commercial museum! Another rare piece that is on display at the museum is a document signed by General George Washington. This is a signed copy of the Convention of Peace and Friendship between the United States and the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. Check this out, The treaty was signed on October 24, 1777, and is a very rare piece of early American history.
Final Words
The Southwest Florida Military Museum and Library is home to military history and artifacts that are as rare as they are eye-opening. Founded in 2015, the museum houses over 8,000 artifacts from over 100 different collections. The vast majority of this material has never been displayed or on display before the public.