Pennsylvania Military Museum

Museum and the 28th Division Shrine P.O. Box 160A, Business Rt. 322
Boalsburg, PA (814) 466-6263 Web site

The Pennsylvania Military Museum, Home of the Brave!

The Pennsylvania Military Museum recounts the story of Commonwealth citizens who served our country in defense of the nation. Their service is highlighted through exhibits and artifacts that are documented by the museum's excellent collection of vehicles and small arms.

First opened on Memorial Day 1969, the museum is adjacent to the Shrine of the 28th Infantry Division, the Pennsylvania National Guard. The grounds of the shrine and museum were once part of the estate of Theodore Davis Boal, a wealthy landowner and prominent citizen of the Centre Region. Boal raised a private militia that trained on these grounds and served overseas with the 28th Division during World War I. After the war, the training camp became an officers club and the division began to hold yearly reunions on the grounds. Monuments commemorating service and sacrifice were built and dedicated and the site eventually became the shrine it is today.

Appropriately located in Boalsburg, the birthplace of Memorial Day, the eye-catching colorful front façade design of the museum represents military service ribbons that actually required Pentagon approval. It had also won an award by the American Institute of Architects. This impressive site is a proud landmark of Boalsburg residents and the Happy Valley region, at large. The Pennsylvania Military Museum is many things to the many visitors it enjoys all year: a wonderful place for quiet reflection, a peaceful environment to walk a dog, the safest place to learn to ride a bike, the perfect picnic spot on the lawn or under a pavilion, and host to many patriotic celebrations and remembrances, as well as, an annual arts festival.

The Friends of the Pennsylvania Military Museum organization is a statewide group of community members who have taken a personal interest in helping to expand the reach of the programs and to encourage awareness of such activities. The money raised through membership dues and purchases in the unique Gift Shop support special acquisitions, events and promotion on behalf of the Museum. Friends members are entitled to free museum admission for the member year and a 25% discount in the bookstore/gift shop. You can obtain membership information by email, or by calling 814-466-6263.

The Friends sponsor the Military History Speakers Series - a monthly lecture event that highlights the personal, technical and tactical aspects of military conflict throughout the ages. Events are held in the Museum Auditorium at 7:30 PM and admission is free. See the 2010 calendar below for dates!

Mark your Calendars with 2011 Events!

January 15 – DOCUMENTARY FILM: “You Enter Germany – Bloody Huertgen and the Siegfried Line” Between September 1944 and February 1945 thirteen U.S. Army divisions fought for control of a 50 square mile area of dense forest along the German border.  This battle was the longest single battle in American history and largest defeat of the U.S. Army in Europe.  This 2007 German production tells that story with veteran’s interviews and never before seen archival footage. (104 minutes). Donation Requested $$- 2:00 p.m.  *Annual

March 13 - CHARTER DAY - Museum reopens to the public with FREE ADMISSION on this date to commemorate the granting of the Charter from Charles II to William Penn which founded “Penn’s Woods” in 1681.   *Annual  NOTE: Museum hours are Wednesday thru Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday Noon to 4pm; Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.  Open on all summer hoildays.  

April thru November - EXHIBIT: "Religion and Conflict"  The impact of religion upon a world at war will be explored in this PHMC yearly theme display.  Special exhibit labels will discuss the organization of the U.S. chaplaincy corps, religious and mystical symbology, the rationalization of warfare through religious beliefs and the impact of faith through the spirituality of individuals throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.  Museum admission required to view exhibit.

April TBD - LECTURE The Central Pennsylvania Civil War Roundtable Presents:    7:00 p.m.

April 16 & 17 - BATTERY B DRILL WEEKEND - The Civil War Era re-enactment group of the 3rd Pennsylvania Volunteers will encamp on the museum grounds demonstrating the loading and firing of replica period artillery pieces while they conduct  their yearly safety qualifying session and recruitment drive.  Interested persons of all ages are invited to enlist. Noon till 4pm    *Annual

May 8 - Bridge of Hope Mother's Day Walk - Join us on this date as we walk the parade grounds of the 28th Infantry Division's National Shrine in support of fund raising for single, homeless mothers in Centre County.  1pm to 5pm.  Please call 814-466-6156 for more information.

May 15 - A CELEBRATION OF SERVICE: HONORING PENNSYLVANIA VETERANS - U.S. Army reunion and memorial service sponsored by the Pennsylvania National Guard commemorating the Pennsylvanian Citizen Soldier.  Activities include a military band concert, distinguished speaker, helicopter/vehicle displays and a twenty-one-gun, 105mm howitzer battery salute.  Call ahead for itinerary.  Hours – 12:30pm to 3pm.  This is an AW (All Weather) event - Rain or Shine.  *Annual

May 28 & 29 - "WORLD WAR II REVISITED" - American and German WWII reenactors will bivouac on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum portraying field life in the European Theater of Operations, 1944-45.  A small squad tactical demonstration against German opposition is scheduled for 1pm each day.  Bivouac and tactical open to the public 10am till 4pm.  This is an AW (All Weather) event - Rain or Shine.  *Annual

May 28 - SERVICE CANTEEN - Dan and Galla will celebrate America by entertaining the troops at the World War II Revisited Bivouac on the grounds of the museum.  This special USO style show will highlight the WWII era with a performance by our area's best recognized vocal and musical duo.  Free Admission - 3pm

May 30 - ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN REGION A.A.C.A. CAR SHOW - Local Regional Antique Automobile Club of America Chapter’s annual summer season kickoff event featuring many pre-war through modern classics on display throughout the grounds of the 28th Division Shrine Complex/PA Military Museum.  Visit Boalsburg Central for more deatils on events in town.  Parking $$. 9am to 4pm  *Annual

June 14 - FLAG DAY CELEBRATION - The State College Elks Lodge and local veterans organizations will sponsor a joint Flag Day Service and U.S. Flag Retirement Ceremony on the grounds of the 28th Division Shrine. The public is encouraged to bring their unserviceable American Flags for the proper disposal. Free Admission 6:00 p.m.  *Annual

July TBA - LECTURE The Central Pennsylvania Civil War Roundtable Presents:    7:00 p.m.

July 14 to 17 - PEOPLE’S CHOICE FESTIVAL OF PENNSYLVANIA ARTS - Annual arts and crafts festival featuring the best of Central Pennsylvania’s artisans.  Food, fun and family entertainment in a park like setting. Fee for parking.  Visit the festival's Web site for more information.  Parking $$ *Annual

July 23 & 24 - "VIETNAM REVISITED" - Living Historians portraying American combat and support troops in Vietnam will interpret the late 1960's "in country” in Southeast Asia on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum.  Daily programs include the oportunity to accompanying squads on short range patrols and two tactical patrol ambush demonstrations at 1pm and 3pm each day.  NOTE: Sandals and shorts are not recommended for those wishing to accompany patrols.  Bivouac open 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.  This is an AW (All Weather) event - Rain or Shine.   *Annual

September TBA - LECTURE/Picnic - The Central Pennsylvania Civil War Roundtable Presents:   6:00 p.m.

September 17 & 18 - "THEN & NOW" - Visit this Living History Time Line of Uniforms and Equipment from the Colonial Period thru the Present.  18th and 19th century fashion show begins at 1pm followed by the 20th and 21st centuries at 2pm with a historic weapons demonstration at 3pm.  Encampment/Bivouac opens at 10am till 4pm each day.  This is an AW (All Weather) event.  *Annual

October TBA - LECTURE The Central Pennsylvania Civil War Roundtable Presents:   7:00 p.m.

November TBA - LECTURE The Central Pennsylvania Civil War Roundtable Presents:    7:00 p.m.

November 2 thru November 23 - EXHIBIT -  Santa's Draft Card - Reverend Santa Claus of Saline County Missouri registered for the draft in World War II.  A copy of his draft registration from the Selective Service System will be on display in the month long exhibit.

December 7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Tribute; Seventy years ago on December 7th, the US Pacific Fleet at Hawaii was attacked by aircraft from the Imperial Japanese Navy.  America was at war.  On Wednesday December 7, 2011, this event will be remembered in a tribute beneath the guns of the battleship USS PENNSYLVANIA which was a witness to that attack. - 12:45 pm * Annual 

The Pennsylvania Military Museum and 28th Division Shrine is located on Business 322 in Boalsburg; three miles east of State College.

Regular Hours:

Open Wed-Sat, 10 AM - 4 PM; Sun. Noon - 4 PM
Closed Mondays and Holidays, except Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Military Museum Web site.