Veterans' Room
Introduction
Author-Uploaded Audio
Text-to-speech Audio
The Veterans Room contains a huge variety of objects from almost every American conflict in the twentieth century. Items come from both World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even some items from the Gulf War. Uniforms, weaponry, bags, field equipment, rations, and tools in the room are all authentic. Most of the objects in the collection were sourced from Clarksburg and outlying community veterans. Some pieces, such as the German World War II uniform, are not from the immediate area, but help place the local objects in a broader context. In the entry’s audio clip, hear from Alva Ford, a military history enthusiast who curates the collection. The specific pieces on display vary as Ford acquires new objects and rotates what is on view. Ford maintains a strong commitment to preserving the items for future generations.
Images
World War II German uniform.
A rack of uniforms from many conflicts and partisans.
Replica weapon and row of helmets.
Wall of military equipment.
Front page of the Clarksburg Telegram from August 14, 1945. The use of “Japs” in the headline was intended to be intentionally offensive and denigrating.
Sources
Personal interview with Alva Ford, curator of the Veterans Room. Conducted by Iain MacKay. March 2nd 2021.
Personal interview with Michael Spatafore, museum president. Conducted by Iain MacKay. March 2nd, 2021.
Image Sources
MacKay, Iain. 2021. Courtesy of author.
MacKay, Iain. 2021. Courtesy of author.
MacKay, Iain. 2021. Courtesy of author.
MacKay, Iain. 2021. Courtesy of author.
MacKay, Iain. 2021. Courtesy of author.