The Lewis Army Museum, located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord near DuPont, Washington, is facing the very real threat of closure. This historic museum, dedicated to preserving the experiences of soldiers from the Pacific Northwest, may soon be lost, sparking an outcry among the local community and museum supporters.
The U.S. Army recently announced plans to shut down or consolidate several military museums as part of a significant overhaul. As a result, the Lewis Army Museum, the only one of its kind on the West Coast, could be closed within the next two years. Army officials are aiming to reduce the number of military museums from 41 to just 12 field museums and 4 training support facilities nationwide.
The Army justifies the downsizing by citing staffing issues and maintenance problems at many of its museums. However, supporters of the Lewis Army Museum argue that it doesn’t meet the criteria for closure. “It isn’t run-down, and it’s well-staffed,” said State Representative Mari Leavitt, whose district includes the museum.
What happens to the museum’s collection if it closes and what are the potential consequences for local Veterans?
For many in the community, the museum represents more than just a collection of military artifacts; it serves as a link to the region’s military history and offers an invaluable resource for veterans and their families. The museum attracts 30,000 to 40,000 visitors annually, many of whom are inspired by the rich history on display.
The museum houses a range of unique items, including personal diaries, letters, and military equipment. Volunteer Megan Nishikawa, who has worked with the museum for years, expressed her frustration over the potential closure. “It’s been so tough,” she said. “We’ve fought so hard to keep the museum open.”
If the Lewis Army Museum closes, the fate of its extensive collection is uncertain. Some items may be stored in warehouses or sent to other museums, while others could be disposed of. “These are special to here, special to veterans from here,” Nishikawa explained. “It’d be a shame to lose that heritage.”
The Army has reassured the public that no items will be thrown away, and they plan to preserve as much as possible. However, the question remains: where will these artifacts go, and how will the community’s connection to them be maintained?
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Museum Location | Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington |
| Visitors | 30,000 to 40,000 annually |
| Artifacts at Risk | Diaries, letters, military gear from local veterans |
| Army’s Plan | Reduce military museums from 41 to 12 field museums |
| Reason for Closure | Maintenance issues, staffing shortages |
| What’s at Risk? | Loss of unique military history from the Pacific Northwest |
What can be done to save the museum and how are lawmakers responding to the potential closure?
The community is rallying to save the museum, with local lawmakers leading the charge. U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland and State Representative Mari Leavitt have both expressed concerns about the closure, with Leavitt emphasizing the museum’s role as a training facility for soldiers. Strickland argued in a letter to Army officials that closing the museum would harm the community’s connection to the region’s military history and its veterans.
While the fate of the Lewis Army Museum remains uncertain, the fight to save it is ongoing. Community members, veterans, and local leaders continue to advocate for the museum, hoping to convince Army officials to reconsider the closure. The decision is expected to be made in the coming months.