By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
The current exhibit at the Geneseo Historical Museum, “In Service and Sacrifice,” is a tribute to the men and women who have served in the armed forces - highlighting some personal stories behind the uniforms.
The exhibit goes past the history of wars, and focuses on the different branches of military with some individual history.
The displays on both the first and second floors of the museum, at 205 South State St. in Geneseo, showcase military uniforms with explanations of what they represent.
The photos included with this story are a sampling of the numerous displays at the museum, and information is included with each photo. Note that the current museum exhibit includes more displays and information than the photos with this story.
Melanie Rice, Museum Director/Curator, said “Every uniform tells a story, not just of the conflicts, but of courage, sacrifice and service!”
Regular hours at the museum are from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and by appointment and by calling 309-944-3043. In addition, the museum has added summer hours: from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, from June 21 through Saturday, Aug. 30.
PHOTOS WITH STORY
-The late Bob DeBoever, who served in the United States Marines and did much to grow the Geneseo Aisle of Flags.
-The Viet Nam Display – Vietnamese women’s dresses and a military dress uniform.
-Melanie Rice, Museum Director/Curator is shown by the uniform worn by John Sparks who was a WW I Mechanic in Quentin Roosevelt’s 94th Aero Squadron. Quentin Roosevelt was the son of President Roosevelt.
-W.A.V.E.S. – During World War II, a branch of the Naval Reserve to enlist women, WAVES is an acronym for Women’ Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service.
-Mothers of World War II – One of America’s most famous Patriotic mothers was Alleta May Abel Sullivan. Her five sons were in the Navy, the Sullivan brothers, died when the ship, the USS Juneau was sunk off the Solomon Islands in 1942. The Sullivan family was from Waterloo, Iowa
-Second Floor Military Room – Numerous displays
