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10 Military Museums in New Jersey That You Shouldn't Miss
Whether you are looking for sun-drenched beaches or outdoor activities in beautiful countryside, New Jersey has plenty to offer. Those who love the great outdoors should head for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which runs along the Delaware River for forty miles. Here you can go rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking or fishing, or simply admire the stunning waterfalls. There is a huge range of hiking trails to choose from as well as historic sites to visit. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing near Blue Mountain Lakes, and birdwatchers might be lucky enough to catch sight of bald eagles. If you are looking for a change, visit one of New Jersey's eleven lighthouses that are open to public, such as the one in Cape May. For art and history enthusiasts, New Jersey State Museum in Trenton has historic artifacts and American fine art from the nineteenth century to the present day as well as a Planetarium.
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1. Museum of NJ Maritime History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States
I have to say that for a small museum I was very impressed by the amount of information that this museum covers. It is really an interesting and amazing place for a small museum at the shore. There are rooms that cover shark attacks, luxury liner disasters, ship wrecks, shore erosion issues, Coast Guard information, local history dealing with the sea and shore and lots of artifacts from wrecks over the last three hundred years. I was impressed by the information on the 1916 Shark Attacks that inspired the movie "Jaws" and the disaster of many of the luxury liners even after what we learned from the Titanic ten years earlier. There are all sorts of eye witness accounts recorded and all sorts of artifacts. There is a lot of information on Maritime history of the Jersey Shore and a lot about the resort history of the area. There is a lot on the resorts of not just Beach Haven but the surrounding shore towns. Each room is packed with information and can be somewhat overwhelming unless you have a few hours to spend here like I did. I found myself leaving after over two hours. Do not miss this little gem of a museum that is well worth the visit and has free admission. They ask for a small donation which is fair. The people who work here are very friendly and welcoming and will answer any questions.
2. Tatham Life Saving Station and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By davidwgoodland
Tatham Life Saving Station is one of the sites featured in the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge. I'm unsure about regular open house hours. However, this is a good place to stop and learn about the history of the Jersey shore and take in a great view of the ocean and bird sanctuary in Stone Harbor.
3. Old Barracks Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
In 1758, the Old Barracks was constructed to house British troops during the French and Indian War. During the Revolutionary War, the barracks was one of Washington's military hospitals. Today, the building is home to an interpretive museum, galleries, gift shop, and meeting space. Guided tours start on the hour from 10 AM - 4 PM, Monday - Saturday.
Reviewed By dontru
My son and I visited on a wintry day and were entirely pleased that we did! The young guide was friendly and extremely knowledgeable and patient with all of our comments and questions. He is a reenactor and I was as interested in his clothing as anything else! I didn't realize that the Barracks' original use was during the French and Indian War. The exhibits told the stories of what it was like to be a soldier or officer, and in the apothecary's room, our guide gave a fascinating presentation about the different strain of smallpox and how innoculation of the Continental Army occurred at the site. The receptionist is the gift shop was also helpful and informed! I'll take my grandkids!
4. Forgotten Warriors
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By W1393JGrobertf
awesome museum! up close and personal quite a display of weapons.the place will put you back in the Nam.it is a small place although i have been there 3 times and can never get enough of this museum.i need to get involved somehow and help out.many thanks to the gentleman who makes this place happen!
5. Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
Naval Air Station Wildwood Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to restore Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport, Cape May County, New Jersey, into an aircraft museum honoring the Navy airmen who died while training during World War II. Hangar # 1 was listed onto the National Register of Historic Places in September of 1997. Naval Air station (NAS) Wildwood was commissioned on April 1, 1943. The site served as an active dive-bomber squadron training facility from 1943 to 1945. Aircraft stationed at NAS Wildwood included TBM Avengers, Douglas Dauntlesses, Vought Corsairs and Curtiss Helldivers. Forty-two airmen perished while training at NAS Wildwood during World War II. In June 1997, NASW Foundation purchased Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport. The 92,000 square-foot all-wooden structure was in a state of disrepair and required extensive renovation. Under the stewardship of NASW Foundation, the hangar was listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places at the National Significance Level. NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum now boasts over 26 aircraft displays as well as exhibits of military memorabilia, engines, photographs and more. Additionally, the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia has provided NAS Wildwood with a wealth of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to discover the science of flight. The museum also features a library, food vending area as well as a recently expanded gift shop. In its role as a community resource, NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum regularly hosts activities including fly-ins, aviation festivals, big band concerts, swing dances, veterans’ ceremonies, historical lectures, school field trips and senior tours.
Reviewed By redclover11 - Parsippany, United States
Great exhibits for all ages, had complete access to airplanes. Was very informative, with an emphasis on local WWII history. There are also many interactive and hands on exhibits. You can even get inside the various airplanes! The highlight of our visit was when Dr. Salvatore personally took us around and showed us behind the scene projects they were working on. He even took the time to tell us the story of how he acquired an engine for Boeing 777 and explained the history of many exhibits. It was such a great visit and will definitely be back again!
6. World War II Lookout Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
Fire Control Tower No. 23 is New Jersey’s last remaining restorable World War II tower, and was part of the immense Harbor Defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles. It played a major part in the coastal defense of the Delaware River and Bay. Built in 1942, the tower was one of 15 towers that helped aim batteries of coastal artillery. Fire Control Tower No. 23 is on land now part of the Cape May Point State Park. The boardwalk leading up to the Tower is lined with interpretive panels and leads to the All Veterans Memorial on the rear deck at the base of the Tower. The deck and entry level are all fully accessible. The Tower was restored and is operated by the non-profit Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture).
Reviewed By R6016RQcarolh - Monroe Township, United States
We stopped to look at a piece of history. We didn't walk to the top of the tower, but it was open. Make certain to walk around to the back of the tower to see the sculpture of eternal flame in memory of veterans.
7. National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Admission is free. Visitors that wish to donate can find a cash box next to the sign-in. Please be sure to sign our guestbook at the front door and include everyone in your party, including children. You may also leave an email address to be included on our mailing list. We recommend allowing an hour to tour the galleries and outdoor artifacts and to bring a camera. Photography is allowed. Outdoor exhibits: Climbing on the macro-artifacts is a liability, so please refrain from having young children on them. Wifi is not available at the museum. Food and beverages are not permitted inside the museum. Water is acceptable. Please be respectful. Do not touch or climb atop museum cases or displayed objects. Staff members and/or volunteer docents will be on site to guide visitors. Feel free to ask them to give you a tour.
8. Millville Army Airfield Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By 860Vetman - Bethlehem, United States
A great job was done putting this museum together. It's free and to say the least very interesting. You could literally spend a few hours in there if you tried to read everything displayed. Speaking with the volunteers was awesome, they really have a good bit of knowledge regarding all the things on display. Donations are appreciated but not required. After walking through this museum you get a feeling of sadness thinking about the men and women who have given their lives to keep us free from harm
9. InfoAge - Science History Learning Center and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By mattdolan
The visit was largely on a whim and we needed an activity to keep my nephews occupied. We decided on the InfoAge - Science History Learning Center and Museum which until that morning I never heard of before. Considering I was born and raised in Jersey and spent 40+ years in the Air Force...I've couldn't have been anymore surprised. As we toured the various museum I had the opportunity to discuss Research and Development with a real world engineer, the Marine Island hopping in WWII with a USMC WWII Vet, and a chance to discuss WWI with a true historian. Though the museums are works in progress, the displays each room caught and kept our attention -- pretty remarkable since the ages spanned 10-58 years old. bona fide
10. Air Victory Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By B295PAjimm
We had some time to kill on a rainy Sunday with the kids (over 10). This is a great small old time museum with some great artifacts and really cool planes. We've been to the Air and Space museum in DC before and this does not have the same operating budget. You can tell that the museum staff does the best with what they have. It was great to see the shop area where they are restoring the items to be put on display. If your into the engines and power-plants they have many that you can get right up to on display. Great educational experience- It's all there, you just need to spend the time and look for it. We were very happy that we stopped by.
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