NEWPORT NEWS – The Virginia War Museum is hosting an Irish military exhibit in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
And it only lasts six days.
“Nobody else, you know, south of Washington is doing anything similar,” said Chris Garcia, museum educator coordinator for the museum.
Garcia said the museum actually had its first Irish exhibit two years ago, which was very popular, but the museum had multiple events going on and had to forego the temporary exhibit.
This year, the exhibit is larger and features 50-60 different displays with uniforms, equipment, documents and other memorabilia from the U.S., Ireland and the U.K. starting from the Civil War up to the Iraq War.
Garcia’s favorite artifact? A hand-marked map detailing the march from France to Germany in November 1919 by William “Wild Bill” Donovan of the 69th Infantry, who was also a medal of honor recipient.
According to the museum’s announcement, the museum will also host a talk with Garcia about the Corcoran Irish Legion, a Civil War unit which impacted the U.S., Canada and Ireland, followed by a tour of the museum.
“It should be very enjoyable — and informative,” Garcia said.
The Irish and Irish-American Military History display is at the Virginia War Museum, 9285 Warwick Blvd. on March 14-19. The exhibit is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m.
The exhibit is included with museum admission and tickets costs $8 for adults, $6 for children 6-18 and $7 for seniors and active duty military.
For more information, visit the museum’s website or call 757-247-8523.
