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World War II Museum in Massachusetts

Discussion in 'WWII General' started by jinxie, Apr 10, 2014.

  1. jinxie

    jinxie New Member

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    I had the opportunity to visit the World War II Museum in Natick Massachusetts. The museum was set up by Kenneth Rendall a private collector. For over three hours I walked through room after room of WWIi artifacts. These original artifacts are from all aspects of the war. Dating from the 1930s and earlier. There are just too many to list, but you may take a virtual tour from their website although the virtual tour does not contain all they have in the museum. It is located west of the city of Boston, about a 1/2 hour to 45 minute drive from Boston. Although it is open to the public, you must email ahead of time to set up a time to visit. The cost is 25.00 per person and one must be at least 18 years old. they also have a strict no photographs policy.
    The museum has a audio set to explain the exhibits.
    Here is the link to their site.
    http://www.museumofworldwarii.com/virtual-tour
     
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  2. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    An excellent museum. I looked at some of the items, and it looks as though it is quite complete. Thanks for the link. Right into my bookmarks.
     
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  3. KJ Jr

    KJ Jr Well-Known Member

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    Absolutely amazing museum. A completely consuming experience. Heading down again this Wednesday for a spring break excursion. Really looking forward to it. Last time I went it took my three hours and I had to leave for closing :). Never was able to see the US entrance into the war.
     
  4. KJ Jr

    KJ Jr Well-Known Member

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    Just to update on my last post. I left my wife and son at home this morning and trekked up to Natick, Mass. to visit the museum again. After being late for my appt because of awful traffic (mostly people heading up to the Cape even though it was 39 degrees), I picked up where I left off with the U.S.'s entrance into the war. The second time around was an amazing display, which as the OP exclaims is too substantial to list.The museum is displayed in chronological order from the rise of the Third Reich to the surrender of the axis powers. I had the chance today to fully engulf myself in the Pacific Theatre exhibit, Hitler's daily life collection from his secure bunker beneath the chancellory, the Manhattan Project, D-Day exhibit with original plans for Omaha Beach, personal Rommel, Montgomery, Eisenhower, Patton, Truman and de Gaulle collections and much more than I could possibly detail. Do yourself a favor and make a trip, you will not be disappointed in this amazing collection.
     
  5. KJ Jr

    KJ Jr Well-Known Member

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    Figured I would keep this thread going. Last Saturday took my father for the first time to see Rendell's collection. He was absolutely amazed at the collection. He couldn't stop taking about it during dinner and the 2 hour ride home. This will most likely be the last time we will get to visit before the new building is erected next door. The new 60,000 sq. ft. building (presently at 10,000) will house much more of his collection. Anyway, here are a few bits from this recent visit:

    (As always, pardon my photography)

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    Original Plans for D-Day w/ focus on 1st Div. at Omaha in red pen.


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    Hitler's travel vanity.

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    Hitlers outline notes for his speech at Reichstag, Jan. 30, 1939.
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    Quite possibly the most intense for me. Original operations order for August 6 dropping of atomic bomb. If you can focus enough, check out the bomb loadout at the bottom of order. Bombs: Special
     

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  6. KJ Jr

    KJ Jr Well-Known Member

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  7. KJ Jr

    KJ Jr Well-Known Member

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    Spent a day at the International World War II Museum (formally Boston WWII Museum) last week. Took plenty of pics of a bunch of artifacts that stood out during my 4 hour stay.

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    Rudolph Hess's hand written request for a change of snack at the Nuremberg War Crime trials. Very on character for the fool.

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    The signatures of defendants at Nuremberg.

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    Albert Kesselring's detention report.

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    Jodl's detention card

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    Doenitz and Goering's detention card.

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    Ribbentropp's detention card.

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    Japanese men charged with war crimes.

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    Items POW's stashed away at Colditz.

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    A diary written on the back of cigarette wrappers at Colditz.

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    Window from Colditz
     
  8. KJ Jr

    KJ Jr Well-Known Member

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    Hitler's chair from the Reichschancellory.

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    George S. Patton's signature and notation on GI's field manual, "Learn, Boy!"

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    A young Patton's letter to his father.


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    Amusing US homefront propaganda.


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    Toilet paper dispenser.


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    Parisian bottle of champagne specifically labeled in red for German consumption.


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    POW hand made Mickey Mouse drawing on suitcase.


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    Sophie Scholl documents.

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    Radio transmitter hidden in a biscuit box.

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    "Butterfly" bomb during the Battle of Britain.
     

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