Maryland Museum of Military History Reopens With Significant WWII Mural and Renovated Exhibits

The Maryland Military Department has officially reopened the Maryland Museum of Military History, marking the occasion with the unveiling of a significant World War II mural and the dedication of a new exhibit honoring the Maryland 400. The museum, located at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore, now features updated exhibits covering the Civil War, World War II, and the Global War on Terror, reflecting the long-standing service of the Maryland National Guard to the state and nation.

Central to the reopening ceremony was the dedication of the former Officers’ Regimental room to the Maryland 400. This significant group of Maryland Army National Guard soldiers made a pivotal sacrifice at the Battle of Brooklyn during the Revolutionary War, approximately 250 years ago, to protect General George Washington’s army and the nascent American cause. The 175th Infantry Regiment, which traces its direct lineage to the Maryland 400, previously used this room as its regimental lounge, making the dedication a historically fitting tribute.

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the restored 35-by-40-foot World War II mural, titled “Arsenal of Democracy.” This expansive artwork, originally painted in 1943 by soldiers Clarence S. McWilliams and Frank Schwartzlander, depicts a unified war effort involving American soldiers, workers, and families, symbolized by a large “V” for victory. The mural’s preservation was a collaborative effort, made possible by the Maryland Defense Force, museum staff, Fort Meade Garrison personnel, and private donors who stepped in to rescue it from demolition and facilitate its professional restoration. The mural now serves as a powerful reminder of the collective sacrifices made to defend liberty during the war.

The museum’s renovated spaces offer visitors a deeper understanding of Maryland’s military history. The Civil War Room now includes the original bass drum of Walter Russell, who as a 16-year-old recruit, reportedly kept cadence at the Battle of Antietam. This drum, notably pierced by shrapnel during the conflict, was donated by Chris Bloom. The World War II gallery focuses on the experiences of Marylanders who served with the 29th Infantry Division, while the expanded Global War on Terror exhibits detail the Maryland National Guard’s recent overseas deployments and domestic support missions. The reopening also saw the addition of a new Iraq War exhibit, bolstered by a substantial personal collection donated by Retired Capt. Joseph Shaffer.

The Maryland Center for Military History is responsible for maintaining the state’s military heritage, encompassing the National Guard’s history from 1634 to its current operations. Through its museum exhibits, educational programs, and public outreach, the center aims to connect visitors with their own history by telling the stories of the men and women who have served. The museum’s reopening and enhanced exhibits underscore the importance of preserving these narratives for future generations.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Military Department.

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