Free Exhibits

 

"World War II Uniform"

Technical Sergeant Vernal L. Snyder wore this uniform when he served in the 95th Division in the European Theatre of World War II, where he serviced communications equipment in England, France, Germany and Belgium. He was one of three brothers who served; his brother Elvin was a Sergeant Engineer in the Army and his brother Harold was a Corporal in the Air Corps.

The new display includes a remarkably complete uniform with many unique and interesting items. The display is found on the first floor of the History Center and is free.

The History Center holds a large collection of military artifacts and documents including over 250 oral histories with local veterans conducted by Homer “Bud” Lynch. These audio recordings contribute to the Library of Congress’ Veteran’s History Project. Senator Richard Lugar’s office has collected over 8,000 Hoosier interviews for the project, more than for any other state.

Volunteers of the Genealogy Library are digitizing our Monroe County veterans’ interviews to preserve their memories. Currently on audiocassette, the interviews will be converted to digital files and cataloged.

 
 

"History of the Carnegie Library and History Center"
This exhibit gives the history of the original Carnegie Library, now home to the Monroe County History Center.
"Sarkes Tarzian Radios"
Opens October 14th. Closes January 28th, 2012. In 1945 engineer Sarkes Tarzian embarked on a remarkable experiment to establish a successful local broadcast radio station in Bloomington. A number of Sarkes Tarzian radios will be on display.
Admission to the Museum is free to members (and a number of guests depending on membership level). For the Current and Permanent Exhibits, adults' admission is $2 and for children 5 - 18 admission is $1; 4 & under free. Donations are also very welcome.