Veterans museum in West Haven could become coronavirus casualty

Sep. 13--WEST HAVEN -- The West Haven Veterans Museum and Learning Center is close to becoming the next casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic and officials are scrambling to raise funds, as the absence of large group tours has drained the museum's bank account.

World War I-era soldiers on display at the West Haven Veterans Museum & Learning Center on Sept. 11, 2020.

Photo: Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

The 9,000-square-foot museum opened in 2010 and contains Connecticut-centered memorabilia from before the Revolutionary War through modern day as a tribute to those who served. It closed in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic, and while it reopened in August, the large group tours that typically bring in much-needed donations remain barred because of social distancing guidelines.

Some key debts are due, so museum treasurer Bob Ellis took the extreme step of establishing a GoFundMe campaign. By Friday it had raised $1,200 of the $16,000 goal. The group also has sent letters seeking sponsors in the business community.

"We depend on tourism, we depend entirely upon exiting donations" said Ellis, a Killingworth resident. "Nobody knows how long this will last. ... We want to be prepared." Museum admission is free, but donations are accepted. As of now, the museum is open for walk-in visitors Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The museum is loaded with extensive memorabilia, uniforms, military equipment and even a cannon from France, all displayed with the flair of a New York City department store window at Christmas.

A Korean War bunker on display at the West Haven Veterans Museum & Learning Center on Sept. 11, 2020.

Photo: Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

The museum is all-volunteer and operates on about $16,000 in donations annually, Ellis said. There is no rent, mortgage or electricity payments, as those items are free through a family that helped found the museum. No funds come from the city, state or federal governments.

But there are overhead expenses, including cable and telecommunications costs of about $3,000 per year, costs associated with extra cleaning required by pandemic guidelines, purchases of display cases and a debt related to parts of a media center predominantly funded by the West Haven Rotary Foundation and named after businessman and activist Edward N. Silver.

Ellis said the holder of the loan is being flexible with payments, telling them to take all the time they need, but Ellis wants to "clear it up," and keep the obligation.

Ellis said the threat of museum closure is real if they can't raise money.

Use of the building and electricity is covered through Arlene Painter, museum manager, whose late parents, Martin and Eleanor DeGrand, helped found the museum.

"It holds a very special place in my heart because I feel like I'm carrying on my parents' legacy," Painter said. "I truly admire all who served."

State Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-115, chairwoman of the state Veterans Legislative Committee, recalled that Gov. Ned Lamont used the museum as a backdrop to sign three key bills supporting veterans.

"It's not only to jewel of West Haven, but of the state of Connecticut," Borer said of the museum. "If you haven't been, I'd encourage you to stop by -- you'll be really impressed."

The West Haven Veterans Museum & Learning Center

Photo: Peter Hvizdak / Hearst Connecticut Media file

Dozens of groups of elementary, high school and college students, as well as veterans' groups from around the state, typically visit each year. Because of current pandemic guidelines, groups now are limited to five or 10 people at a time and masks are required.

Ellis and museum acting president Bill Benson, both veterans, said the museum plays a key role in teaching military history -- which the men say is missing in schools these days -- and in comforting veterans, as well as assuring the legacy of those who served, some making the ultimate sacrifice.

"We are the stewards of all these artifacts," mostly donated by veterans, Ellis said. Mostly though, he said it's about remembrance and keeping the history alive because society has changed, volunteerism has changed, and if they don't preserve the memories now, "who else will?"

The West Haven Veterans Museum & Learning Center

Photo: Peter Hvizdak / Hearst Connecticut Media file

The museum covers all aspects of wars -- women and the military, the terrain, the weaponry, the propaganda, the hobbies, the uniforms, medals, soldier accommodations and more.

Benson said, "We want to honor what they did. We have to let people know what they (veterans) went through."

World War I military figurines on display at the West Haven Veterans Museum & Learning Center on Sept. 11, 2020.

Photo: Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

The museum covers all aspects of wars -- women and the military, the terrain, the weaponry, the propaganda, the hobbies, the uniforms, medals, soldier accommodations and more.

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Some highlights at the museum, according to its brochure:

A Civil War collection that includes artifacts dug up from battlefields, a practice no longer allowed.

A photo collection that includes pictures taken at the Mexican border of soldiers of the 2nd Connecticut Infantry who were sent to guard the area against raids by Pancho Villa, who can be seen in some photos.

A restored French 75 mm field cannon, one of four sent to Yale University by the French government in 1914.

A World War II exhibit that includes a wingtip from a Japanese Zero fighter that was shot down by an anti-aircraft unit from Bridgeport.

A full-size replica bunker of the Korean War.

A .30-caliber, water-cooled Browning machine gun displayed in a combat setting.

An honor roll listing the men from the area who served with the 102nd Infantry regiment, 26th Yankee Infantry Division in World War I.

A painting of Sgt. Stubby, the famous canine mascot of the 102nd Infantry regiment in World War I.

A Homefront display with coupons and books that were used to ration food during World War II and savings stamps and war bonds sold to help fund the war effort.

A large collection of communications equipment, including signal flags used in the 1800s to modern-day radios and field phones.

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