New Bedford Military Museum Will Mark 20 Years Honoring Area Veterans

New Bedford's Fort Rodman-Fort Taber Military Museum and Veterans Memorial will celebrate its 20th anniversary in August of this year.

The museum, dubbed the "best small museum in America" by former Mayor Scott Lang, has been honoring local veterans, both alive and deceased, since it first opened its doors in 2004.

The museum is located inside Fort Taber Park in the far South End.

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President Bill Niedzwiedz stopped by Townsquare Sunday to talk about the history of the museum and some of the newer attractions.

"All of the items in the museum, 99 percent of it has been donated or loaned to the museum by veterans or their families," Niedzwiedz said.

Those items include photos, letters, uniforms, a Medal of Honor, ship models, weaponry and more.

There is also an outdoor memorial and mural to remember those killed during Exercise Tiger, a WW II training exercise in waters off England. Allied forces, training for D-Day, were attacked by German U-Boats, killing more than 700 soldiers and sailors.

Niedzwiedz said the museum will be open on Monday, Memorial Day, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

"After the parade is over, people are looking for something to do, you can stop by the museum. We'll have water, coffee, tea and cookies. Come by and say hi," he said.

Niedzwiedz is a history buff and posts pictures almost daily on Facebook about military events and conflicts.

"I want people to remember," he said. "That's the biggest thing for me, I want people to remember. There were sacrifices made, many sacrifices, to keep this country free."

Niedzwiedz said the museum is always looking for volunteers. You can stop by the museum to apply. There are no qualifications other than having an interest in preserving local history.

Hours for the Fort Rodman-Fort Taber Military Museum and Veterans Memorial normally are Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. However, the museum will is opening an hour earlier for Memorial Day.

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