If you haven't visited the Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Military Museum in New Bedford's South End, you are missing something special.

It's a tribute to those Greater New Bedford residents who served this country in wars and conflicts throughout our history.

It's been called the "biggest small museum in America," and you will understand what that means when you walk through the front door.

The museum is operated by the Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Historical Association. The president of that organization, Bill Neidzwiedz, joined Townsquare Sunday this week.

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"The museum started in 2004. It started out in one building, (with) a model of the fort, and 12 pictures," Niedzwiedz said.

Over the past 18 years, the contents of the museum has grown by leaps and bounds, with hundreds of pictures, uniforms, memorabilia and other artifacts donated by local families in honor of their loved ones who fought – and in many cases died – for this country.

"We have people come in and say, 'I have to come back again, I haven't seen it all and I've been here for three hours,'' Niedzwiedz said.

Niedzwiedz sad the museum has recently started a new series of exhibits every month, displaying the uniform and pictures of a local soldier, sailor or Marine that were donated by his or her family.

Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Historical Association Facebook Page
Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Historical Association via Facebook
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Niedzwiedz said one of his favorite exhibits is a Medal of Honor donated by a local family.

"There's very few small museums that have actual Medals of Honor," he said. "This one is from the Civil War-era from an individual from the area, and I think it's fantastic that we have it."

The museum is always looking for volunteers, and you don't need a vast knowledge of military history to do the job. Applications are available at the museum.

The complete interview with Niedzwiedz can be heard here:

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program heard every Sunday at 6 a.m. on 1420 AM and 99.5 FM. The program highlights individuals and organizations seeking to make the SouthCoast a better place to live and work.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please contact the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.

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