DAVENPORT, Iowa -- About 150 people gathered at the Putnam Museum here to open the "Arsenal of Innovation" display on June 6. Maj. Gen. Kevin O'Connell, U.S. Army Sustainment Command and Rock Island Arsenal commanding general, provided opening remarks and participated in the ribbon cutting at a ceremony hosted by the museum.
"This display was organized in part to bring attention to Rock Island Arsenal and its source of community history and pride. And, while we welcome visitors to the Arsenal, by bringing artifacts off the Island, this exhibit offers another opportunity for people to learn about the Arsenal, as well as about the legacy the Island has created in defense of our nation," O'Connell said. "This is a great example of the teamwork and great relationship between the Quad Cities and Rock Island Arsenal."
Kim Findlay, president and CEO of the Putnam Museum; Christine Chandler, Putnam's curator of Natural Science; Kris Leinicke, Rock Island Arsenal museum's director and George Eaton, ASC historian, were recognized for their display work. "One hundred twenty-three artifacts were moved from our (Rock Island Arsenal) museum to the Putnam Museum," said Leinicke. "We worked with the Center for Military History to loan the artifacts."
The opening ceremony included the ASC Color Guard, Soldiers wearing period uniforms talked about the Army's history during the past 240 years. The display includes photographs, videos, machinery, rifles, saddles, mess kits and more.
The "Arsenal of Innovation" display will continue at the Putnam Museum through November.
Additional photos from this event are located on FLICKR: https://www.flickr.com/photos/army_sustainment_command/sets/72157653837691349
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