After years of anticipation, renovations of the U.S. Cavalry Museum have been completed, newly designed exhibits are unveiled, and the museum is reopened for free access to the community. Tuesday, Fort Riley Museums hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the grand re-opening of the U.S. Cavalry Museum.
Dr. Robert J. Smith, Director of Fort Riley Museums stated, “It has been seven years since we began this project and during this time what I learned is the value of teamwork. I think teamwork sums up the Army’s ethos. We are all one team and through that team, we will accomplish our mission. So here, in our case today, is the opening of a new museum.”
The U.S Cavalry Museum, 205 Henry Avenue is one of the oldest permanent structures on Fort Riley. Built in 1855 as the first permanent hospital on post, it was extensively modified, and a clock tower added in 1890 when the building became the Cavalry and Light Artillery School headquarters as well as post headquarters. In 1957, it was again renovated and designated the home of the U.S. Cavalry Museum. The most recent renovation project began in 2018 and included new lighting and updated technology, a redesign of display cases, new heating, cooling and ventilation systems, upgraded elevators and structural improvements such as reinforcements to the second floor.
The U.S. Cavalry Museum preserves the history of the U.S Cavalry from 1775 to 1950. Starting with the Dragoons and other mounted forces during the Revolutionary war, to the establishment of the First Regiment of Cavalry in 1861 through World War II when U.S. Army cavalry troopers surrendered their mounts for jeeps, light tanks and other mechanized vehicles, the story is told via various artifact and 3D exhibits, reader rails, and interactive visual displays.
Between the world wars, the Cavalry branch of the U.S. Army faced the dilemma of whether to retain horse-mounted troops or become a mechanized force. The decision was made, and the resolution culminated in 1951 when the Armor branch absorbed the Cavalry branch marking the end of an era. Today’s Armored and Air Cavalry troopers operate armored vehicles or helicopters to perform reconnaissance and security missions.
“We have an incredible history to tell through our museums,” Mr. Charles Bowery, Jr., Executive Director, Center of Military History explained. “Our museums play a critical role, not only in helping us remember and honor our past, but in terms of ensuring that we can face future challenges.”
To learn more about Fort Riley’s Museums and historical services visit https://home.army.mil/riley/index.php/about/museums.
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