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The Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library is a dedicated educational resource to preserve and honor the history of military service in Southwest Florida. The museum in Cape Coral FL exhibits tell the story of how the community has been shaped by military service, with an emphasis on veterans, their families, and Gold Star Mothers. The library provides information about US History, World War I & II, Vietnam War Era literature, genealogy research resources for tracing your family’s military roots back through WWII or earlier.
History
This museum was started by a group of patriots who felt that the history of Southwest Florida’s role in World War I & II was not being told, and it would be lost to future generations if they did not act. A non-profit corporation with 501(c)(19) status was formed for this purpose on May 29th, 2014. It was originally named the Southwest Florida WWII Museum and Library, but later changed to its present name.
Things to do
- Learn some history: This is the only museum in the area dedicated to telling the story of Southwest Florida’s military heritage.
- View exhibits: There is a wide collection of artifacts, photos, and literature telling the stories of our veterans.
- Hold an event: The museum is available for meetings, reunions, or other gatherings. It can accommodate between 25-150 people depending on your needs.
- Socialize: The museum is a great place to meet new people and make friends.
- Library Services: The library has books on military history, genealogy research for WWII veterans and their families, as well as information about the conflicts that have shaped the nation’s past. The museum also loans out audio-visual equipment such as slide carousels for your next event or club meeting!
Accessibility
This museum is a small but unique organization that strives to be accessible and inclusive. There is a ramp for easy access into the building, as well as an ADA restroom facility available.
Amenities
There are lots of amenities in this museum, including:
- Free parking on-site
- Public WiFi access is available throughout the museum and library
- Adult & children’s play areas in the lobby, with toys, set out for kids to look at or play with while adults are visiting exhibits.
Tips for Visiting
- Wear comfortable clothes: This museum has limited space, but lots of information to look at. There is a lot of walking and standing involved in viewing the exhibits.
- Be prepared for interruptions: This museum is staffed by volunteers who are passionate about history and sharing it with others. They will be happy to answer any questions or share their knowledge with you when they can, so don’t hesitate to ask them anything!
- Take care of kids: Make sure kids are well-behaved and able to make their way around the museum without disturbing other visitors. There may be lots of places where kids can touch things, like books or exhibits, but please remind them not to.
All You Need to Know About Cape Coral Historical Museum in Cape Coral 33990