Welcome to the New York State Military Museum

The mission of the museum and research center is to preserve, interpret and disseminate the story, history and records of New York State’s military forces and veterans.

View Details...
Sherman Tank Returns!

Our Sherman Tank returns to the NYS Military Museum from Fort Drum after a year long restoration, to it's permanent exhibit spot.

View Details...
A CALL NOT UNHEEDED

The exhibit features a dazzling array of militia and National Guard distinctive unit dress uniforms, ballot boxes and decorative bronze trophies that interpret the social organization of the National Guard, original artifacts from the USS Maine, and a carronade captured during the 1857 Dead Rabbits Riot in New York City.

View Details...
Battleground for Freedom

No less than 120 military engagements occurred on New York soil, more than in any other state, ranging in scale and significance from the decisive Battle of Saratoga to numerous bitter skirmishes and ruthless raids that raged throughout the frontier settlements...

View Details...
Some Great Past Exhibits

Welcome to the New York State Military Museum

The mission of Friends is to be a support to the museum, to aid in fund raising for exhibits and displays, as well as assisting in drawing attention to the museum through programs, lectures and events. As the board of trustees, we are the elected board which helps direct the membership to facilitate the support mission of the non profit group.

61 Lake Avenue-our Museum

The home of the New York State Military Museum is in a former armory, with construction starting in 1889 and was completed in 1891. The armory housed many different military units from 1891 to 2002, when the New York State Military Museum was relocated to this building. This building was partially remodeled and expanded in 1906.

Our famous World War II Sherman Tank is in the forefront of this photo. This tank is an M4A3 Sherman Medium Tank with 75MM M3 gun, and is one of the most commonly used tanks in World War II. Over 50,000 were manufactured during the war. This tank was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company sometime between 1942 and 1943. This particular tank's unit history is unknown.

US National Flag, Civil War

From our conserved flag collection at the Military Museum:

United States National Flag, Civil War.

According to the April 20, 1861 edition of the New York Times, the departure of the 7th Regiment, New York State Militia for Washington, D.C. on April 19, 1861, "... was one of the most exciting ever known, and cannot fail to be remembered during the lifetime of all who witnessed it." Citizens lined Broadway to support the regiment and reportedly this 33-star, silk United States flag was waved by a patriotic citizen during the ocassion. Flag dimensions are: 13 1/2" hoist x 16 3/4" fly. (2009.0055)
Support the Friends of the New York State Military Museum

Help the Friends and support the Military Museum. While the museum is closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Friends of the New York State Military Museum are still carrying on the work of supporting the museum in all of its activities. Plans are still going forward for new exhibits, fundraising activities are continuing, and the Friends Board is continuing to advocate for the museum and spread the word about the wonderful exhibits at the museum. Please consider making a donation so we can continue our work on behalf of the museum.

Your membership includes a discount for purchases at the museum store, emails and newsletters on upcoming activities, and most importantly supporting the important work of the museum preserving our rich military history of New York State. You can use our "membership" button at the top of this page to learn more about becoming a member.

Our "Donate" button at the top of this page will allow you to either make a one-time donation or become a sustaining member. Please consider supporting the Friends of the New York State Military Museum. Thank you.