E and J headed to the Williamsburg, Virginia, area for a few adventures for their spring break, visiting the off-the-beaten-path US Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis. J had visited with his family as a child, and this trip became a great opportunity to take E, who has been showing some fascination with the concept of the military, to a specialized museum--and on an active military installation.
Honoring the Army Transportation Corps, the museum pays tribute to the logistics of getting every one--and every thing--safely place to place during the challenges of war. Attention is given to navigating geography, destruction, and similar perils, and there's a good amount of attention to innovation as well. How does one make something "climb" a steep hill without a road to deliver supplies, for instance? Therefore, those with general STEM interests would also be fascinated here. Photographs aren't allowed inside, and visitors cannot climb on or otherwise pretend to drive or ride the items. The museum is still super interesting--just don't expect it to be lots of pushing-buttons-style interactive, and please prepare your kiddos accordingly. You can find a lot of detailed information on various exhibits at their website, often divided by many places in which various operations have occurred if you select the dropdown "exhibits" menu, which will give you a feel for overall museum content as well. It won't be the most sophisticated website you've ever seen, but it will give you rich information. Besides specific vehicles, other interesting topics include the overall design logic of the Eisenhower Interstate System and the influence of circus loading and unloading on military planning. Yep, circus train logistics may be more impressive than you ever thought they were.
If you go, know you and your vehicle may be searched to enter the base and that you may need to produce government-issued photo ID and proof of vehicle insurance. The museum is substantially more expansive and content-loaded than it initially appears, so allow time for a long visit or focus your attention on a few portions. Again, photos aren't allowed inside, but there is an outdoor portion where photos are A-OK. The Virginia War Museum may be of additional interest and is in the area. If traveling with young kids, consider adding the differently-themed-but-nearby Virginia Living Museum to your trip.
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