National Vietnam War Museum
National Vietnam War Museum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Posts
I stopped by the National Vietnam War Museum when my son had a golf tournament in the area. I was given a tour by Jim Messinger, Vietnam veteran and helicopter pilot. The exhibits were very informative. I loved the desk in the "oval office" and the exhibit where children could crawl under the floor and pop up in the bubbles! In addition to the indoor exhibits, the outdoor exhibits featuring the helicopters, tanks, amphibious vehicles, memorial wall, etc. are very interesting and hands on. Jim gave me information about the Sons & Daughters of the Vietnam War, which I was happy to join for a very nominal fee. They sent me a certificate of membership and a really nice lapel pin. My father being a Vietnam veteran, I'm excited for my son to visit with me on our next trip this way. This facility is a treasure that all Texans should visit and support. They also have a gift shop that is stocked with more patches, shirts, caps, etc. than I've ever seen under one roof!
Chrystal HudsonChrystal Hudson
60
The museum has presented a series of events preceding and during the Vietnam conflict in great details. In my own words, the French wanted to regain reputation after its surrender to the Germans in WWII by picking on a perceived weaker opponent but failed. Blinded by the victory over Germany and Japan, and in combination with the controversial Gulf of Tonkin incident, the leadership considered military involvement a "righteous" and wise decision. Days after days, years after years, this country was of no match to guerilla warfare. By the time the course of war was reversed, America had already lost the support of its people over a war that lingered 20 years. The withdrawal of the US military indirectly led to the fall of Saigon, adding to the statistics of history in abandoning their allies to fend for themselves. For the brave souls who fought fiercely for their country and laid rest on foreign soil, what had their sacrifice achieved?
small potato in the USsmall potato in the US
00
There should be an earmark for this in some congressional bill to do things like pave the parking lot and add some hefty exhibits. I'm not trying to talk down the museum, but WOW USA, we should really devote some more resources here just like the ww1 museum in Kansas city. It's a little bit out of the way, Mineral Springs is the last city before oblivion. Is it worth the drive? Only if you're a museum freak or if you're already in Ft. Worth and have a special interest in military history. It is much more of a hobbyist run enterprise vs. a 'classic' organizational museum since most (all?) Of the employees are local vets who rallied around a private collection. Of special note is the massive pin collection for sale. Admission was 6 dollars.
Michael MolenaarMichael Molenaar
20
My wife and I had an excellent visit here. I'm a veteran retiree and my dad is also. He flew in Vietnam, so besides my own interest we obviously had to stop in and visit this museum while spending a weekend in Mineral Wells. The location is clearly a work in progress, with a new addition planned to add onto the current main building that houses many outstanding displays, dioramas, and art. The volunteer staff was very friendly. We were told a full-time curator has just been hired who has grand plans as funding allows for more displays and future expansions. Am guessing in 10 more years this will look significantly different. In the meantime, definitely worth any veteran's, family of a veteran's, or history buff's time to stop in.
MattMatt
10
In the area for a reunion we discovered this gem. A great tribute to those who served in Vietnam. The volunteers provided much information on artifacts, paintings and helicopters. Michael was also patient listening to our war stories. Vietnam was the helicopter war and there's an emphasis on them here. Veterans or those interested in the war should definitely visit. BONUS!!! The museum has absolutely the largest collection of patches, pins, badges, hats, etc to stock up on. We spent almost as much time buying the bling for our vests as we did viewing the museum...
Eddie MEddie M
20
Me and my wife that's a airforce vet took are 5 kids there and the tour alone with everything including the presidential Oval office set is sweet to set at the desk as the president did was a hot thing with them and the tanks and hueys and the wall out side I showed my kids my family name of there great great uncle that die in Nam best damn vacation ever well worth the drive from Arkansas... note to self you will be there for hrs looking at everything so pack a lunch.... here's a very small example of what you will see there .....
Michael RutledgeMichael Rutledge
00
- Please manually select your location for better experience