The Price of Freedom: Americans at War surveys the history of America’s military from the French and Indian Wars to the present day, exploring ways in which wars have been defining episodes in American history. The exhibition extends far beyond a survey of battles to present the link between military conflict and American political leadership, social values, technological innovation, and personal sacrifice. The heart of the story is the impact of war on citizen soldiers, their families, and communities.
The exhibition features:
- George Washington’s sword and scabbard
- George Armstrong Custer’s buckskin coat
- the chairs Civil War generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant used during the surrender ceremony at Appomattox Court House, Virginia
- a Willys Jeep, used during World War II
- a restored UH-1H Huey Helicopter, deployed in Vietnam in 1966
- Gen. Colin Powell’s uniform from Operation Desert Storm.
Online Exhibition
Can't visit the museum to see The Price of Freedom? Learn about the history of American military conflicts through historic objects and images on the exhibition website.
Entrance to The Price of Freedom
Wall with title and images of soldiers
Scene from the Civil War section
Display with uniform
Scene from the Civil War section
Scene from the World War II section
