When I was growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, it was common to have fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, neighbors, cousins, and friends who served in World War II. “The war,” as it is often called, was a moment when our country experienced total mobilization, and now, almost 70 years later, it continues to generate great interest and curiosity.

Museums have been established throughout the world to commemorate this event, including New Hampshire’s own Wright Museum, dedicated to chronicling the war effort on the “home front.” The Wright Museum was established in 1994 by David Wright, whose interest in restoring World War II vehicles led to a permanent museum collection nestled in the Lakes Region in Wolfeboro, just an hour and a half north of Nashua.

Visitors are greeted by the sight of an Army tank breaking out of the museum’s brick facade. The museum is divided into three sections: a gallery dedicated to the home front effort, a two-story visitors center, and a military wing containing the museum’s large collection of fully–operational military vehicles – including a 42-ton Pershing tank (MUCH bigger than the tank on the right!) – along with other exhibits honoring all branches of the military. The museum also hosts lectures and special events during summer months.

The Wright Museum is located at 77 Center Street in Wolfeboro, and open from May through October, Monday – Saturday from 10 – 4, and Sunday from noon – 4. Regular adult admission is $6.00 but the Friends of the Nashua Public Library have generously funded a pass that admits 2 adults and 4 children to the museum for free this October, and resuming when the museum reopens next year.

Thank you Friends! So enjoy the foliage and book your museum pass before you head north this fall!