Where to Donate a WWII Army Uniform

[Jack Flash]

I imagine this is getting common now with so many WWII vets passing away. My Dad passed about 15 years ago. Mom is in a nursing home and some of us are trying to clean out her house.

I came across my Dad's Army uniform. I think he last wore it in 1945. It seems to be in good condition but may have slight moth damage. I have a lot of his war souvenirs already and really don't have a place for this. I am hoping that someone or some organization may actually have a use for it. I would be happy to pay the shipping.

Any ideas or comments?

 

[Knigge]

Any chance you will sell it ? you can then donate the money to any organizatione in you`r father`s name

 

[Aticus]

You might try contacting an historical society in town or close bye. They would accept donations. Another might be if there is a re-enactment group in your area. They might buy the uniform.

 

[hoc9sw]

Check with your state history commission (or the state from which he served, if different). In many cases the uniform insignia can be unique or fill a gap in an archive collection.

Also check to see if there is a specific museum for the unit he served in. That is often the case for divisions with a long history, or a strong state connection.

Personally, I would NEVER sell it to unknowns, or put it in a charity box. The end it would meet couldn't honor the service it represents.

My Dad's pinks, greens, and dress blues went to his state's National Guard museum, and are on display there.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Call the American Legion and the VFW and pick their brains.
Couldn't hurt.

 

[PR24]

Museums are a good choice. Many surplus stores will display them like a museum peice.

 

[Cpo1944]

No Grandchildren to give it to?

 

[Muss Muggins]

I imagine this is getting common now with so many WWII vets passing away. My Dad passed about 15 years ago. Mom is in a nursing home and some of us are trying to clean out her house.

I came across my Dad's Army uniform. I think he last wore it in 1945. It seems to be in good condition but may have slight moth damage. I have a lot of his war souvenirs already and really don't have a place for this. I am hoping that someone or some organization may actually have a use for it. I would be happy to pay the shipping.

Any ideas or comments?

This place:

Stars and Stripes Museum and Library

which is adjacent to this place:

Missouri Veteran's Cemetery at Bloomfield

Birthplace of the original armed services newsletter, The Stars and Stripes, first printed for Union soldiers encamped at Bloomfield, Missouri on November 9, 1861.

 

[M3Stuart]

I know the WWII museum in New Orleans gets a fair amount of gifts. Most are not displayed. But it's another place you could check out.

 

[hoc9sw]

Not always important that an item go on display. Most museums do periodic / special exhibitions for specific events / anniversaries. They then need items that may rest in their archives for many years. That's how my Dad's items came out years after they were donated - anniversary of the Division.

I prefer to choose reputable museums, as they will do more conservation on important items, and at least have controlled storage. I sent stacks of quilts from the family farm to the state's historic museum. They use them when there are period displays. Some were reduced to shreds by time and vermin, and became training pieces for the conservation workers. They met an honorable end.

 

[litenlarry]

You might try this..Take the insignia's off the jacket and put them in a shadow box along with any service ribbons for display..I have seen this done and is a great remembrance of your Dads service..

 

[the ringo kid]

I know the WWII museum in New Orleans gets a fair amount of gifts. Most are not displayed. But it's another place you could check out.

Bad thing about them is that they have a bad reputation for selling donated items. Personally,IF you want to give it to a Museum? Id send the stuff to the Imperial War Museum in England. You can guarantee the stuff will be properly cared foras well as see the light of day.Most places just toss the stuff into a storeroom where nobody ever sees it.

I used to donate time to the History collections at the CC Museum of Science and History-:::they stress the science part unfortunately:::::-I saw loads of things donated--most never get seen by anyone.

If I had the money?id offer to buy the items. WWII American uniforms and stuff--are no longer cheap these days.

 

[Frank237]

Timely post. I'm in the same boat. Have my Dad's WW2 USMC Uniform and truly no one to leave it to, when I kick the bucket.

FN in MT

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I second the idea of VFW and American Legion posts. Many have displays featuring uniforms and other items from the various wars and conflicts, frequently with plaques noting the name and service record of the serviceman (making a nice little memorial). All are non-profit organizations so any gift can result in tax deductions with "fair market value" being a rather elastic number, usually established by the giver and documented via a letter acknowledging the donation.

 

[Iggy]

What Lobo said.

 

[FishingPilot]

Put it in a shadow box for display along with medals, letters, military & family photos. Then pass it down the family. That's what I plan to do with my dress blues sometime in the future.

 

[hoc9sw]

If you go the VFW / Legion post route, be sure they have a proper disposition of assets plan that details where donated items would be sent in the event the post should close. You want to know these items will have a proper home, and not wind up on ebay.

 

[Jack Flash]

Thanks for all the replies. It looks like I will need to do some research to determine which of the suggested options will be the best.

 

[Herknav]

Thanks for posting this. I just found another couple of boxes I can throw away so my kids don't have to go through this exercise.

 

[Bugkiller99]

What was his position in the Army? Infantry museum at Ft Benning.