History As It Happens: HAIH at the U.S. Army War College, Part 2
Released on June 20, 2025
Introduction and Setting
In this special episode of History As It Happens, host Martin Di Caro brings listeners on an immersive journey to the U.S. Army War College and Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, the episode features insightful conversations with Kate LeMay, Director of the Heritage and Education Center, and Molly Bompaine, the exhibit curator responsible for the new groundbreaking display.
Celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th Anniversary
The episode opens with a heartfelt celebration of the U.S. Army's 250th birthday. Martin Di Caro sets the tone by acknowledging the significance of this milestone:
"Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you. Why are we doing this?" [01:33]
Kate LeMay and Molly Bompaine join Martin to delve into the Army's rich history, emphasizing the interplay between military evolution and American history.
Unveiling the New 18th-Century Tavern Exhibit
A highlight of the episode is the introduction of the new exhibit—a meticulously crafted 18th-century tavern. Martin expresses his admiration for the exhibit:
"I didn't know this stuff was up here. It is amazing. So congratulations." [02:33]
Molly Bompaine explains the inspiration behind the tavern:
"We wanted to take our audience and visitors on a journey... bringing them into the thirteen colonies... the courage it took to stand up an army." [02:57]
The tavern serves as a portal to the Revolutionary War era, depicting the environment where pivotal conversations and decisions occurred. The authentic recreation, inspired by the Wayside Tavern in Sudbury, Massachusetts, offers visitors an immersive experience:
"It was built in four months... it's a beautiful, immersive space." [05:05]
The Revolutionary War: A Civil War Within
The discussion shifts to the complexities of the Revolutionary War, highlighting the internal conflicts among the colonists. Kate LeMay emphasizes the era's division:
"Historians are arguing right now though, that it was a civil war in its own kind of sense." [09:24]
Molly Bompaine concurs, drawing parallels between the Revolutionary War and America's later civil conflicts:
"It's not like the American Civil War, but had elements of a civil war." [09:41]
The conversation underscores the personal struggles and societal tensions that influenced the formation of the U.S. Army.
Artifacts and Archives: Bridging Past and Present
The Heritage and Education Center boasts a vast collection of artifacts that narrate the Army's history. Kate LeMay highlights the importance of personal documents:
"We have a lot of papers of influential veterans... through a biographical lens." [04:38]
A notable artifact discussed is the Charleville musket, symbolizing international alliances and military advancements:
"The Charleville musket was produced in the Saint Etienne arsenal in France... our allies played into the creation of our army." [10:21]
Another significant piece is the 1785 Springfield musket, representing the Army's move towards self-sufficiency in arms manufacturing:
"When you can arm yourself and have interchangeable parts, it correlates to independence." [12:04]
The Art of Curating History
Martin explores the intricate process of curating exhibits with Kate LeMay:
"How do you decide what goes in an exhibit?" [15:52]
Kate explains that curators prioritize objects that best tell the desired narrative, ensuring each artifact contributes meaningfully to the story:
"The objects are the ones that punctuate the story... we're here to say, hey, this object did this, this, this." [16:56]
Molly Bompaine adds that selecting items is a collaborative effort, often reflecting personal connections and departmental insights:
"We brought in our entire staff... picked one object that resonated with them." [18:30]
Humanizing Military History
A poignant moment in the episode is the discussion of personal items that reflect soldiers' daily lives and emotional experiences. Kate shares a family story through telegrams about a soldier missing in action:
"One of our colleagues found the telegrams... it follows the timeline of his great uncle who was missing in action." [21:51]
Molly adds emotional depth to this narrative:
"When I was framing that one, I started crying... what the family goes through." [22:59]
These stories emphasize the human aspect of military history, showcasing the profound personal sacrifices and emotional toll of war.
Exhibit Highlights and Visitor Experience
The episode details various objects featured in the exhibit, such as the P38 can opener and the "woobi" poncho liner, which resonate with modern soldiers while connecting them to historical counterparts:
"The P38 can opener... shows the functionality... soldiers would identify with it." [19:33]
"A poncho liner... any soldier from Vietnam through current operations knows that." [20:27]
Martin Di Caro commends the exhibit for its ability to make history relatable and engaging:
"If you're a history nut, this is a great place to visit... learn something about being in the United States." [21:12]
Recognition and Visitor Information
Kate LeMay proudly mentions the museum's accolades and visitor statistics:
"Newsweek's Reader's Choice named us one of the top 10 free museums in the nation." [23:37]
"Pre-pandemic, almost 200,000 visitors annually." [23:48]
The conversation encourages listeners to visit Carlisle, Pennsylvania, highlighting the museum's educational value and its strategic location near other historical sites like Gettysburg.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As the episode wraps up, Martin invites listeners to engage further with the museum through social media and newsletters:
"History as It Happens is on Facebook and my newsletter can be found @historyasithappens.com." [25:04]
He also extends an invitation to experience the museum firsthand, reinforcing its role as a premier destination for understanding the intertwined histories of the U.S. Army and the nation.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- "We wanted to take our audience and visitors on a journey..." — Molly Bompaine [02:57]
- "The objects are the ones that punctuate the story..." — Kate LeMay [16:56]
- "When you can arm yourself and have interchangeable parts, it correlates to independence." — Kate LeMay [12:04]
- "One of our colleagues found the telegrams... it follows the timeline of his great uncle who was missing in action." — Kate LeMay [21:51]
Visit and Explore More
For those inspired by this episode, a visit to the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center offers a tangible connection to the past. Explore the detailed exhibits, engage with personal stories, and gain a deeper appreciation of how the U.S. Army has shaped and been shaped by American history.
Connect with History As It Happens on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter at historyasithappens.com for more enriching historical narratives.