Museum Guide News

“Why is there a World War II Museum in Eldred. PA?”
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This is a common question received by staff at the Eldred WWII Museum. The answer lies in a munitions plant that was operated in the Eldred area during the war. The plant did not start out as an American operation, however.

George Roudebush, an American lawyer, with J.W. Whitmore, a Canadian, found the Eldred area to be a suitable location for a munitions plant that would serve British armed forces. To preserve and interpret the history of World War II. To commemorate the contribution of 40 million Americans that supported the 16 million fighting soldiers during the epic struggle to defend freedom and democracy against the forces of greed and aggression. To help shape a stronger future for the United States by helping present and future generations understand the lessons of the 20th century, the Museum was created!

In the 1990s, George Roudebush's son, Tim, was working as a businessman in Kansas. He was very much distressed by the youth's lack of knowledge regarding World War II and its influence on the world. Knowing the legacy of the National Munitions Plant and its workers in Eldred, Tim elected to construct a museum in their honor; not in a large city like Buffalo or Pittsburgh, but in Eldred itself. The museum opened in 1996 and has since seen consistent expansions that has grown the museum to over 15,000 square feet.

Today, the museum also houses the Robert A. Anderson Library. It serves as a significant resource for research on the subject of World War II. The library was established in 1999 upon the acquisition of the collection of historian Robert A. Anderson. The collection was a life-long passion and included thousands of books and rare artifacts.

The museum has continued to add to the collection which now exceeds 8,500 volumes. The holdings of the library include rare or out of print books that the researcher may not be able to find in a local library. In addition to books, researchers also have access to veteran statements and interviews, various wartime periodicals, videos, and documents within the museum’s archives.

So, when you are passing through northern, PA stop off in Eldred and visit a little bit of unfound WWII history. Museum is open December – February Tuesday - Friday: By appointment Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm March – November Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Admission Adults: No Admission fee, donations appreciated Children 18 and under: Free. 814-225-2220 - https://www.eldredpawwiimuseum.com/#/