Pritzker Military Museum & Library - 19 Jan 2017

On Thursday of last week I visited the Pritzker Military Museum & Library located in downtown Chicago. I'm a member of the museum, and I'd been there a few times previously, but I was offered a personal tour by the Chief Librarian and gladly accepted. Teri was incredibly knowledgeable, very generous with her time, and as you will see very willing to share the resources of the Library with me.

The unassuming plaque in the wall is all that indicates the Library at street level.


Directly inside the main entrance is an original piece of art some of you might recognize. I've long been an admirer of military art, so the large piece caught my eye.



The oil painting is entitled "The Crossing: The 132nd Infantry Regiment at Guagalcanal" by the famous James Dietz. The piece was commissioned by the Pritzker Library in 2010 to commemorate the role of the Illinois National Guard in the Guadalcanal action.

The museum has a wide variety of books, recorded interviews, and rotating exhibits. They are currently featuring Medal of Honor recipients, an exhibit on Navy SEALs, as well as an exhibit called "Hunting Charlie" which examines the enemy of the United States in the Vietnam War through original art and propaganda.

After the comprehensive tour, Teri brought me into the rare books archive. I didn't know exactly what to expect, but given the layers of security we passed and the fact the room was climate controlled, let's say my curiosity was piqued.

So, what's this you ask?



An original copy of "Regulations for the order and discipline of the troops of the United States", also known as von Steuben's Blue Book. Yes indeed.


The inner pages were signed by the owners, each inscribing it in turn as they came into possession of the book. The year 1788 is clearly legible, giving a good idea of printing date, as there were several runs after 1779.


Otto with the mother of all US military manuals.


The above urinal target is part of the Hunting Charlie Vietnam War exhibit. There were a lot of things to take photos of, but I couldn't resist posting this one. I noted it was placed well above the floor, just in case.

 

Hmm. The images aren't there. Is it just me?

 

I see no photos either, Lou, on my phone or laptop.

"I see NOTHING!"

 

It works for me, but I'm using google photos, permissions are turd with it.

 

I think I sorted the permission. Fixed?

 

Pictures are visible. I'm sure there was much more, but these are a good taste. I especially like von Steuben's Blue Book.

 

Good.

I'll do doing much more of this in the future. I'll be sure to keep steady updates here.

 

Seemed appropriate to take this photo on the way out of the Pritzker Museum as it was the day before President Donald J. Trump's inauguration. It was a rare situation as you can only get this angle if you are in the dead center of the street. Being in downtown Chicago, this strip is usually full of vehicles but a for a fleeting moment it was totally empty.