Eldred World War II Museum has exhibits showing the effects of World War II on the region. It uses artifacts, dioramas, electronic exhibits, audiovisual narrations, documents and photographs. Museum displays highlight both European and Pacific theaters. Field gear, uniforms and weaponry on display are often changed.
On entry exhibits on the lower level highlight rise of the Nazis, and Pearl Harbor at the beginning of the war. Artifacts include a Russian uniform with decorations, and a German Sturmgewehr 44 early assault rifle.
An exhibit honors women working the production line of a local defense plant. Visitors may operate remote controlled tanks at the “Tank Mountain” interactive display over mountainous terrain. A submarine display uses an authentic World War II periscope.
The museum has a library with one of the largest World War II collections in the United States. It contains books, magazines, newspapers, memoirs and other items. Each item is available for use but may not leave the museum.
The museum was established a non-profit organization in 1996 and it has expanded from one room to three stories. The museums remote location may seem out of the way for a World War II museum, but it was the location of a munitions plant during the war.
National Munitions Company began operation in the mid 1940’s, before the US became engaged in World War II. It is rather surprising how the enterprise was initiated. Its location was selected as suitable for a munitions plant to serve British armed forces. Munitions were produced for American armed forces after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
At its peak 1,500 were employed in this facility. When our men and boys went off to war nearly 95% of the workforce were women. Eventually production facilities expanded across 1,800 acres. It operated 24 hours a day from January 1942 to May 1945 producing eight million bombs, mortar shells and fuses.
National Munitions Company produced British 3 inch trench mortars, 2 inch smoke projectiles, incendiary bombs, bomb fuses, and thermite hand grenades. Plant operations ended at the war’s end and the facility was later dismantled.
Eldred World War II Museum is located at 201 Main Street in Eldred Pennsylvania. Museum Hours are: Sunday 1:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Tuesday – Saturday:|10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Monday – Closed. Admission Fee: Adult-$5 with reduced rates for children.
Eldred is a borough of McKean County Pennsylvania with a population of 858 within an area of 0.9 square miles. It is 80 miles south of Buffalo New York, 110 miles east of Erie, 175 miles north east of Pittsburgh, and 25 minutes east of Bradford, PA. Eldred is 15 minutes south of Olean, NY by driving route 417 to route 305 south. In Pennsylvania continue on route 446 to Eldred.
Here is an opportunity to learn about the history of World War II and the supportive role the Elred community played. This excursion provides a history lesson in an enjoyable way.
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