 Click here for some pictures of our Museum, with more to come! The Camp Gordon Johnston Association proudly announces the establishment of the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum. Located in Carrabelle, Florida, the museum's role is to preserve the heritage of the men who trained at the this camp during WW II. Carrabelle was the focal point of social life around the camp when it was open during WW II, and today continues its role as the preserver of the amphibious soldier's heritage. Camp Gordon Johnston opened in 1942 for the sole purpose of training amphibious soldiers and their support groups, this camp trained a quarter of a million men, closing in June of 1946. The sacrifices and achievements of our WW II era citizens have led historians to label these individuals as the best generation America has yet produced. We feel it would be a tragedy not to display their accomplishments as a worthy lesson for today's citizens. To this extent the museum promotes not only the history of WW II, but also portrays the gigantic effort that our nation poured into this conflict.The CGJ Museum has compiled an extensive history of the various units that trained here, as well as a photographic display of the area and life as it existed at the camp. Furthermore, the CGJ veterans have contributed the artifacts brought back from battles overseas, along with uniforms, mess kits, and all sorts of souvenirs, too numerous to name. The museum also preserves an oral history, preserving the experiences of our veterans. For example, Mr. George Blanchett, retired and currently living in Massachusetts, tells of airplanes from nearby Dale Mabry Field making strafing runs off Alligator Bay. The pilot attempted to perform a "loop." Unfortunately, the inexperienced flier did not have sufficient altitude and dove straight into the ground. Many such stories are told in our publication, the Amphibian, official newspaper of the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum. To access our latest issue go to the Amphibian button on this web page and down-load or view. The Camp Gordon Johnston Museum is located at 302 Marine street in Carrabelle, Florida, about 60 miles from Tallahassee. Admission is free and all visitors are welcome. The hours are from 1300 to 1600 hours Monday through Friday and 1000 till 1300 hours on Saturdays. For group tours or individual visits outside of those normal hours, call the Museum at: (850) 697-8575 for additional arrangements. Tours are welcome and WWII veterans will be given special; consideration. A wheelchair is available. Become a Charter Member of the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum. You can help keep this unique American history experience open by becoming a Charter Member. As such you will: Automatically receive the Amphibian for one year. Have your name placed on the Charter membership Roll in the entrance of the Museum. Receive a certificate, suitable for framing, in your office or home. We invite your comments (as it will be YOUR Museum) on how you would like us to proceed. If you would like to become a Charter Membership, or make a tax deductable contribution, Click here. (The Camp Gordon Johnston Association is a not for profit 501(c)3 corporation)
|
