All Wars Museum | Quincy IL

The All Wars Museum in Quincy, Illinois, is a deeply immersive and historically rich military museum located on the grounds of the Illinois Veterans Home at 1707 North 12th Street. This museum chronicles the complete span of American military history, from the Revolutionary War through modern-day conflicts, and is regarded as one of the most comprehensive war museums in downstate Illinois.

🏛️ History and Purpose

Established in 1975, the All Wars Museum was created to honor veterans and educate the public about the legacy of the United States armed forces.

It is operated largely by volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves, which brings authenticity and passion to the museum experience.

The museum sits on the Illinois Veterans Home campus, one of the largest and oldest such facilities in the United States, established in 1886.

🧭 Museum Layout and Collection

The museum is organized chronologically, allowing visitors to walk through America's military history in a linear and educational fashion.

⚔️ Major Wars and Eras Represented:

Revolutionary War

War of 1812

Mexican-American War

Civil War

Spanish-American War

World Wars I and II

Korean War

Vietnam War

Gulf War / Iraq / Afghanistan / Global War on Terror

📦 Exhibits and Highlights

🧳 Artifacts:

Over 5,000 original artifacts are on display.

Items include:

Uniforms from every major U.S. military conflict

Firearms, sidearms, and edged weapons

Field gear and personal items from soldiers

Medals, decorations, and flags

Letters, photos, and diaries

Prisoner of war memorabilia

Propaganda posters and recruitment materials

🚁 Vehicles and Military Equipment:

Full-scale military vehicles displayed outside the museum include:

M60 Patton tank

M5 Stuart light tank

UH-1 Huey helicopter

Revolutionary War cannon replica

These pieces provide a tactile sense of the scale and evolution of combat machinery.

🎨 Veteran Artists and Dioramas:

Dan Waggoner, a Marine Corps veteran, contributed over 60 oil portraits of soldiers and military leaders.

Joe Laratta, an Army veteran, constructed highly detailed dioramas illustrating battlefield scenes and military camps.

🖼️ Murals and Medal of Honor Display:

The museum features murals and framed portraits honoring Medal of Honor recipients, with stories of heroism and sacrifice.

The displays emphasize both national and local heroes from the Quincy area.

🎥 Interactive and Multimedia Elements:

Several exhibits incorporate videos, oral histories, and audio recordings.

Educational displays for younger visitors make it engaging for families and school groups.

🕰️ Visitor Information

Seasonal Hours:

Open: March 1 to the Wednesday before Thanksgiving

Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Sunday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Monday: Closed

Admission:

Free of charge

Donations are encouraged to support ongoing maintenance and expansion.

Tours:

Self-guided and group tours are available.

Group arrangements and school visits can be scheduled by calling (217) 640-5405 (Curator: Bob Craig).

🌳 The Illinois Veterans Home Grounds

Visitors can also explore the broader Illinois Veterans Home, which spans over 200 acres and contains:

Beautiful parkland

A small deer park

Historic buildings and chapels

A serene lake and walking paths

The setting enhances the reflective and educational atmosphere of the museum visit.

🧠 Educational Value

The All Wars Museum is frequently used as an educational resource for:

Local schools

Military history classes

Scouting groups

ROTC and JROTC programs

It offers a powerful, non-commercial tribute to service members and allows the public to connect with the human stories behind each war.

Summary

The All Wars Museum in Quincy is more than just a military exhibit-it’s a living memorial, curated with reverence, accuracy, and dedication. Whether you're a veteran, a student, a history enthusiast, or a curious visitor, the museum offers a thoughtful and emotionally resonant experience that brings over two centuries of military service to life.