NYSMM Rev War
The Battle for Freedom: New York During the Revolutionary War; Orientation to the Museumm
New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center, Saratoga Springs, N.Y,
Opened July 2004
While rich in artifacts from the period, the museum was challenged to create the experience of Revolutionary War soldiers, given the scarcity of visual information from the war. The exhibition focuses on the chronology of the war, using maps, quotes, and images of leaders to provide a narrative of the progress of the war, particularly in New York State. Large die-cut illustrations of soldiers from the period “people” the exhibition, and range from British infantry solders to Loyalist supporters, German mercenaries, American militiamen, and Native American allies. In addition, background graphics of military camps, battlefield paintings, and period landscapes allow visitors to connect with the environments in which these soldiers moved and fought. When this exhibition was installed, an orientation to the museum was also opened, detailing the museum’s mission, collections, and programs through colorful banners and graphics that confront the visitor when they enter the exhibition space.
