Ft. Lewis Military Museum

The Fort Lewis Military Museum will close to the public on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 for renovation and restoration of the historic building.

The Fort Lewis Gift Store — the Cannon Shop — located in the museum, is holding a sale to clear inventory prior to the museum’s closure. The museum will reopen to the public in spring 2011.

The Fort Lewis Military Museum is located south of Seattle, between Tacoma and Olympia, off I-5 at Exit 120. Enter Fort Lewis through the North Fort Lewis Gate and follow the signs. Visitors without a current military vehicle registration decal and federal ID card must first obtain a Visitor Pass at the Main Gate Visitors Center by presenting a driver’s license, vehicle insurance and registration.

This will be the most extensive renovation of the building since its construction was completed in 1919.

The Fort Lewis Museum originally housed the Red Shield Inn and was built and operated by the Salvation Army. Although the First World War ended in November 1918, the post was still very active as thousands of Soldiers returned for demobilization. In 1921 the Salvation Army transferred ownership of the Red Shield to the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps for the nominal fee of $1. Under various names the building continued to be used as a guest house until 1972. In 1973, the inn was converted into the Fort Lewis Military Museum. On Feb. 5, 1979, the Fort Lewis Military Museum building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Please check the Museum’s Web sites for periodic updates during the construction period:

http://www.lewis.army.mil/

http://www.fortlewismuseum.com/flm/

For more information please contact: Synthia Santos
I Corps and Fort Lewis Historian
(253) 967-7800 WK
synthia.santos@conus.army.mil