Originally known as the Tupelo War Museum located at Barnes Crossing Rd, the Tupelo Veterans Museum was moved to a new location in November 2007. It is now located next to the Oren Dunn Museum on Rutherford Road. It was set up by Tony Lute, who is also the curator of the museum. It was set up in honor of all the men and women who dedicated their lives to the concept of ensuring freedom for all Americans
The museum collection of war memorabilia spans almost 150 years, from the Civil War to present times. Most of the artifacts have been collected by Tony Lute himself; while the rest have been donated to the museum. The objects are not limited to those from America alone, all the countries that participated in the second World War are represented here. There are thousands of artifacts on display including a display signed by one of the last surviving marines that raised the flag on Iwo Jima, the flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol at the hour the D-Day invasion began, a Nazi banner and a clock from a crashed Japanese zero made by Seiko and still runs. In addition a nice assortment of weapons representing Allied and Axis countries, a Kreigs Navy Flag, Nazi K98 Mausers used at the battle of Stalingrad, two rifles which were captured by the Russians at the end of WWII, and many more exhibits.
The museum also hosts a weekly free breakfast for veterans, who also use the museum as their gathering place, sharing war stories and answering visitors' questions. The museum attracts about 1,300 visitors a month. The admission fee is $3 per person. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5 pm.
You can call the museum at 1-800-533-0611.
Tupelo Veterans Museum
665 Rutherford Drive
Tupelo, Mississippi 38802-0047
