Upcountry History Museum offers free admission for veterans, active military on Veterans Day

In observance of Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, the Upcountry History Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, will offer free admission to veterans and all active duty military personnel.

A special Veterans Day Lunchbox Learning program entitled “Chester and Douglas, A Study in Contrast During the War in the Pacific, WWII,” will be presented at Noon. The program features speaker and author Major Ralph Stoney Bates, Sr., USMC (Ret.), who will discuss the roles of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur during the advancements of the war in the Pacific. Though these commanders were very different in many respects, this program underscores the uniqueness of each man’s capabilities and how these differences worked together to secure victory over the Imperial Japan war machine.

Bates is author of “Short Rations for Marines” and “A Marine Called Gabe.” Following the program, he will answer questions about “Chester and Douglas,” as well as make his books available for sale.

In addition to the museum’s permanent exhibits dedicated to service and sacrifice by members of the United States Armed Forces, Veterans Day visitors can also explore the current exhibition, Ghost Trail: U.S. Marines & The Battle of Tarawa in the Pacific, 1943. This combination of original combat art by renowned artist/illustrator Kerr Eby and film footage of the battle transports visitors back in time to World War II where, on a small sliver of land in the Pacific Ocean, United States Marines, soldiers, and sailors defied logic, secured a key victory, and laid bare raw acts of heroism that define courage.

Admission is free for veterans, however reservations are required as attendance must be limited to ensure the safety of all guests. Call 864-467-3100 or email info@upcountryhistory.org to reserve your seat.

The Upcountry History Museum is located at 540 Buncombe Street in Greenville, S.C. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please note, the Museum adheres to a mandatory mask requirement for visitors ages 10 years and older.

For more information, call 864-467-3100 or visit upcountryhistory.org.