Voted #1 Military Museum in 2012

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The Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, FL was voted the #1 museum in the Tampa Bay area both in 2009 and 2011 and in 2012 the best military museum by Tampa Bay Magazine.  The history at this 50,000 sq. ft. museum encompasses WWI thru present day and is presented in detailed, interactive displays and dioramas.  Oral histories from some of Pinellas County’s local veterans also engage visitors as they wind their way through 100 years of incredible history.  The Armed Forces History Museum – located at 2050 34^th Way N in Largo, FL – is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10 AM – 4 PM and on Sunday from 12 noon to 4 PM.   For additional information on admission, memberships and driving directions, click on the link below:

www.armedforcesmuseum.com

WWII M8 Rides Available

Outside, visitors have an opportunity to ride an original, fully-restored, WWII M8 Reconnaissance Vehicle, complete with a turret mounted 37 mm cannon.  It is truly the chance of a lifetime.  Additional full-sized, fully operational vehicles, tanks and other military equipment are displayed throughout the museum in the areas reflective of the pieces history.  For more information, or to view a brief video of the M8 in operation, click on the link below:

M8 Greyhound Video and Information

A Brief Look Inside the Museum

Inside AFHM, the WWI diorama is one of the most unique dioramas in the Tampa Bay area.  This re-created  WWI trench comes alive with smoke and the sound of gun fire as the Red Baron flies overhead in his Fokker tri-plane.  Also housed here is an original pigeon carrier, communication equipment and many other unique items from WWI.  The barbed wire post holders at the top of the trench were actually retrieved from Flander’s Field in France.

The WWI trench is just the beginning of the journey experienced at the AFHM.  Other galleries include a diverse collection of military uniforms, an extensive display of firearms and ordnance, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam War and the Cold War.  The museum’s on-line interactive map provides visitors with information on the museum’s layout, some of the artifacts displayed in each area and a brief summation of the history of each area.  Use the link below to access the museum’s interactive map:

AFHMs Interactive Map

Titanic – A Voyage in Art

Through July 15^th, AFHM has its first rotating exhibit – Titanic – A Voyage in Art.  This collection includes 27 original acrylic paintings, that encompass the actual time line of the Titanic and her succinct life.  The display has additional memorabilia related to the Titanic including a few select pieces that were actually made specifically for the ship, but were not aboard on its maiden voyage.  This incredible collection is a must see and the first of many planned rotating exhibits at AFHM.

Discover For Yourself

Behind the doors of the Armed Forces History Museum an exciting adventure awaits.  It is a place where visitors are surrounded with history and the past to life.  Come visit AFHM and discover for yourself why it was voted the #1 museum in 2009 and 2011 and again in 2012 as the best military museum by Tampa Bay Magazine.