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Grand Reopening of the First Division Museum at Cantigny

Presented by Cantigny Park at Cantigny Park, Wheaton IL

Aug 26 2017

Grand Reopening of the First Division Museum at Cantigny

Announcing the completion of the 2-Year Museum Master Planning Project by Luci Creative! The new exhibits, interactive media and artifacts will leave a long-lasting impression…

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You are invited to a traditional military ceremony to honor the 100-year history of the 1st Infantry Division and ribbon cutting for the newly updated First Division Museum. The celebration begins with a ceremony at 11am with:

THE COLOR GUARD & SALUTE BATTERY
The Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard. Established in 1992, the CGMCG provides a link to Fort Riley’s and Kansas’ historic past. The CGMCG is made of active-duty service members who travel to ceremonies and events across the country to portray federal Soldiers on the plains of Kansas during the Civil War era. They perform mounted demonstrations that exhibit the skill and precision required of a cavalry Soldier. Troopers and horses of this unit are outfitted in period-appropriate uniforms, accoutrements and equipment.

The salute battery is a tradition where military artillerymen greet distinguished visitors, general officers, etc. with a number of shots from a cannon or cannons. The number of shots is dependent upon the rank or seniority of the person. They also fire for the raising and lowering of the U.S. flag. All shots fired are powder only — no projectiles. It is an honor to be greeted by a salute battery.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

Historic Vehicles

Zoo to You
What kind of animals do our soldiers find in their missions around the world? A Zoo to You will allow you to meet some of these unique animals that became adorable mascots or were avoided whenever possible.

Obstacle Course
See if you can navigate the First Division Museum’s 85-foot inflatable boot camp obstacle course.

Photo Booth
Gather to pose or just gather to watch, Fotio is sure to get even the most camera shy into the action. Pictures are uploaded to an online gallery for guests to use on Facebook, or your social media of choice, immediately after the event! Army themed props will be on hand to help you stage the perfect photo.

Beer Tent & Food Trucks

Cantigny Pop Up Shop
New military items and custom dog tags will be available for sale in the museum’s lobby.

Chicago Brass Band
The Chicago Brass Band will be performing before the opening ceremony and the accompanying patriotic music for the ceremony. The Chicago Brass Band is a 30-piece brass and percussion ensemble formed in 2002 to promote the British brass band tradition but with Chicago flair.

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ADMISSION INFO

Museum admission is free with paid parking: $5 on weekdays, $10 on weekends through September. Parking is $5 every day starting in October, and free on the first Wednesday of every month.

Contact: 630.260.8185

Official Website

INDIVIDUAL DATES & TIMES*

Additional time info:

The museum will open directly following the 11am ribbon cutting and stay open until 8 pm on August 26. Regular hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. In November and December, the museum closes at 4 pm.

* Event durations (if noted) are approximate. Please check with the presenting organization or venue to confirm start times and duration.

LOCATION

Cantigny Park

1s151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189

PARKING INFO

Cantigny's regular daily parking fee is $5 per car. Parking is free on the first Wednesday of every month. On Saturdays and Sundays, May through September, parking is $10. The $10 rate also applies on Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Parking is free at all times for Cantigny Park members, Honor Club members, and those attending ticketed events or other fee-based programs.