2 days ago
Reader wonders about a little slice of history in downtown Rochester
Jul. 14—Dear Answer Man: I have heard there is a museum in downtown Rochester called the Veterans & Emergency Services Museum. Can you, and/or your various minions, find out where it is located, and a little more about it? — A History Buff.
Dear Buff,
Well, if you know the name, then you are already way ahead of most people in Rochester. And since a trip through the internet shows you actually have a connection to this place, I think you're looking for a little publicity.
The Veterans & Emergency Services Museum, the brainchild of — among others — the late Tom Hosier, is dedicated to those people who, frankly, run toward disasters and dangers rather than away from them.
Sherry Irvin, the museum's board vice president and a former EMT, said the museum is hoping to grow in the future from its humble, yet noteworthy, beginnings.
For starters, the museum is located on the ground floor of the Hilton Rochester at 10 E. Center St.
But Irvin said she and the board are hoping to develop partnerships with Mayo Clinic and the History Center of Olmsted County to be able to either find a new, larger space or places where more exhibits can be shown on a permanent or even temporary basis.
"We're going to be changing our display for a Korean War display," she said, adding that the museum owns multiple uniforms from every branch of the military, plus other tools and even old K-rations.
From law enforcement, firefighters and first responders to our men and women in the military, Irvin said she believes we need to do a better job of honoring their hard work and sacrifice.
"They see the worst of the worst," she said, adding, "Without the veterans, we wouldn't have the rights that we have today. We need to honor those that kept us safe."
With recent news of folks who saved people during the flooding in central Texas, not to mention our own firefighters, law enforcement, first responders and veterans right here in Southeast Minnesota, Answer Man concurs.
Irvin said they get a lot of positive response from visitors who stay at the hotel when it comes to the museum, but "not a lot of people in Rochester know about it."
So, next time you're there, stop by. Irvin said you can read all the explanations and take in the exhibits in about half an hour. And it's free of charge, though if you go to the museum's website at they'll happily take a donation.
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