The Virginia War Museum recently renovated its permanent gallery “Marching Towards Freedom: The Black Military Experience in America” in honor of Black History Month. The upgrades, made by museum Registrar Jerry Coggeshall, have brought new life to this timeless exhibit and filled critical gaps in the story of African-American Military History through the display of new artifacts that cover the Spanish American and Philippine Wars, World War I and World War II.

Among the significant artifacts displayed are a rare British made 1898 coat issued to American forces in the Philippines, a Carbine of the type used by “The Buffalo Soldiers,” A helmet and rifle of the type used by the “Harlem Hell Fighters” in the First World War, and a 1942 application to join the Tuskegee Airmen.

The exhibit is open daily Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM and on Sundays 12:00-5:00 PM and is free with regular museum admission. For more information visit the Virginia War Museum website or call 757-247-8523.