A private collection preserving the life of the American soldier from the Civil War through the Spanish American War, with a rare assembly of firing antique artillery restored to original arsenal specification.
3.2" Field Cannon
U.S. Model 1890
We believe the best way to preserve our heritage is not behind glass, but in working order — restored to the specifications of the arsenals that made them, and fired on the grounds that remember them.
Field guns, mountain guns, Coehorn mortars
Revolving cannon, multi-barrel ordnance
Willys MB, Ford GPW, M29 Weasel
Ammunition chests, escort wagons
Accoutrements, sidearms, insignia
Where most museums display artifacts in the condition they arrive, Fields of Thunder works in the other direction. Each acquired piece is evaluated, researched against original ordnance records, and, when appropriate, returned to the exact configuration it left the arsenal in, down to the shade of the paint and the stamp of the inspector.
The result is a living collection where a 3.2" field gun does not merely represent the Indian War era, but could, if ordered, fire the same round it was built to fire at Santiago de Cuba.
“America's fighting men and women sacrifice much to ensure that our great nation stays free. We owe a debt of gratitude to the soldiers that have paid the ultimate price.”
2nd Marines, 1941–1944 · 6th Marines, 1945. Three battle stars, three presidential unit citations.
Career service 1941–1972. Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal.
Served aboard the USS Sausalito, recipient of six battle stars for Korean War service.
The museum's current goal is to transition from its private location into a public building where these artifacts can teach future generations. There are several ways to contribute to that work.
Every dollar of store proceeds goes directly to the building fund.