museum of the horse soldier

My family had a fun time learning about the history of our military and the story of their four legged heroes (the horse). The curator, Ray, was so informative and really made the history come to life with his narrative. The previous post is way off and is why my family asked that we write a review. We spent 2 hours at the museum and still would visit again.There are so many items on display that you really need to have Ray walk you through or at least ask him questions, which he gladly answered.There are labels in the museum, which some posts have said is needed. We do not agree. If all the displays had labels, the displays would be so clustered and crowded it would detract from the exhibits. Ray can explain better than any label would convey, he has a wonderful delivery. It was like a battlefield tour at Gettysburg...it was that good.What this museum does need...a much larger facility. There is so much to see and too many exhibits. We came while on vacation and Ray had just finished a school tour of 50 children. I cant imagine how he did it with such a large group. My wife is a teacher and was very impressed by how he interacted with the group (from what we saw). We were her on a Wednesday. Our trip to Tucson included going to Fort Lowell Museum (which was closed) and then finding out Fort Huachuca Museum was also closed. So again thank you Ray for keeping a museum open which allows for military history to be seen and learned about.We learned in getting to know Ray that he has no staff or real funding, everything from administration to janitor is done by him...even for a small museum he is doing more than anyone could ever expect. We have visited museums and parks all over this country and have interacted with many personnel...and Ray stands out.Keep up the good fight.

Its a collection , not yet a museum but it has potential. It needs a curator who understands horse soldiers and writes for the vsitor

My great great grandfather was a Ferrier for the Fifth Ohio Cavalry during the Civil War so I found this museum very interesting. Not only did I learn more about the dress and uniform of those times, but I got a close up look at the equipment that he may have been acquainted with. I may have also seen the uniform and equipment of his commanding officer during the civil war; Major General Samuel Beatty from the Army of the Tennessee. He was involved in the same troop movements as my great great grandfather including the Battle of Chattanooga. This is a nice museum that honors the horse soldier from the Civil War through WWII. I just wish that they would provide a little more written description and history of the items we are looking at for those of us who want to know a little more about this piece of US history.

There are many reasons this rather small museum is achieving such high ratings from travel sites. I found the guide we had one of the best I've met. The collection of military uniforms from the 1860s-World War II and their stories was fascinating. There is an incredible collection of artifacts discovered from old military posts in the Southwest. The focus of the museum is on the horse soldier, however, and this makes the museum unique. History buffs had better bring a notebook for all the information they will learn.

Owner/Director Rae Whitley gave my wife and I a personal tour of the museum. He told us about the history of all the items in the displays; his knowledge is amazing. We had a personal interest, since my grandfather was a Corporal in the Calvary and we are horse owners. It was time well spent and we left with an incredible education. The museum encompasses the history of horses/mules, saddles, uniforms, weapons, equipment, musical instruments, flags and so much more! Be sure to find the display that shows the pay scale through the decades.We also learned the history of the converted barn the museum is housed in. Rae said the barn was unscathed during the massive Trail Dust Town fire in 1971.If you find the doors locked and a sign that says "Out to Lunch, will be back at 3:30" (like one reviewer wrote), walk around Trail Dust Town (even if it's closed) or find something else to do for that period of time … don't leave … or you will miss out on something that is well worth waiting for!

We had an excellent visit to this wonderful museum. The pieces on display are not only complete historical examples of the uniforms and horse accessories of U.S. cavalry, but everything is in such amazing condition. We ended up being guided through the museum by the curator, Rae. He presented as much history and knowledge through his descriptions as was shown on display. Very highly recommended!

This museum has been created and maintained by one man, Rae Whitley, who's a lifelong museum expert with a personal interest in military history. Accordingly, be SURE to join up with him for a personal tour of the exhibits. He's extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He'll give you as much or as little info as you wish, and he can answer your off-the-cuff questions, too.

Physically small but it covers a lot of ground. You can breeze through fairly quickly and get a good idea of what the museum is all about, but there's also enough detail that, if you're interested in American horse cavalry, you could probably spend hours without exhausting the resources.

We visited this place last week and enjoyed the various presentation that were put on by the volunteers and staff. It gave us a better understanding how early life it's like in Tucson. A must see for those visiting this great city.

I had read the posted reviews for this museum and was in town for the weekend so I put it on my bucket list to do. I was totally blown away with all the artifacts that the private owner, Rae Whitley, has acquired. He gave us a private tour of the place and was most informative. He has such a vast knowledge and passion about his collection and we were even able to touch a buffalo coat worn by soldiers. Also Rae brought out two different swords and explained the difference between the tow and why each one had its own purpose. it was also fascinating to hear about how the uniforms and saddles changed through the different periods of history and wars. I could not believe that he actually acquired a flag from the Civil War, stained and all.There is a separate room that is full of artifacts that have been found at the different forts in Arizona and New Mexico. the display is wonderful, showing the maps of where the forts were located and the time periods of occupation.I too wondered why there were no placards explaining the displays but in reading the reviews, I realized that Rae was correct in having a guided tour was the best way to experience the museum.In the group I was in, there was a couple from England who shared their experiences of coming to the southwest every year. This was their first time to this museum and it was interesting how they viewed American History from their perspective.Please visit this museum. It is so worth your time. Have Rae tell you the story of Reckless, the burro. A movie needs to be made on this four legged hero!Thank you Rae for sharing your time, knowledge, and passion, on the Horse Soldier ,the horses, and the history surrounding them. There is a nominal fee of $3.00.

I appreciate your review, although I am a bit confused as we haven't been under renovation for close to two years. Also, our collection spans beyond the southwest. We have the uniform of Vermont's only Rough Rider, a New York Light Artillery flag from the Battle of Gettysburg, the list goes on. Our collection represents the United States, and is not regional at all.Thank you again and I welcome your return visit.

Sometimes the small little known museums we stumble across are unique and very interesting.We have relocated to Tucson and I am alway searching for new things to do. The destination I planned was to dine at Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse in Gold Dust Town.I noticed that there was this museum on the premises,so we put that on our agenda. Small admittance fee of $3. We found out this is the only museum in the country that is all about the US Calvary throughout the years and the importance of the horse in the military. This museum has only been open for a year.The collection is quite amazing. Calvary soldier uniforms,saddles ,weapons ,photographs and stories. A must see is a Us flag that was recovered at the battle of Gettysburg.It is original! Blood Stains and all.The owner and director of the museum told us some amazing stories of this battle .He was full of amazing history and loved sharing it with us. He mingles with the vivitors and is happy to share his knowledge. Only negative was that a lot of the uniforms and artifacts are not labeled yet as to what decade,etc. They are still in the process of this work. Definitley worth a visit!

Privately owned but wow what a collection. $3 for adults and open till 8pm. You won't get board here and the staff is very knowledgeable.

This museum is like a treasure chest. Spoke to the curator at length about the guide on flag. I was so impressed with his knowledge, that I feel he should be snapped up by Ken Burns and make a documentary using the pieces in this museum.Unlike other museums, you can get a personal history lesson behind the artifacts. It is well worth the visit and it will leave you wanting to learn more.This will be return visit for me next time I'm in Tucson.

Thank you for your kind words, I truly enjoyed your visit.We at the museum felt that this was a perfect opportunity to publicly explain why we don't rely on labels to describe our collection. First, the amount of information people enjoy and absorb through listening to one of our guides far exceeds the amount of text 99% of patrons would read. Our typical tour is one hour; the script for that tour is in excess of 200 pages. Very few patrons would read 200 pages of text, while standing, all within an hour visit, while also looking at artifacts. Although daily, people enjoy that much information delivered in an exciting and engaging manner by our staffSecond, we like to share and learn. I cannot begin to tell you how much history would have been lost had we not taken time to engage with the public. We honestly enjoy our patrons, and what they have to share.Finally, it is what sets us apart. Simply put, we try harder. Everyone gets a level of personalization with their admission. Sometimes people don't want a tour, but most people appreciate the fact that we don't take their money and tune them out.Thank you again for your time