Sullivan Museum and History Center

09/07/2026

⚙️ Building America: Norwich Engineers at Work
This Labor Day, the Sullivan Museum and History Center celebrates the workers, engineers, innovators, and builders whose vision and hard work have shaped our nation.

In 1826, the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy—now Norwich University—became the first institution in the United States to offer a program of study in civil engineering. Captain Alden Partridge believed engineers should learn not only in the classroom, but also in the field through observation, measurement, and hands-on experience—a philosophy that remains part of Norwich's legacy today.

The mural shown here, painted by William H. Earle, depicts Edward Dean Adams, Norwich Class of 1864, directing the construction of the first hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls. As president of the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power and Manufacturing Company, Adams helped transform one of the world's greatest natural wonders into a source of electrical power, marking a pivotal moment in the history of engineering and industry.

Today, Norwich's pioneering role in engineering is recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

This Labor Day, we honor not only the workers who built our communities but also the educators, engineers, and innovators whose ideas continue to improve the world around us.

From all of us at the Sullivan Museum and History Center, we wish you a safe and happy Labor Day!

08/31/2026

🎨 Hidden Gems: Fortunino Matania's “A Capture Under Shell-Fire”

Fortunino Matania (1881–1963) was one of the twentieth century's most celebrated illustrators, renowned for his vivid and realistic depictions of World War I. His dramatic painting, “A Capture Under Shell-Fire: British Troops Bringing in a Captured German Battery under Fire,” captures the chaos of battle through rearing horses, soldiers taking cover, and the devastating human cost of war.

What makes this work especially remarkable is that the Sullivan Museum and History Center not only holds the finished painting but also Matania's preparatory watercolor study. Together, they offer a rare glimpse into the artist's creative process, showing how a pencil sketch evolved into a powerful finished composition.

These works are even more significant because many of Matania's original paintings and sketches were destroyed when his London studio was bombed during the Blitz in World War II. Their survival makes them an extraordinary part of the Sullivan Museum's collection.

Discover the full story on our website:
🔗 https://www.norwich.edu/campus-resources/library-archives-museum/sullivan-museum-and-history-center/exhibitions -section-10396

Visit the Sullivan Museum and History Center to see this remarkable work—and many other hidden gems from our collection.

08/24/2026

⚓ Hidden Gems: Admiral George Dewey's Meerschaum Pipe
Before Admiral George Dewey became the hero of the Battle of Manila Bay and one of America's most celebrated naval officers, he was a Norwich cadet.

His time at Norwich was brief—and memorable. In 1854, Dewey was expelled for disciplinary reasons, including the infamous incident in which sheep were herded into the barracks. But what seemed like the end of one chapter became the beginning of another. After leaving Norwich, he received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, launching the naval career that would eventually make him a national hero.

Following his victory in the Spanish–American War, Dewey's fame inspired countless commemorative objects. One of them is this beautifully carved meerschaum pipe, with Dewey's likeness forming the bowl. More than a smoking pipe, it is a reminder of how Americans celebrated one of the nation's most famous naval heroes—and how one of Vermont's most remarkable sons remained forever connected to Norwich University.

Discover the full story on our website:
🔗 https://www.norwich.edu/campus-resources/library-archives-museum/sullivan-museum-and-history-center/exhibitions -section-10396

Have you seen Admiral Dewey's pipe in person? Stop by the Sullivan Museum and History Center to see this fascinating artifact for yourself!

08/17/2026

🇺🇸 Hidden Gems • Part 1: The "I'll Try" Flag

One of the Sullivan Museum and History Center's most beloved artifacts is known simply as the "I'll Try" flag. More than a century old, this remarkable flag is closely connected to Norwich University's traditions and the enduring spirit captured by the motto Essayons—French for "Let us try."

At first glance, it is an impressive, embroidered flag. Look more closely, however, and it tells a much richer story of Norwich's cadets, the university's history, and the ideals that have inspired generations of students.

Swipe through the photos to see the front and back of the iconic "I'll Try" flag, along with an original "Essayons" button from Captain Alden Partridge's West Point uniform. Together, these artifacts reflect the enduring motto that has inspired Norwich students for more than two centuries.

Want to learn the full story? Read it on our website:
🔗 https://www.norwich.edu/campus-resources/library-archives-museum/sullivan-museum-and-history-center/exhibitions -section-10396

Have you seen the "I'll Try" flag in person? We'd love to hear what stood out to you!

08/10/2026

✨ What's hidden in the Sullivan Museum Collection Vault?

The Sullivan Museum and History Center is home to more than 20,000 objects, but only about 5% of our collection can be on display at any one time. Our current exhibition, “Hidden Gems: Highlights from the Sullivan Museum Collection Vault,” showcases some of our most treasured, unusual, and historically significant artifacts, each with a unique story to tell about Norwich University and the people who shaped its history.

This is just the beginning.

Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing the stories behind some of the exhibition's most iconic artifacts—including the famous "I'll Try" flag and other fascinating objects from the collection. Each post will take a closer look at the history, people, and events that make these artifacts so special.

We hope you'll visit the museum to experience Hidden Gems in person, then follow along here as we uncover the stories behind the collection—one hidden gem at a time.

08/05/2026

👋 Welcome to the official page of the Sullivan Museum and History Center at Norwich University!

Whether you're a longtime supporter, a Norwich alumnus, a history enthusiast, or discovering us for the first time, we're glad you're here.

Our mission is to preserve and share the history of Norwich University while exploring the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our nation and the world. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and public events, we strive to connect the past with the present and inspire lifelong learning.

Follow us for:
🏛️ Museum news
🖼️ Exhibit updates
📚 Educational programs
📅 Upcoming events
📸 Behind-the-scenes glimpses of our collections
🔍 Stories that bring history to life

Thank you for joining us as we begin this new chapter. We look forward to sharing the stories of the Sullivan Museum and History Center with you—and we hope you'll visit us in person soon!

07/28/2026

This past Saturday, the Sullivan Museum and History Center was pleased to welcome the NH-A Red Riders during their visit to Norwich University.

Founded in 2023, the NH-A Red Riders are an independent motorcycle touring organization based in Manchester, New Hampshire, that promotes safe riding, fellowship, and a positive public image of motorcycling. During their visit, members explored the museum's exhibits and learned more about Norwich University's rich military history.

We were delighted to host the group and appreciate them including the Sullivan Museum and History Center as part of their travels. Thank you for stopping by—we hope to see you again on a future ride!

07/21/2026

07/17/2026

We are open all summer, Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.

07/06/2026

A lot has changed in the last 65 years. Shared from the Archives' Photograph Collection, this was the Norwich University Museum, in approximately 1961: Norwich University President Ernest Nason Harmon and guests admire a statue of Alden Partridge in the university's museum.