A holiday meant to mourn and honor fallen soldiers has turned into a way to ring in summer each year. This holiday, of course, is Memorial Day.

The holiday of Memorial Day began after the Civil War as a way to honor the 750,000 lives lost to the war.

It has turned into a day to remember all those who have served and lost their lives since that conflict ended over 150 years ago. 

We know why people celebrate Memorial Day. But do you know where the birthplace is? Or how Memorial Day came to be?

For most people, the answer to these questions has one of two reactions. One being with a confused look, the other being yes because they are good at trivia, or they grew up in that town. No matter what category you fall into, there is an intriguing museum for you. 

Located in a small Finger Lakes town Waterloo, just off the New York State Thruway, lies a museum all about the founding of Memorial Day, called the National Memorial Day Museum. Run by the Waterloo Library and Historical Society, this museum is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. 

At the National Memorial Day Museum, visitors are transported back in time. 

The National Memorial Day Museum is located in a historical house built before the Civil War; it remains decorated as it was in the 1860s.

Through exploring this museum, you learn about how different people mourned during the Civil War, and see how a traditional mourning parlor was set up during this time period. A docent will talk about the impact of the war, the new weapon technology in the late 1800s, and what conditions were like for Confederate POWs in Elmira, NY. On the tour, guests also learn about the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR); guests can see a near perfectly preserved GAR uniform. 

A traditional mourning parlor 

The GAR uniform at the museum

As visitors move upstairs to the World War I room, they can follow a local family by reading about their heartbreaking story of the ultimate sacrifice during war. Via displays throughout the rest of the museum, visitors can learn about different wars, such as the Vietnam War. 

The start of the exhibit about a family in Seneca County during World War I

Part of the Vietnam War display

One of the last things that visitors learn about is the founding of Memorial Day, how Waterloo became the birthplace of, and why Memorial Day is not only important to the town but also the country. 

Visitors can view the pharmacy book and scales from co-founder of Memorial Day, Henry C. Welles. Another interesting artifact is the proclamation that made Waterloo the Birthplace of Memorial Day, signed by Lyndon B. Johnson. The display also features the pen he used. 

Henry C. Welles’ pharmacy scales

The pen and document Lyndon B. Johnson signed to make Waterloo the Birthplace of Memorial Day

Throughout the museum, the tour touches upon how Waterloo was affected during these wars and post-wars. There is much more to learn at this museum!

There is fascinating history to learn and see; stopping into this museum is a once in a lifetime experience. 

Need more reasons to visit this beautiful small town?

Waterloo is located less than 15 minutes away from historic Seneca Falls, the birthplace of Women’s Rights. Also in Waterloo is an old-fashioned drive-in where you can eat dinner in your car (they only take cash). Mac's Drive-In is a staple in the area, and their root beer floats are incredible. If you want to do some shopping while on your trip, stop by the Waterloo Outlet Mall.

The National Memorial Day Museum offers a unique experience to learn about American history through different wars and a holiday to honor the soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

Discovering the origins of one of our national holidays is incredible; learning the historical details allows us to better understand American (and local) history.

Learn more: https://wlhs-ny.com/national-memorial-day-museum/

Amelia is originally from Waterloo NY. She is a junior at Nazareth University in Rochester, NY. Amelia is a double major in History and Museums, Archives, and Public History (MAPs). After she graduates, she has plans to pursue a masters in Library Information Science with a focus in Archival Management.

Photo credits:
First photo Flickr cc: Doug Kerr, adapted by Wandering Educators. All other photos courtesy and copyright Amelia Burm, published with permission