Impressions from the visit at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum/
By Shefqet Kercelli*/
Invited by Chatham University for my younger daughter’s graduation ceremony, it did notcrossmy mind that this ceremony will take place in the auditorium of a war museum. So on May 19th, accompanied by my children, who studied at the universities of Pittsburgh, I participated in a very impressive graduation ceremony, news that I reported in some Albanian media. Meanwhile, as much as the official part and student meetings, I was impressed by the surrounding environment, which in itself carry the events and history of Pittsburgh that was a pleasant surprise for me as a guest. Along with the joy of graduating students, a legitimate joy coming after a few years of work and sacrifice, especially by foreigners, I had my mind at the museum’s premises and what corridors and salons carried. In fact that day, I as former military man and historian, I appreciated the work that Chatham’s staff put into the graduation ceremony and their decision to hold it in a place where military history and the heroes of the war are honored. After completion of the ceremony, I was looking at the possibility of visiting the museum. And again I was lucky because soon “Memorial Day” came, which created the possibility of exploring Soldiers & Sailors Museum. I followed the main activities of this day, {which is portrayed them in Albanian military media} and I became part of the museum’s many visitors. In fact, this museum evokes great interest because of its layout, with a favorable geographical position for the city of Pittsburgh, which eases the commute time of each visitor, in addition, the landscape outside is evergreen, and foremost the building is majestic with architectural line that intertwines elements of antiquity and classicism. The external façade seems like it is saying:-Come see what’s inside! I visited several museums of its kind in Europe, so the curiosity to know each element of the museum was big. From the entrance of the building where the flags with different types of weapons to the main hall, you could easily follow the exhibits of the museum and its historic line. I will not dwell on the content of the museum, because you might know much better than me, but I want to mention some features of the concept and main lines, which increase the authenticity and values of this museum. I noticed that in the 100 years of its existence, this museum managed to survive thanks to a careful job from the staff and gained its fame alongside other city museums. Many visitors of different age groups watch carefully every detail of the museum. This way the young generation becomes familiar with military traditions of the ancients, andsimultaneously gets educated with a sense of freedom and sacrifice. Step by step in the museum hall you get familiar with documents, flags, weapons, clothing, drums, photos, heroes warriors items for each historical period of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and American nation. Surely there was no ancient weapons and gear, such asStone Age, but since the revolution to the present day, with what is shown, the museum fully justified its existence. In contrast to some of the world’s nation, the American nation has a new story, but more dynamic, richer events and developments, a vocation that is widely reflected in the museum. This primarily relates to the concept of freedom, which differs according to the perspective and maturity of other nations. Based on this concept, it is written the history of American nation, its constant wars, which all are displayed in this museum. On behalf of the great goal of freedom, American nation has been in some wars at home and abroad, which have been and are fair. This is another feature of this museum. Of course an integral part of wars and battles are the people, the fighters who are organized in different military formations, and they occupy the main places in this museum. Unlike other museums in the world, politicized, where dictators and political leaders occupy the country’s leadership, at Soldiers & Sailors Museum, the main displays were the warriors and heroes, along with their items and documents in battles. In the museum there are no dictators, but leaders and soldiers who have fought and given their lives for freedom! So, presidents, generals and commanders were integrated with hundreds of warriors from Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh. Every historical epochis presented with documents, items, illustrative material placed carefully, that bring alive the wars and battles in the past. Combat formations structural changes, improved technology of weapons and techniques in battle, artillery, equipment, radio tools, uniforms, ranks, hats, children anxiously awaiting the return of their parents by war, or trees and flags pierced by bullets, filled every corner of the museum. It is clear that no detail is not omitted from museums staff. Landing in Normandy, battles in the Pacific Ocean, the history of Naval Fleet, air force and marines, all the newspapers emerged during the war, etc., were designed and located in the right place. Every corner of the space is used effectively, a perfect combination of form and content. Even the writings are simple and illustrative that arouse emotion to visitors, for example: the accuracy of the facts and events, increases confidence that you will get the correct and necessary information. The exhibit of African Americans fighting for freedom and human rights, better fulfills the concept of freedom of the museum. Furthermore, the place that female fighters occupied was impressive, especially in the main facade of the building where a sculpture of a woman was in the center. The participation of American women in combat is active, which rarely occurs in other countries. The museum displays all the wars over the centuries, to the modern times, where the war in Iraq and Afghanistan holds a special place. I feel good and the Albanian people is an ally of the U.S. in these wars. Many of my friends fight side by side with the American soldiers. This exhibit is enriched day by day.I stress that the harmonization of content with form, extension in time and space, the use of illustrative materials from traditional to digital tools make the museum interesting to visit by any age. I saw that veterans, warriors, former military, friends and family members, young and children, find themselves and feel like home. However, knowledge of this museum would be incomplete without being familiar with its operation and management, with the work done over the years to come up to here. The museum hostess, with kindness on “Memorial Day” addressed me to Mr. Michael Kraus to get familiar with the topics I was interested in. That day Mr. Michael was difficult to meet, because he was among the organizers of the event, and he had no time. As one of the conservators of the museum, I needed to get an interview for the Albanian military press, because the experience of this museum is worth a lot. However, on June 23 Michael found time for a brief interview. A simple man, smiling, with a vision andcompetent to the task, Mr. Michael invited us to his working environment. On the ground floor of the building, we faced a particular view, there he along with some of the staff, he lived among uniforms, memorabilia, photos, various items, which at first glance give the impression of a mess. Just the looks, but a lot of hard work was getting done there. The museum staff as hardworking bees, worked long hours to corrected, adjusted or repaired a newly donated jacket, a picture, or hats, which were added to the museum. Hard work that requires patience and professionalism. Very few understand what that means. Every member of the staff of the museum was a specialized in an area and period of time. Michael was specialized for the period of the Civil War, and so on: “For those far away, thoughts of home and family are often the comfort needed to get through the day. Since the earliest days of American military service, soldiers and their loved ones have used many different communication tools to stay in touch…”
Michael was well aware of the circumstances and the situation of the museum, so he eased the interview:
-When was this museum established? What is its goal?
The museum opened in 1910. It was conceptualized in 1905 and construction lasted from 1908-1910. The goal of the museum was to memorialize the 12000 Allegheny County men.
-Who helped with the finances and material objects for its construction?
It was funded by public referendum, specifically from tax money from Pennsylvania State. It cost about 1.25 million $. It was run by veterans from every county since civil war. The positions were appointed and all the money came from the county.
-How is it divided, in how many periods is separated? What is its content?
It is divided in main conflicts timelines. The periods start from American Civil War to the present. Specifically divided into Civil war, Spanish war, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf and Iraq.
-The place of heroes’ and veterans’?
There is a room dedicated to heroes called The Hall of Valor. It is only for individual recognition. They display medals, medals of Honor, from combats, stories in general.
-How many visitors does it have? Who are the majority?
Not as many visitors as we would like, mostly they are people in uniform or that relate to the theme of our museum.
-How do you maintain the museum financially?
In 1999 the museum became private and it is a NIRS that falls under charitable trust.
Now we are a private museum, not funded from the county anymore. Most of the finances come from events like weddings and graduation ceremonies and a very few from admissions.
-Do you display everything that is donated? What is your favorite era?
Not everything donated goes to display (about 10-20%) and the rest if stored for later use if there is enough items collected to create a story. My favorite period is civil war since I am a civil war historian. My favorite item in the museum is a flag from the battle of Gettysburg that has 30 bullet holes.
-What is its future?
For the next 5 years we plan for more updates, more staff, expand the memorial hall, add monuments and work on the landscape from the street to the entrance. Put signs to attract more people which leads to more awareness.
-How did the museum change after ‘90s?
I started working here 8 years ago. Changes that I have noticed after the 90’s is that the displays are more professional. There is more care for the artifacts and we have become better at interpreting stories. It has been given a theme and a timeline. The building is restored, new HVAC. It used to be dark and not friendly and there were very few events.
-Do you have a display of the conflicts with the countries that used to be enemies and later on became allies?
Before we had a Cold war display of Eastern Europe relations about Soviet Union, but we are always changing things around.
-Is there any part for military cooperation between the USA and Albanian?
Not to this day. But, we will work together to create an archive of this friendly partnership of multiple years.
– Where would you rank this museum?
Probably, it is ranked in top 20 of all museums in US and top 5 in non-government run museums with historic setting.
-Do you have a library accessible to the public?
We have a reference library by appointment only. We have a couple of smaller libraries that contain military work, collections and technical books.
-How many staff do you have?
Currently there are 15 people as staff. Event staff, internal stuff, educator, curator, display staff and maintenance. We get volunteer staff for biggest events and docents for tours.

We thank Mr. Michael for welcoming us and we endorse museum’s staff for their honorable work.
Soldiers & Sailors museum has value beyond historic proportions cognitive and other areas, and it along with other museums and numerous universities that Pittsburgh has, forms an interesting pentagon that entices foreigners to study and visit this picturesque city.

*The author is a former military, researcher, historian, journalist, and operator.
Publications:
For over 20 consecutive years he has published hundreds of stories, news, features, narratives, speeches, informative and controversial articles, with the special theme of cooperation and integration with NATO countries, Naval Forces activities, military press, “Ushtria” newspaper and “Mbrojtja” magazine, and from time to time in the public media.
“Our port in the course of the years” (a historical study for harbor…………………………………………………….. Durres, Albania); “Anthology of Albanian Maritime”, 1st part, {from antiquity to 1960}, July 2012; “Anthology of Albanian Maritime”, 2nd and 3rd part, {1960- 2012}, June 2013. In process: Expanded reportage “America in the eyes of an Albanian”, in July 2015
“Military cooperation between Albanian Naval Forces and U.S. Navy”, 1991-2015. Durres(Albania)-Pittsburgh 2015. Civilian-military Relations in Albania during 20th century”. Etc.
Caption: The Author with Mr. Michael Kraus
Translated By
Blerta Kercelli