Palantir
21 Aug 03, 14:47
Another exclusive WHQ interview! :D
This time I went to the top and picked the brain of Dr. William Atwater, Director of the Aberdeen Proving Ground Ordinance Museum in Aberdeen, Maryland. Aberdeen Proving Grounds may just well be the Army’s premiere research, development and ordinance testing facility.
The Ordinance Museum is home to one of the finest tank collections in the world and has over 200 armored vehicles on display; some are the last survivors of their type. Dr. Atwater was gracious enough to answer my queries.
And off we go!
Dr. Atwater, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for the "WarfareHQ.com" community.
I shall endeavor to answer all your questions in order.
What is the scope of the Aberdeen Proving Grounds Museum?
The museum is established as the branch museum of the US Army Ordnance Corps. The mission of the museum is to collect, preserve, and account for historically significant property that relates to the history of the Ordnance Corps and the evolution and development of American military ordnance from the colonial period to the present. In fulfilling this mission, the museum assists in research and development of military ordnance and support military training and education through exhibition and interpretation of historical artifacts and instruction of military and civilian personnel.
Can you give us some background concerning your position as director and about yourself?
I have an undergraduate degree in History and Political Science. Upon graduation from college I was commissioned a Lieutenant of Marines and served in Vietnam. During that unpleasantness I was wounded severely and could no longer pursue a military career. I then attended Duke University and was persistent enough to be awarded a Ph.D. in Military History. After graduate school I was lucky enough to be selected as the Director of the 101st Airborne Division Museum and then as the Director of the Ordnance Museum.
How many staff members work at the museum and specifically that care for the armor?
On paper I rate a staff of 12. I have on hand a staff of 5. The renovation of the collection is a contract, presently held by EDSI (Engineering/Documentation Systems, Inc.). They have a crew of 5. I cannot praise their professionalism and sense of cooperation enough. They are great!
How were most of the vehicles acquired?
Most of the vehicles in the collection were acquired on the battlefield for study by the Ordnance Corps. We have numerous unusual and one-of-a-kind vehicles in the collection, most of which are not on display and must await renovation and the building of a facility to house them before we can display them to the public. It makes little sense to spend big bucks in renovating a vehicle and then putting it back outside subjecting it to the ravages of the weather. Thus, most of our "good stuff" awaits renovation or is in several warehouses located in areas in which we cannot allow the public into. This is regrettable but the solution is an addition to the current museum so that we can display our unique items. For instance, we own the only "skeleton" tank in the world. This was a World War II "light" tank whose tracks are as large as the British Mk IV/V but suspended between the tracks is a very light superstructure that held the engines and the crew. It is on the verge of being restored. To say this vehicle is unique is a bit of an understatement.
Does the museum actively seek specific items to expand the collection?
We are not in an acquisition mode. I am resisting acquiring additional vehicles or other artifacts until we can care for the ones we already have in the collection.
Did provenance come with most of the vehicles? If so in what detail?
The question of provenance is an interesting one. I am afraid that of the vehicles in the collection the provenance is a hit or miss affair. Unfortunately, my predecessors thought they were going to be here forever and didn't document the provenance of the vehicles as they should have. However, having said that, we do possess quite detailed records on some of the vehicles. So the real answer to your question is "it depends".
What armored vehicles do you currently have under restoration? Is it done in public viewing?
We have just finished a French "75" and the vehicle in our booth today (21 August 2003) is an M41 155mm Self-Propelled Long Tom Gun. We can get people into our restoration facility, however, we need several days notice so that we can make the necessary coordination to do so.
What would be considered the hardest "aspect" of restoring & preserving the armored exhibits?
The hardest aspect to our restoration efforts is keeping the program running. For instance, we are now funded through November 03, however, funding after than date is due to run out. We hope the problem will be solved at the General Officer level, but that is just a hope. We have a new Commanding General and Chief of Staff. Neither of them has been briefed on this problem as of this date. I will be briefing them shortly and hope to generate their interest in keeping this program alive.
Concerning the new housing plans, is there an anticipated completion date?
We do not have an anticipated date to build an extension. Do any of the members of your organization have three or four million dollars laying around doing nothing? The Organization to contact is the US Army Ordnance Museum Foundation, Inc.
Which is the most "admired" armored vehicle at the museum?
I really don't know which is the most "admired" vehicle in the collection. The vehicle most asked about is our TIGER I which is in Europe undergoing restoration. I shall be going to the UK in November to make arrangements to have it shipped back to us in 2004.
Of all the armored exhibits which is the most exceptional to you? Which is the rarest?
I do not have an "exceptional" choice. They are all "exceptional" to me. I have several rare one-of-a-kind vehicles and several "last remaining vehicles on earth" in the collection.
Did the museum acquire any exhibits from the Gulf Wars?
We did acquire several vehicles from the Gulf Wars. The T-72 we acquired has been restored and is on display in front of the museum.
Do you travel to look at promising donations?
Unfortunately, travel is severely limited due to the lack of monies to do so.
Is there one vehicle not in the collection that you would like to have and if so which one?
There are a lot of vehicles that I would love to acquire. I can do so, however, I cannot take care of what I have now. Thus, unless or until I can properly preserve what I "own" I am not looking to compound my conservation problem.
Many of the tanks on display have a plain "white" color scheme can you give details on this?
The tanks in the plain "white" scheme and other equally bizarre paint schemes came about as a result of a misguided, but well-intentioned, plan to preserve them. The white paint was put on because it was available and cheap. We are in the process of correcting this.
Do many of the exhibits show "battle damage?"
Many of the artifacts have "battle damage" which is being preserved and we will point it out when we can properly display them.
Is the museum ever asked for technical advice or information for "games," movies or television, such as the History Channel?
The museum is constantly being asked for advice, technical and otherwise, by gamers, movie producers, and TLC/Discovery/and History channels. Just off the top of my head...Microprose produced a game several years ago entitled "M-1 Tank Platoon II. They were very generous to give us credit for helping them. The producers of the movie "Star Ship Troopers" asked for assistance in developing realistic "battle damage" and the producers of historical programs on TLC/Discovery/and History Channels are in almost weekly contact.
Do you happen to play any historical computer "war-games?"
I do not play computer "war games" on a regular basis. I just don't have the time. I have, however, played them. I like them. I think that my own personal interests lie in Naval games. I have several but they are of the old MS/DOS variety and I am afraid my own personal computer skills are such that I cannot get them to run on my brand new, high speed, low drag, Pentium III which includes more bells and whistles on it than Carter has pills. I do, however, know how to turn it on and turn it off. As I am 60 years old I figure that is quite an accomplishment.
Is there anything else you would like to pass along to our members?
Come see us!
Thanks again for taking our questions Dr. Atwater.
I’ve enjoyed the experience of standing beside the museums WW2 behemoths some that I now see rolling along in CM. Coming across a tank showing “real damage” is quite a treat. I hope everyone gets the opportunity to visit the museum soon and stand beside some exceptional armored history. :thumup:
To take an online look at the museum visit the website at: www.ordmusfound.org
For a “realism” tour the directions to the museum are, in Maryland:
Exit 85 of I-95 and go 3.5 miles east on Rt. 22 to the museum.
Exit 85 is about 35 miles North of Baltimore and about 50 miles South of Philadelphia.
This time I went to the top and picked the brain of Dr. William Atwater, Director of the Aberdeen Proving Ground Ordinance Museum in Aberdeen, Maryland. Aberdeen Proving Grounds may just well be the Army’s premiere research, development and ordinance testing facility.
The Ordinance Museum is home to one of the finest tank collections in the world and has over 200 armored vehicles on display; some are the last survivors of their type. Dr. Atwater was gracious enough to answer my queries.
And off we go!
Dr. Atwater, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for the "WarfareHQ.com" community.
I shall endeavor to answer all your questions in order.
What is the scope of the Aberdeen Proving Grounds Museum?
The museum is established as the branch museum of the US Army Ordnance Corps. The mission of the museum is to collect, preserve, and account for historically significant property that relates to the history of the Ordnance Corps and the evolution and development of American military ordnance from the colonial period to the present. In fulfilling this mission, the museum assists in research and development of military ordnance and support military training and education through exhibition and interpretation of historical artifacts and instruction of military and civilian personnel.
Can you give us some background concerning your position as director and about yourself?
I have an undergraduate degree in History and Political Science. Upon graduation from college I was commissioned a Lieutenant of Marines and served in Vietnam. During that unpleasantness I was wounded severely and could no longer pursue a military career. I then attended Duke University and was persistent enough to be awarded a Ph.D. in Military History. After graduate school I was lucky enough to be selected as the Director of the 101st Airborne Division Museum and then as the Director of the Ordnance Museum.
How many staff members work at the museum and specifically that care for the armor?
On paper I rate a staff of 12. I have on hand a staff of 5. The renovation of the collection is a contract, presently held by EDSI (Engineering/Documentation Systems, Inc.). They have a crew of 5. I cannot praise their professionalism and sense of cooperation enough. They are great!
How were most of the vehicles acquired?
Most of the vehicles in the collection were acquired on the battlefield for study by the Ordnance Corps. We have numerous unusual and one-of-a-kind vehicles in the collection, most of which are not on display and must await renovation and the building of a facility to house them before we can display them to the public. It makes little sense to spend big bucks in renovating a vehicle and then putting it back outside subjecting it to the ravages of the weather. Thus, most of our "good stuff" awaits renovation or is in several warehouses located in areas in which we cannot allow the public into. This is regrettable but the solution is an addition to the current museum so that we can display our unique items. For instance, we own the only "skeleton" tank in the world. This was a World War II "light" tank whose tracks are as large as the British Mk IV/V but suspended between the tracks is a very light superstructure that held the engines and the crew. It is on the verge of being restored. To say this vehicle is unique is a bit of an understatement.
Does the museum actively seek specific items to expand the collection?
We are not in an acquisition mode. I am resisting acquiring additional vehicles or other artifacts until we can care for the ones we already have in the collection.
Did provenance come with most of the vehicles? If so in what detail?
The question of provenance is an interesting one. I am afraid that of the vehicles in the collection the provenance is a hit or miss affair. Unfortunately, my predecessors thought they were going to be here forever and didn't document the provenance of the vehicles as they should have. However, having said that, we do possess quite detailed records on some of the vehicles. So the real answer to your question is "it depends".
What armored vehicles do you currently have under restoration? Is it done in public viewing?
We have just finished a French "75" and the vehicle in our booth today (21 August 2003) is an M41 155mm Self-Propelled Long Tom Gun. We can get people into our restoration facility, however, we need several days notice so that we can make the necessary coordination to do so.
What would be considered the hardest "aspect" of restoring & preserving the armored exhibits?
The hardest aspect to our restoration efforts is keeping the program running. For instance, we are now funded through November 03, however, funding after than date is due to run out. We hope the problem will be solved at the General Officer level, but that is just a hope. We have a new Commanding General and Chief of Staff. Neither of them has been briefed on this problem as of this date. I will be briefing them shortly and hope to generate their interest in keeping this program alive.
Concerning the new housing plans, is there an anticipated completion date?
We do not have an anticipated date to build an extension. Do any of the members of your organization have three or four million dollars laying around doing nothing? The Organization to contact is the US Army Ordnance Museum Foundation, Inc.
Which is the most "admired" armored vehicle at the museum?
I really don't know which is the most "admired" vehicle in the collection. The vehicle most asked about is our TIGER I which is in Europe undergoing restoration. I shall be going to the UK in November to make arrangements to have it shipped back to us in 2004.
Of all the armored exhibits which is the most exceptional to you? Which is the rarest?
I do not have an "exceptional" choice. They are all "exceptional" to me. I have several rare one-of-a-kind vehicles and several "last remaining vehicles on earth" in the collection.
Did the museum acquire any exhibits from the Gulf Wars?
We did acquire several vehicles from the Gulf Wars. The T-72 we acquired has been restored and is on display in front of the museum.
Do you travel to look at promising donations?
Unfortunately, travel is severely limited due to the lack of monies to do so.
Is there one vehicle not in the collection that you would like to have and if so which one?
There are a lot of vehicles that I would love to acquire. I can do so, however, I cannot take care of what I have now. Thus, unless or until I can properly preserve what I "own" I am not looking to compound my conservation problem.
Many of the tanks on display have a plain "white" color scheme can you give details on this?
The tanks in the plain "white" scheme and other equally bizarre paint schemes came about as a result of a misguided, but well-intentioned, plan to preserve them. The white paint was put on because it was available and cheap. We are in the process of correcting this.
Do many of the exhibits show "battle damage?"
Many of the artifacts have "battle damage" which is being preserved and we will point it out when we can properly display them.
Is the museum ever asked for technical advice or information for "games," movies or television, such as the History Channel?
The museum is constantly being asked for advice, technical and otherwise, by gamers, movie producers, and TLC/Discovery/and History channels. Just off the top of my head...Microprose produced a game several years ago entitled "M-1 Tank Platoon II. They were very generous to give us credit for helping them. The producers of the movie "Star Ship Troopers" asked for assistance in developing realistic "battle damage" and the producers of historical programs on TLC/Discovery/and History Channels are in almost weekly contact.
Do you happen to play any historical computer "war-games?"
I do not play computer "war games" on a regular basis. I just don't have the time. I have, however, played them. I like them. I think that my own personal interests lie in Naval games. I have several but they are of the old MS/DOS variety and I am afraid my own personal computer skills are such that I cannot get them to run on my brand new, high speed, low drag, Pentium III which includes more bells and whistles on it than Carter has pills. I do, however, know how to turn it on and turn it off. As I am 60 years old I figure that is quite an accomplishment.
Is there anything else you would like to pass along to our members?
Come see us!
Thanks again for taking our questions Dr. Atwater.
I’ve enjoyed the experience of standing beside the museums WW2 behemoths some that I now see rolling along in CM. Coming across a tank showing “real damage” is quite a treat. I hope everyone gets the opportunity to visit the museum soon and stand beside some exceptional armored history. :thumup:
To take an online look at the museum visit the website at: www.ordmusfound.org
For a “realism” tour the directions to the museum are, in Maryland:
Exit 85 of I-95 and go 3.5 miles east on Rt. 22 to the museum.
Exit 85 is about 35 miles North of Baltimore and about 50 miles South of Philadelphia.