Bruce Buckley
PA Branch Chief- Museum Docent Program
Since 1790, the Coast Guard has safeguarded the American people and promoted economic prosperity in an ever-evolving maritime environment … a rich history spanning 232 years. A history of courage, dedication to duty, compassion, and leadership. We are proud of all these courageous men and women of the Coast Guard that have distinguished themselves as leaders of our nation. Coast Guard vessels are named after those that made a difference, such as Ida Lewis, Healy, Bertholf, etc. Another memorial to these past heroes are buildings at the Coast Guard Academy including Yeaton, Munro, Waesche, and others – constant reminders of the Coast Guard’ s storied history.
sense of belonging in this Service...”
Not until the 1960s were there any serious discussions for displaying the works of art, artifacts, and historical documents that were being sent and stored at the CG Academy, Ideas for display areas in Yeaton Hall and the Academy Field House have been documented,
Nineteen-sevety-three was a benchmark year for the Museum at the CG Academy. Construction of Waesche Hall was completed and honored VADM Russell Randolph Waesche, who served as the eighth Commandant of the Coast Guard from 1936 to 1946, overseeing the service’ s mission evolution during WWII, the Coast Guard ' s longest-serving Commandant. In addition, in 1973 a Director of the Library and Museum at Waesche Hall was appointed.
Why is history important? Many believe we learn from our mistakes. David McCullough, two time Puli�er Price winning author, is more philosophical:“ Our history is who we are and why we are the way we are.”
In ADM Fagan’ s June 2022 Commandant’ s Intent Statement, she reinforced the importance of our history going forward.“ Tomorrow looks different. So will we. Guided by our values, history, and shared
It was not until 1972, in a memorandum from the Commandant’ s office, that was there specific reference to the“ Museum at the CG Academy”. In this correspondence the Museum at the CG Academy was designated as the official repository for Coast Guard artifacts and historical documents.
Today the Museum in Waesche Hall is a very special place. Before entering the Museum, visitors can view a mural painted in the Library / Museum lobby in 2005 by local artist Tony Falcone. This beautiful mural depicts the heroic Coast Guard
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