Armory Museum Closing

**Soldiermedic** · Posted On: 3/09/2013 2:57am

I don't normally venture into WMA forum, but this is a local story and one that I think would be of some interest.

The Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, MA is closing. It describes itself as the "...only dedicated museum of armor in the western hemisphere". I have no idea if this statement is accurate, however the collection is huge and varied and it takes at least 2 days to see everything the museum has to offer. I'd say 90% of the exhibits are out in the open(meaning not behind glass) There are full suits of armor, many bladed weapons, and early firearms.

They have done classes in the past in metallurgy, calligraphy, and other period crafts, and have trebuchet and ale competitions(no mead this year unfortunately). They have an Academy of the Sword, and also have special youth outreach classes. Overall, its one of the few cultural treasures in the area, and thusly, never got any public support.

The museum closes at the end of the year, I would suggest that its a pretty great experience for anyone to visit, but obviously, its a rare gem for those interested in the craft and history of armaments of the time.

http://www.higgins.org/

**Diesel_tke** · Posted On: 3/09/2013 4:23am

Dang! That sucks. These types of places are becoming fewer and fewer. You don't realize what you have until it's gone!

**Cake of Doom** · Posted On: 3/09/2013 4:28am

Very sad when this happens. A few pieces will end up at other museums; some my even be sold. Most though will go into storage where nobody benefits from the history these things possess.

**Soldiermedic** · Posted On: 3/09/2013 4:51am

Originally Posted by Cake of Doom

Very sad when this happens. A few pieces will end up at other museums; some my even be sold. Most though will go into storage where nobody benefits from the history these things possess.

They have a deal with the local art museum that ensures that the pieces will be on display on a rotating basis and stay in the city, but the building itself was part of the charm.

Plus there are no guarantees. Things will start disappearing or get sold to make end meet.

**Cake of Doom** · Posted On: 3/09/2013 5:35am

At least there is a short stay of execution then. Could have been worse.

**DdlR** · Posted On: 3/10/2013 6:21am

A shame to hear the museum is closing. I visited there years and years ago and had a bit of a "backstage" tour and a meeting with their sword team, though regrettably I was too jet-lagged at the time to get much out of it.