About The Tropic Lightning Museum
The mission of the Tropic Lightning Museum is to collect, preserve,
interpret and exhibit the artifacts and related memorabilia, which
reflect the history of Schofield Barracks, the 25th Infantry Division,
and Wheeler Army Airfield.
In August 1956, the 25th Infantry Division Association, Schofield
Barracks Chapter, started to collect the Division's history,
memorabilia and assorted artifacts. On 28 October 1957, the museum
committee held its first meeting in a small room behind the Headquarters
Commandant’s office. The new museum moved to a more spacious
location in November 1958 and featured displays of equipment and uniforms
with artillery guns and military vehicles in front of the building.
When the 25th Infantry Division deployed to Vietnam, the museum was
turned over to the Installation and became the Post Museum. While in
Vietnam, the Division maintained its own collection and displays of
captured items. Upon its return, the two unofficial museums were merged
to form a historical holding as defined by the Center of Military
History.
The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center is recognized as one of
the premier military attractions in the Nation by numerous outlets
including USA Today and TripAdvisor. In 2011, the museum was awarded the
prestigious Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement by the Themed
Entertainment Association and was voted Best Free museum in America 2016
by USA Today.
In May of 1984, the holding was recognized as a provisional U.S. Army
Museum by the Chief of Military History. As part of a major upgrade and
improvement, the museum moved to the newly renovated space in Carter
Hall. The Tropic Lightning Historical Center was opened to the public on
1 October 1984.
The next major renovation was undertaken for the 50th Anniversary of the
25th Infantry Division. On 1 October 1991, the Tropic Lightning Museum
opened two new galleries. The first gallery tells the history of
Schofield Barracks from 1908 to 1942. The second gallery picks up the
story by following the 25th Infantry Division into the Pacific and traces
their combat history from World War II to Vietnam.
In October 2001, in honor of the 60th Anniversary of the Division, the
Tropic Lightning Museum expanded into the west wing of Carter Hall. The
wing opened with a new Changing Gallery and adjoining multipurpose room.
Construction for future exhibits is currently underway.
Schofield Barracks
Explore the history of early Schofield Barracks and the grim conditions
the U.S. Army had to overcome as it settled the plains of central Oahu.
25th Infantry Division
Follow the 25th Infantry Division throughout the Pacific. Experience the
battles waged and won by our brave Soldiers in combat during WWII, Korea,
and Vietnam.
Wheeler Airfield Gallery
Chart the formative years of the Army Air Corps, the aviation exploits of
famed civilian aviators such as Amelia Earhart and Sir Kingsford-Smith
during the height of the aviation boom, and Wheeler’s involvement
during the attack on December 7, 1941.
Post-Vietnam, Cold War, Peacekeeping, & the Global War on Terrorism
Gallery
Discover what the 25th Infantry Division soldiers have done during
Post-Vietnam, Cold War, Peace-keeping operations, and the Global War on
Terrorism.