About the museum

A fascinating museum, The Remember Museum, is one of the most interesting of its kind. It is housed in an old renovated barn and is comprised mainly of items abandoned by the one hundred and ten American First Infantry Division soldiers who once enjoyed " R & R " at the Schmetzs' farm. The artifacts include personal items given by numerous WWII Veterans from various units. It is a museum with a human dimension, made great by its welcoming environment, its originality, its simplicity. The museum strives to serve as the testimony of our gratefulness towards all the G.I.s who, at the risk of their lives, gave us our freedom back.

The Remember Museum opened its doors on June 12th, 1994 and was inaugurated by Bennie Zuskin, WWII Veteran of the American First Infantry Division. This humble beginning could have been an insignificant anectotal fact if the initiation of the museum had not symbolized the extraordinary human character of this intriguing " trip back in time ". In reality the museum opened with enthusiastic yet dramatic words of Mathilde and Marcel Schmetz, creators of the project. Indeed, no visit is complete without one of the founders to share details of this historical era . Every little item, every diorama or display (utilizing more than 106 mannequins, highlights numerous uniforms), and every flag, has a connection to real stories and to people whose faces and names you can discover. Along with the history associated with the items, you will see hundreds of " then and now " pictures of young men dressed in WWII uniforms and you can also view their more contemporary photos.

The Schmetzs are also in touch with hundreds of American families who, on a regular basis, donate their personal belongings which are always coming loaded with fascinating stories.

Guided tours are provided in French, Dutch, English, German and Walloon.

The Remember Museum is located 3 km (approximately 2 miles) from the Henri-Chapelle American Military Cemetery where 7,992 soldiers now rest peacefully forever.

 

Barge
Barge used by Engineers to cross streams or rivers.

 

Scherman
Sherman Tank M4 A4

 

R?sistance
Belgian Resistance working in the darkness.

 

Infirmerie
A Belgian lady taking care of a wounded soldier.

 

Sam Messine & Benie Zuskin
Sam Messina and Bennie Zuskin, 1st Infantry Division, 26th Regiment, 'C' Co fought together during WWII. Sam had a BAR (Browing Automatic Rifle) and was wounded twice. Bennie was carrying the ammunition and was never wounded. He had a guardian angel protecting him.

 

Prisonniers
Belgian Prisoners of War in a German prisoner camp.

 

Fortin
Belgian fort in barns in 1940.

 

Colonel Rubel
Colonel G.K. Rubel, Commanding Officer of the 740th Tank Bn.