Sullivan Museum and History Center

Sullivan Museum and History Center

Welcome to The Sullivan Museum and History Center!

MISSION: To demonstrate who we are in the present through interaction with our past, our community, our beliefs, and the vision that we hold for the future.

Our 16,000 square foot facility on campus at Norwich University features permanent and changing exhibitions that tells the story of the university’s founder, Capt. Alden Partridge (1785 -1854). Exhibitions and artifacts throughout the museum are interwoven with Partridge’s vision of a “citizen soldier” through military history, art, academics, music and sports dating from 1819 to present.

The museum offers opportunities for visitors, students, faculty and alumni to in the words of Norwich University President Emeritus Richard W. Schneider “immerse themselves in the heritage of this great institution.”

We offer lectures throughout the academic year from faculty and guest speakers which includes professionals via our Smithsonian Affiliate program.

Collection Overview

Our collection of fifteen thousand artifacts include textiles, insignia, war trophies, weaponry, jewelry, paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, maps, academic paraphernalia, architectural plans and furniture.

Explore our page for upcoming, current and past exhibitions and Find us on Facebook!

Adams Print Sullivan Museum
Opens SWAY Presentation

Past, Current, Upcoming Exhibits

Explore our current exhibitions for 2023-2024 about Norwich University and rotating exhibits that are full of artifacts and engaging features on a variety of themes.

Visit the Sullivan Museum

We are pleased that you are planning to visit the Sullivan Museum and History Center. Our exhibits cover the rich history of Norwich University, including artifacts and artwork, and the achievements of its alumni from 1819 to the present. Admissions to the museum is free and access to the museum is handicap accessible. If access to a wheelchair is needed during a visit, please notify a staff member.

This page is a guide to help you plan your visit, if you have any questions please feel free to contact us at smhc@norwich.edu.

General Information

Phone: 1 (802) 485-2183
Email: smhc@norwich.edu

Admission to the museum is FREE.  The museum can be accessed through the Kreitzberg Library or via its own front entrance.

The museum is handicap accessible.  If you require the use of a wheelchair during your visit, please contact museum staff in advance of your visit.

  • No food or drink is allowed inside any of the museum’s exhibition spaces
  • No flash photography is permitted in the museum’s exhibition spaces
  • Visitors can take flash-free pictures, and they are permitted to record video in the museum’s exhibition spaces unless a particular object or item bears a “No Photography” label
  • Visitors are asked not to touch displays, cases, or objects
  • Per Norwich University policies, the museum welcomes all service animals, but no other animals will be permitted entry

If you have any questions or if you need more information, contact the museum at (802) 485-2183 or smhc@norwich.edu.

Stephanie Skenyon
Director, Sullivan Museum & History Center
1 (802) 485-3289
sskenyon@norwich.edu 

Amber Wingerson
Curator of Exhibits and Collections
1 (802) 485-3288
awingers@norwich.edu

Joseph Cates
Curator of Education and Public Programs 
1 (802) 485-2379
jcates@norwich.edu

Collette Leonard
Museum Administrative Associate
1 (802) 485-2183
cleonar4@norwich.edu

The Sullivan Museum and History Center is named in honor of GEN Gordon R. Sullivan, USA ’59. GEN Gordon R. Sullivan was the highest-ranking alumnus of Norwich University and served as the 32nd Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1991 to 1995.

GEN Sullivan retired in 1995 after thirty-six years of active military service.  GEN Sullivan continued to honor active-duty personnel and veterans of the United States Army as President and Chief Executive of the Association of the United States Army and as Chairman of the Marshall Legacy Institute.  GEN Sullivan also served as Chairman of The Army Historical Foundation and oversaw a successful capital campaign spearheading the construction of the Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, VA. Here, at Norwich University, GEN Sullivan served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1995-2016.  

The Sullivan Museum and History Center owes a profound debt of gratitude to GEN Sullivan. GEN Sullivan served as the President of the Museum Associates, the affinity group for the Sullivan Museum and History Center, and he worked with museum staff to grow membership, to increase awareness in and of the institution, and to support initiatives to preserve the memories of all Norwich alumni.

GEN Gordon Sullivan passed away on Jan. 2, 2024, and his contributions to the United States, to Norwich University, and to the Sullivan Museum and History Center will not be forgotten.  Plan a visit to the museum to learn more about GEN Sullivan’s career, his commitment to the museum, and his dedication to the citizen-soldier ideal championed by Norwich University founder, CAPT Alden Partridge.

Remembering General Gordon Sullivan ’59

Contributions

Financial support allows us to continue to document, preserve and interpret our rich and unique collections. To make a gift to the Sullivan Museum and History Center you can contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 802-485-2100.

Gifts to the Collection

If you’re considering donating items to the Sullivan Museum and History Center, the museum staff would like to hear from you. While not every object is most appropriate for our collection, we are particularly interested in artifacts that help us tell the Norwich University story. Please contact Museum staff, at 802-485-2183 or smhc@norwich.edu to provide us with preliminary information about your potential gift.

Membership in the Museum Associates

The Museum Associates is a newly formed volunteer organization in service to the mission and goals of the Sullivan Museum and History Center.

Museum Associates:

  • Support the museum through membership and gifts.
  • Serve on advisory committees, including: exhibits and collections; membership; education and outreach; and volunteer programs.
  • Assist museum staff with visitor reception, special events, and more.
  • Develop recognition opportunities for student work relating to the collections of the Sullivan Museum and History Center.

Learn More About How You Can Support The Museum By Becoming A Member.

For more information about the Museum Associates please contact us at 802-485-2183 or smhc@norwich.edu