Stilwell Museum
 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification.(August 2014) |
TheStilwell Museum(Chinese:Sử địch uy bác vật quán) is a museum inYuzhong DistrictofChongqingthat which preserves the former residence of GeneralJoseph W. Stilwell,the Allied Chief of Staff in the China Theater duringWorld War II.It opened in 1994.[1][2]It was refurbished and then reopened in August 2023 after the 140th anniversary of Stilwell’s birth.[3]
Background
[edit]During World War II GeneralJoseph Stilwell,known to his men as "Vinegar Joe", was theAlliedChief of Staff in the China Theater of Operations.[1]He arrived inChongqingon March 4, 1942. Stilwell was in charge of the United States'Lend-Leasepolicy with Chinese forces and had an acrimonious relationship withKuomintangleaderChiang Kai-shek,who he derisively called "Peanut."[1] His low regard for Chiang, and positive words towards the Communist forces, contributed to his high standing in the People's Republic of China.[1]
Description
[edit]Located in Stilwell's former residence and headquarters, the museum comprises a three-storied house furnished in 1940s style. In the courtyard there is an engraving of a speech by American PresidentFranklin D. Roosevelt.[2]
The building opened as a museum in 1994 and is run by the Chongqing Municipal Government.[1]Financial support for the Museum is provided by the Joseph W. Stilwell Institute Foundation Ltd. a US tax-exempt foundation. The Museum was renovated and reopened in March 2003. The renovation was funded by the Freeman Foundation in Vermont, USA. Addition financial support is provided by Stilwell Innovation Enterprises and the Stilwell International Innovation Center.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^abcdeJane Perlez,China Maintains Respect, and a Museum, for a U.S. General,The New York Times,February 23, 2016, accessed February 24, 2016.
- ^ab "General Joseph W. Stilwell Museum".Chongqing News.RetrievedFebruary 16,2011.
- ^"Despite strained relations, U.S. and China still pay tribute to Gen. Joseph Stilwell".NPR.Sep 14, 2023.
