Signaling a change
Exhibit shows significance of Army's corps
Web posted
Monday, April 5, 2004
Where else can you find an old hand-crank telegraph from the 19th century, World War II-era radios, an Afghan rifle and even an Oscar statuette?
At Fort Gordon's Signal Corps Museum, that's where.
The history of the Army's innovative communications - and at one time, aviation and meteorological - components is free for the public's perusal.
"Since 1860, we've been everywhere," said Robert Anzuoni, the museum's director.
Though the Signal Corps today is primarily responsible for high-tech military communications, it started with a pretty low-tech form of communication - the "wigwag" flag, which is incorporated as part of the corps' insignia.
The Signal Corps was responsible at one time for tracking weather, and also had a role in the military's early ventures in the air - responsible for gas-filled dirigibles and airplanes.
Exhibits at the museum testify to the corps' role in both fields, and also highlight Augusta's role in early aviation.
The museum holds one of the Signal Corps' Academy Awards, which it won in the 1940s for a documentary, Mr. Anzuoni said. During World War II, the corps was responsible for creating training films, documentaries and taking still photographs to chronicle the war.
Mr. Anzuoni said the Signal Corps has been a pioneer not only technologically, but also socially.
They're depicted in the museum, too.
Though the history of the Signal Corps dominates the museum, Mr. Anzuoni said officials are planning to dedicate a room at the museum specifically to Fort Gordon's history.
Fort Gordon dates back to World War II, but wasn't designated as the "home of the Signal Corps" until the 1970s.
Mr. Anzuoni said the museum also serves as a classroom for soldiers in training, teaching them about the history and traditions.
Reach Jeremy Craig at (706) 823-3409 or jeremy.craig@augustachronicle.com.
