About The Museum

Preserving the Paper That Served the Brave.

Stars and Stripes Newspaper History

The legacy of the Stars and Stripes newspaper began in November 1861, when ten Union soldiers, acting under orders from General Ulysses S. Grant, requisitioned a printing press in Bloomfield, Missouri.

Preserving the Voice of the American Soldier 

Since its inception, the Stars and Stripes has served as the independent, unfiltered voice of the U.S. Military. More than just a news source, the paper has acted as a “home away from home” for millions of service members. For instance, it provides morale, a sense of community, and the truth in the world’s most dangerous locations. Futhermore, the journey from a small press in Missouri to a global daily operation proves the enduring power of the free press in uniform. Ultimately, we exist to ensure these stories are never forgotten.

November 1861
The Orders
Grant's Orders
Historical portrait of General Ulysses S. Grant, whose 1861 orders led to the founding of the Stars and Stripes military newspaper.

Acting on instructions from General Ulysses S. Grant, Colonel Richard J. Oglesby led his troops to Bloomfield with a clear objective: find and capture the 'Swamp Fox' of the Confederacy, M. Jeff Thompson.

November 9, 1861
Bloomfield, Missouri
The Newspaper is Born
Civil War portrait of Colonel Richard J. Oglesby, who authorized the first printing of the Stars and Stripes newspaper in Bloomfield, Missouri.

Finding the town abandoned by Confederate forces, ten Union soldiers—printers by trade—requested permission to requisition the local printing press. With Oglesby's approval, the first edition of the Stars and Stripes was born.

February 8, 1918
France
1918: The Great War & Global Revival
Formal military portrait of General John J. Pershing, Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, who revived the Stars and Stripes newspaper in 1918.

After a 57-year silence following the Civil War, General John J. Pershing authorized the revival of the Stars and Stripes. This new edition servedr the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Under the leadership of its first officer in charge, Guy Viskniskki, the paper became a weekly publication "by and for the soldiers." Consequently, this move cemented its legacy as the independent voice of the U.S. military.

April 18,1942
London
WWII: From Weekly to Daily
Black and white military portrait of General Dwight D. Eisenhower in his World War II uniform. Eisenhower was the Supreme Allied Commander who authorized the 1942 revival of the Stars and Stripes newspaper.

Following the 1941 mobilization, General Dwight D. Eisenhower helped bring the newspaper back to the military. Specifically, he famously believing that a "citizen-soldier is entitled to his own newspaper." The paper re-established in London in April 1942. due to the massive demand for news from the front lines, the paper transformed from a weekly into a daily newspaper within just nine months. Since then, it has remained a daily source of information for service members while covering every major global conflict.

Want to learn more about the Stars and Stripes newspaper?

Check out the links below!

Historical Artifacts Preserved
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Our Mission

The Museum documents and preserves the history of the Stars and Stripes military newspaper. From its Civil War origins to the present, we exhibit the work and role of this vital publication.

Meet Our Team

Our wonderful staff is the secret to the museum and library’s success!

Laura Dumey

Laura Dumey

Executive Director
Laura Dumey has been with the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library since 2010, starting as a volunteer. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and served as Curator and Administrator before becoming Executive Director in 2023, passionately leading our mission and educational initiatives.
Sheila Porter

Sheila Porter

Education Director
Sheila Porter is our Education Director at the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library. With a Master’s in Elementary Education and a Specialist degree in Library Science and Media, she brings over 40 years of teaching experience. Sheila joined our team in April 2023, enhancing our educational outreach.
wayne wallingford

Wayne Wallingford

Chief Development Officer
Wayne Wallingford is a distinguished Vietnam Veteran and former Missouri Senator, recognized for his service as a B-52 navigator during the Linebacker II missions over the Hanoi Hilton POW camp in December 1972. He has also served as the Missouri Director of Revenue, contributing to the state's fiscal management. Recently, Wallingford joined the Stars and Stripes Museum as the new Chief Development Officer, where he will leverage his extensive experience to enhance the museum's mission and support for veterans. His dedication to honoring their sacrifices and sharing their stories makes him a valuable addition to the team.
Barney, who is a tabby cat and hospitality director of the Stars and Stripes Museum, sitting in front of the museum barn

Barney

Hospitality Director
Barney, our beloved cat, became the official mascot of the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library in 2018 when he moved into the museum's barn. Now, he greets visitors in the gift shop and accompanies them on tours, bringing warmth and charm to their experience!

Our Board Members

2026

  • Michael Bailey
  • Melvin Boyers
  • Brian Brooks
  • Jerry Elder
  • Bruce Loewenberg
  • Blair Moran
  • Mike Penney
  • Brian Taylor
  • John J. Glenn, Jr.
  • Kathy Kiely
  • Sue Tippen

What We Offer

The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library offers many benefits to the community.

Free Monthly Programs We believe history should be accessible to everyone. Every month, the Museum hosts free Kids’ Educational Programs designed to bring the past to life for the next generation, as well as Monthly History Presentations featuring guest speakers, veterans, and historians.

Educational Outreach & Tours We are proud to offer free guided tours (by appointment) and specialized Youth Programs. For educators, our Teaching Trunks provide hands-on historical artifacts for classroom use, and we offer Virtual Field Trips for schools unable to visit in person.

Research & Library Access Our facility houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Stars and Stripes materials. We provide Free Library Services and professional Research Support to help you explore our vast public archives and newspaper history.

Access to Public Archives
Explore over 160 years of military history through our extensive collection of Stars and Stripes editions. With over 20,000 unique artifacts in our care, we provide public access to a world-class archive preserved to help veterans, families, and historians rediscover the stories of those who served.

Special Events & Educational Workshops
From commemorative ceremonies to hands-on history workshops, the Museum is a vibrant center for community engagement. We utilize our vast collection of 20,000+ artifacts to host annual veteran tributes, guest lecturer series, and interactive sessions that bring military history to life for all ages.