About The Museum

Preserving our nation’s military newspaper and celebrating the commitment and service of Stars & Stripers, our valiant military, and our citizens!

The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library

Located in Bloomfield, Missouri, the designated birthplace of the Stars and Stripes by the US Department of Defense, the Museum collects, documents, celebrates, interprets, and preserves material related to the creation and continuing history of the Stars and Stripes, our nation’s military newspaper. 

Through exhibits and programs, The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library offers a unique and important view of some of the most pivotal moments in modern history. The Museum highlights the history of the Stars and Stripes from the very first issue, printed by Union troops in November 1861, through the wars of the 20th century and into modern era.

In our publicly accessible archives, researchers can access our historical collection of the Stars and Stripes and related military history collections.

The Museum receives no government funding for operating expenses and admission is free, therefore we rely heavily on private donations to help pay the bills. Your donation helps us share these stories with future generations. 

Learn More

Tony Vaccaro in 1945 sitting on the wing of a plane holding his 35-millimeter Argus C3 camera that he had bought as a teenager.
Tony Vaccaro, Stars and Stripes photographer during WWII

Our Mission

The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library documents, collects, preserves, and exhibits materials related to the history, work, contents, scope and role of the Stars and Stripes military newspaper from its origins to the present. The Museum and Library seeks to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the Stars and Stripes’ important role in history by preserving, interpreting, and making its archives available to those who are interested in using its resources for research purposes.

Meet Our Team

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

Laura Dumey

Laura Dumey

Executive Director
Laura has been with the Museum since 2010. She worked as a volunteer for many years. In 2016, she became Curator of the museum; and in 2018, she was promoted to Administrator.
Racheal Robey Stars and Stripes Museum Marketing Director

Racheal Robey

Marketing Director
Racheal joined our staff in August 2022. She has 20 years of experience working for nonprofit organizations. In addition to her position as Marketing Director, she is also the Gift Shop Manager.
Sheila Porter

Sheila Porter

Education Director
Sheila is our accomplished Education Director with over four decades of experience in teaching and learning. She joined our staff in April 2023.
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
In 2018, Barney moved into the Museum's barn and declared himself the official mascot of The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library. Now you can find him greeting visitors in the gift shop and giving tours.
Cartoon from the WWI Stars and Stripes.

Our Board Members

2023-2024

  • Michael Bailey
  • Jason Bean
  • Melvin Boyers
  • Brian Brooks
  • Jerry Elder
  • Kathy Kiely
  • Bruce Loewenberg
  • Blair Moran
  • Roger Pleus
  • Robin Northern
  • Mike Penney
  • Sawyer Smith
  • Brian Taylor
  • Sue Tippen
  • Carlos Vargas
  • Wayne Wallingford

Community Benefits

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

Free Admission
Free Guided Tours (When Possible)

Youth Programs
School Tours
Access to Teaching Trunks

Free Library Services
Research Support and Services

Access to Public Archives
Access to Historical Stars & Stripes Newspaper Archives

Special Events
Educational Workshops
Virtual Field Trips