We have been to San Diego several times and never visited, but we thought we would visit this time. We are really glad that we didn't miss it. We really enjoyed the history lesson. They really have given a lot of care to preserve the history of the battalion. I just wish it was longer, I longed for more when it was over.
I stopped in while walking in Old Town, not knowing what to expect. Had to wait a few minutes before the next group, and was shown a video about the broader LDS influence in California history, which was both entertaining and informative. The main 'tour through history' was led by two very pleasant and earnest young 'sisters' (missionaries) in period costume. I was glad I was with a family with young children, because some of the over-the-top play-acting was right up the youngsters' alley, but would have been rather ridiculous had I been solo. The videos and dialogue were professionally done and captured an engaging story. While not a thorough or critical (in the academic sense of the word) examination, it didn't feel like a lot of proselytizing, either. I probably could have learned as much in 10 minutes with Wikipedia, but it was a pleasant enough hour spent.
The Mormon Battalion tells the story of a group of Mormon Pioneers on their trek west where they are asked to join a group of soldiers fighting against Mexico, and the trials they endured. You go from room to room that are decorated to look like that era and watch little video clips telling the story. Very interesting and informative. At the end they take your picture and give you a souvenier photo. After that we watched the movie Meet the Mormons in another room. It was very good. Glad we went.
Very well presented segment of American History, delightfully told by the Mormon people. Very well suited for visits with children.
Do this. If you have kids of any age from 4 to 94, do this. It was a very well put together presentation of a part of California history and the history of Westward migration. It was free and took about 30 minutes, but we could have spend an hour if we had more time.
The pictures talk! You change rooms, from Council Bluffs IA to Ft. Leavenworth to be outfitted, to the long hot trail, to your arrival in San Diego. At the end you get to pan for gold (actually iron pyrite, but it's shiny.) You feel like you're actually part of the Mormon Battalion. We weren't wanting to spend the 45 minutes if it was unexciting, but we really had a good time. One thing surprising: 80 women and children went along, too!
My husband and I visited this museum as a couple, but we would like to return with our kids. There is something for everyone here. The museum itself is in a lovely building just up the street from the commercial part of Old Town. There is free parking if you're visiting, so don't pay to park at a lot. We found the missionaries that staff the museum to be very kind, and not pushy in any way.During your tour of the museum (which takes about 40 minutes), you'll follow the lives of several people who were members of the Mormon Battalion. You'll see how they came to be enlisted by the U.S. government, what their march from Iowa to California was like, what kind of equipment they used, etc. Much of the presentation is done through a very well done film.At the end of the fun and interesting tour you'll enter a room that has more information and artifacts, you can have a free souvenir photo taken, and you can pan for gold. If you have ancestors that served in the battalion you'll be able to look up their information on interactive screens. This museum is highly recommended whether or not you have an interest in the Mormon Church.
Well done short presentations and exhibits on Mormons and San Diego History. Presentations are informative on little know aspects of San Diego past, Fast paced and holds interest of all ages.
Like others was not what I expected,but did really enjoy it,the way the story was told had you wanting to hear more,if you visit Old a town this is a must do.
Adjacent to the Junipero Serra Museum it has the best view of the city and harbor. The Junipero Serra Museum is lovely.