The 15-Year-Old Preserving Veteran Memories at Luke’s Museum

By Jasper Craven

On a goat farm located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, an aluminum trailer stands as Luke’s Military Museum, dedicated to the nation’s veterans.

The museum is founded by Luke Morrison, a 15-year-old who has gathered a collection of military artifacts and has interviewed hundreds of veterans to preserve their stories. He actively seeks new subjects, often identifying veterans by their service caps in places like grocery stores.

Among the exhibits are the uniform of Tim Bedor, an Iraq war veteran; Vinny Matteis’s Vietnam-era jump boots; and a Marine pin from Pete Racine, known for his daredevil car stunts at age 92. The museum is housed in an antique camper, originally bought by Luke’s great-granduncle Dwight Cooley, a World War II veteran.

Luke may be the youngest person dedicated to preserving this vital tradition: processing war through the memories and mementos of those who lived it. These memories are essential, especially during Veterans Day and Memorial Day, as they influence the nation’s understanding of past and future conflicts.

Recently, during a tour, Luke recounted how Harry Swett, a local Vietnam veteran, donated shoulder patches before passing away. Mr. Swett often hosted Luke, sharing war stories in his living room over extensive conversations.