President
Michigan Traveling Military Museum President Charles Ray helped found the museum in 2011. He has been collecting military memorabilia since 1985 and credits much of his expertise to the knowledge he has gained from fellow collectors.
His favorite part of working at MTMM is setting up the displays and chatting with people. In fact, that was the exact case for Charles himself. His favorite museum items came from his own grandfather, Pvt. Edward A. Harris.
MTMM houses the Edward A. Harris Medical Detachment of The American North Russian Expeditionary Forces grouping, chronicling the service of the Essexville veteran who proudly served his country in one of the most miserable and unforgiving campaigns of World War I.
“I enjoy spreading the knowledge of history to people. By doing so, they learn more about their own family history.”
Charles Ray, President
“I do this because I feel it is extremely important to preserve military history and honor our veterans’ sacrifices.”
Mel Smith, Director
“I find it enjoyable to see the young people look first hand at the items that many of their family members used during the wars.”
Jon Dove, Director
Director
Jon Dove has been with the Michigan Traveling Military Museum since it started. A military collector and historian since the early 1980s, he obtained his first Japanese military sword at 16 years of age.
His favorite part of working at the museum is having the opportunity to interact with the different military veterans and their families. While he does not have a favorite museum item in particular, he has a real passion for Japanese Samurai swords — these swords have a great history related to them.
He believes the MTMM is the best option for preserving military memorabilia because of the special care given to displaying and preserving the relics in its collections, kept secure in a temperature-controlled environment. At the MTMM, all veterans’ items are given equal care whether the serviceman was a private or a general — every service person played an important role in preserving our freedoms.
The Michigan Traveling Military Museum is always interested in purchasing military memorabilia to add to our exhibits. If you have something to sell, please contact us.
