Soldiers and Chiefs is the largest single exhibition ever undertaken by the National Museum of Ireland. Some 910 objects and 210 loans are displayed in an area of almost 1700m2 on two floors at the Museum’s Decorative Arts and History premises at Collins Barracks, Dublin, Ireland. The exhibition aims to tell the story of Irishmen and women who participated at home and abroad in foreign armies over the past 500 years - from the Elizabethan Wars of the 16th century to the Irish Defence Force's peacekeeping role with the United Nations.
In the area of the exhibition highlighting the role of the Irish soldier in North America, one of the cabinets is dedicated to Myles Keogh. It displays some of his personal effects generously on loan from the Autry National Centre in Los Angeles. Among the items present are Keogh’s 7th Cavalry epaulets, his sabre and scabbard and Keogh’s certificate of U.S. citizenship which he received in 1869. To highlight Myles Keogh’s colourful military career, a cap from the uniform he wore while serving in Italy with the Pontifical Army is also on display in a separate section of the exhibition.
Although the Soldiers and Chiefs exhibition is set to be a permanent fixture at Collins Barracks, the objects on display will, over time, be subject to change. For example, many of the Keogh artifacts are due to be returned to the Autry Museum with the expiration of their loan term. However, for any visitor to Dublin with an interest in military history and the role played by the Irish soldier, a trip to 'Soldiers and Chiefs' should be top of the itinerary.
Keogh's sabre and scabbard alongside a Winchester rifle. Above are Keogh's 7th Cav. epaulets. The framed picture beneath is of Major General Buford and staff, Keogh included, taken soon after the Battle of Gettysburg.
Myles Keogh's certificate of U.S. citizenship, dated 1869.
The decorative scarlet kepi that Keogh wore as part of his papal uniform. Myles Keogh served as a Second Lieutenant in the Papal Army between 1860 and 1862.
