Trial Room at McNair

[John E.]

(01-21-2013 08:30 AM)Barry Doohan Wrote:  Are their tours or access to the Trial Room @ Fort McNair? I've tried to find out by searching the web and cannot anything specific. Since this is a military installation, I was not sure you could just show up, present ID and gain access. Thanks

Hello Barry,

I believe there are plans for a Grand Opening or some sort of event to mark its completion. Private tours are being conducted for special groups. They are still working on making it look as authentic as possible.

I've been working with a project manager for the Army Corp. of Engineers and other McNair folks for the past 3 years in a limited capacity. I've shared my knowledge of the courtroom, how it looked, where people were seated and what furniture was used, etc.

Not all my recommendations were taken. Unfortunately they chose not to paint the 3 pillars that divide the room - white. They also had limited funds and did not put down cocoa matting on the floor.

The wood floors tend to be a bit noisy and one of the things General Hartranft requested was to have the matting put down to buffer the sound.

They asked me if I knew a carpenter who could help with the railing that separated the prisoner's dock as well as the witness stand. I checked with Betty Ownsbey and she came to the rescue! She referred a carpenter who did the work gratis or at cost. - Not sure which.

At this point, we are hoping to find about 20 spittoons and a 19th century water cooler. We are also hoping to add some smaller tables that were used for evidence and some of the other defense counsel.