A historic event is taking shape along the Potomac River just outside of Washington, DC. A magnificent state-of-the-art facility will be built as a national landmark to honor America's Soldiers, preserve the history of America's oldest military branch, and educate all Americans about the Army's role in our nation's development. It also will be that one special,central place where Soldier and Army veterans and their families can reflect, remember, and enjoy the enduring spirit of Army camaraderie.
Under a March 2009 Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of the Army, signed in September 2009, The Army Historical Foundation (AHF) was designated the official fundraising entity for the National Museum of the United States Army and is responsible for administering the Capital Campaign.
The Army also established the National Museum of the United States Army Project Office to oversee the design and construction of the Museum. In September 2008, the Army selected Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP of New York as the design architect and Christopher Chadbourne & Associates of Boston as the exhibit design firm. In 2012, Eisterhold Associates Inc. assumed the exhibit planning, and Design and Production, Inc. began the exhibit fabrication.
The U.S. Army will operate and maintain the Museum when its opens. AHF will be responsible for all revenue-generating operations.
The National Army Museum will serve as the capstone of the Army Museum System and provide the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions. The Museum will celebrate the selfless service and sacrifice of over 30 million men and women who have worn the Army uniform since 1775. The Museum will be a technological marvel incorporating the latest advances in Museum exhibits while providing advanced educational opportunities that will capture the attention of visitors, old and young. As the Army's national landmark, the Museum will honor the American Soldier past, present, and future , and provide an interactive educational experience explaining the Army's role in creating and defending our nation, as well as the Army's social initiatives and contributions to society for more than 200 years.
The National Army Museum will be located on 40 acres on the grounds of beautiful Fort Belvoir, Va. The main building will be approximately 185,000 square feet and display selections form 15,000 pieces from the Army Art Collection and 30,000 artifacts, documents, and images. The vast majority of these rare and priceless artifacts have never been seen by the American people. Outside this facility will be a memorial garden, amphitheater, and parade ground. Space is being planned to accommodate ceremonies, reenactments, lectures, educational programs, conferences and reunions. The Museum will welcome an estimated 750,000 visitors every year.
The Museum's Registry of the American Soldier provides an opportunity for anyone who served in the U.S. Army to have his or her name and service history placed on record at the Museum. Over 100,000 Soldiers have registered. If you served, you need to be in the Registry! You may also register the name of a family member or friend who is currently serving in the Army or is a veteran. The Registry will be on permanent display at the Museum and is accessible now via the internet for those who cannot visit in person.
The Museum's architectural and exhibit design are 95% complete. Presently, the Campaign has raised $81 million and needs to raise an additional $35 million to break ground in 2015.
The Campaign launched the Army Museum Brick Program in 2013. Museum supporters can order personalized bricks which will be inlaid along the Path of Remembrance leading visitors from the parking area to the Museum's main entrance and will be a permanent tribute to the Soldiers whose name are engraved.
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