New
Pennsylvania Veterans Museum
Brings History to Life |
|
Media, Pa. (November 11, 2005) - The Pennsylvania
Veterans Museum opens its doors today with a grand-opening
ribbon cutting celebration in honor of Veterans Day. Located
in the historic Armory in Media, Pa., this museum has state-wide
significance and appeal as a tribute to those Keystone veterans
who have served and sacrificed for our country.
Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the nation based on the more
than1.2 million veterans living in the state. Approximately
1.3 million Pennsylvanians were dispatched to WW II; 400,000
were sent to Viet Nam; and more than 35,000 have served in
the Desert Wars.
The museum kicks-off its opening by honoring World War II
veterans. Exhibits include:
- Interactive kiosks
- Life-size dioramas of Battle of the Bulge and D-Day
- Tuskegee Airmen display sponsored by PECO Energy Company
- “Band of Brothers” of the 101 st Airborne
Division Exhibit
- Rare archival and dynamic documentary footage
- Hands-on dress up area for children
“This museum and the contributions and sacrifices of
our veterans touch us all,” says Museum’s Executive
Secretary and Mayor of Media, Pa., Bob McMahon. “We stand
at a pivotal point in time to capture the realities of what
our WW II veterans experienced. With each passing day, the
first-hand memories and experiences of these courageous men
and women are threatening to fade. We feel it is important
to capture our history
and we are dedicated to passing on the legacy of those who
served.”
According to McMahon, “The Pennsylvania Veterans Museum’s
vision is to continually expand and incorporate new experiences
from veterans. Future exhibits will focus on Korea, Vietnam,
the Gulf Wars and more.”
Education is a primary focus of the museum. School students
can experience up-close and personal accounts of the pivotal
battles of U.S. history. The “living history” of
veterans will be preserved in an online database. A rich array
of lesson plans will be available for the classroom or in preparation
for a museum visit.
Grand opening events will be attended by PA WW II veterans
including representatives from the Tuskegee Airmen and the
Battle of the Bulge; special guest including Congressman Curt
Weldon; and museum supporters.
The Pennsylvania Veterans Museum is a non-profit organization.
Museum sponsors include the Thornton D. and Elizabeth S . Hooper
Foundation, PECO Energy Company, the Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith
Memorial Fund, AQUA American Inc, the Franklin Mint Federal
Credit Union, the Brandywine Conference and Tourist Bureau,
Delaware County Fireman’s Association and the Borough
of Media, Delaware County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The museum is located in the historic Armory building at
12 East State Street in Media, PA. Museum hours are Thursday
through Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free. Student
field trips and general tour groups are welcome and can be
scheduled Monday through Friday by calling (610) 566-0788.
For more information: www.paveteransmuseum.org |
