Press Releases

The Pennsylvania Veterans Museum grew from a "suggestion’’ by former Gov. Tom Ridge. He told Media Mayor Bob McMahon, a fellow Vietnam combat veteran, it would be good to have children more involved and interested in learning about veterans and their experiences. That seed of an idea in 1999 grew into the PVM, which opens on Friday, Veterans Day.

First designated as a repository for Delaware County veterans’ memorabilia, living histories and educational materials, the museum evolved into a more comprehensive concept. Still focused as a resource for school students of all ages, the museum received financial backing and support from the state and county. It was always to be located in the Media Armory, a historically registered, turn-of-the-century fortress-style structure that had served the Army Reserves into the 1990s.

But it is the concept rather than the location that continued to drive McMahon and World War II veterans Ed Buffman and Bud Hendrick, chairman and vice chairman respectively.

"The Pa. Veterans Museum is unique in many ways,’’ said McMahon."It is designed to capture the interest of children who know little about their rich military heritage, the sacrifices and courage of their grandfathers and grandmothers, aunts, uncles, fathers and mothers. Their stories and experiences represent a wealth of new information students would not ordinarily be exposed to. It is living history in every sense.’’

Videotaped histories of Pennsylvania men and women who served in uniform are available for screening in addition to equipment, diaries and other artifacts usually carried into combat. While exhibits are expected to change over time, the first wave will feature World War II and such pivotal events as the Battle of the Bulge and involvement of the Band of Brothers, men of Easy Company, 101st Airborne.

"Veterans Day will mark phase one of a multi-stepped museum plan,’’ said McMahon. "A sense-surround theater, computer-based Web site and student program, and several other exhibits and programs are currently in development.’’

©The Daily Times 2005