The Alabama Center of Military History Inc., which operates The Veterans Memorial Museum, is a non-profit, tax exempt (501c3) educational institution for the purpose of historical preservation, public display, and public education. The Museum is dedicated to promoting and disseminating the accomplishments of American military men and women. Our emphasis is on participants of World War I and subseq
uent conflicts, whose survivors and families can use the Museum facilities to reminisce on their own experiences and those of parents, grandparents, and other close relatives. The Museum has been designated by the Alabama House of Representatives as the State of Alabama Veterans Memorial Museum. All of the displays have been prepared and are maintained by volunteers. We are grateful to members of the community who have shared with us mementoes of military service dating back into the 1800s. The Museum displays more than 30 historical military vehicles from World War I to the present, as well as tableaus, artifacts, and other memorabilia dating back to the Revolutionary War. The 8th Air Force Historical Society sponsors a replica of the briefing room for the 385th Bomb Group, a B-17 unit conducting raids of Germany. One of the gems of the Museum's collection is the 'Merci' 40 et 8 boxcar, a gift from the people of France to the people of Alabama in 1949. Among the attractions at the Museum is a reference library. In addition to published material such as the Seventh Army After Action Report from World War II, the library offers written and oral reminiscences of Alabama veterans. In this vein, veterans and their families are invited to send written material or audio cassette tapes to the Museum for inclusion in the library, These submissions need not be formal. A narrative by the veteran, or an interview by a relative, will provide a lasting legacy of the contribution of Alabama service members to the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. The Museum participates in the President's 'Lessons in Liberty' Program. If you would like to have a Veteran speak at your school, please contact the Museum. The Veterans' Memorial Museum welcomes the participation of military and veterans' groups and individuals in making the Museum a valued educational and memorial attraction in North Alabama. If you would like to volunteer exhibits, sponsorship, time, or funds, please contact us. We have a particular need for volunteers to sponsor vehicles and wall displays. Remember, we are an all-volunteer organization. We have no paid staff, receive no appropriated funds and depend completely on volunteer support. Any donations of your time, memorabilia, building improvements, or funds go directly toward making the Museum an asset to the City of Huntsville and the State of Alabama.
