In 2001, U.S. Army Secretary Thomas E. White announced the U.S. Army’s intent to redevelop the Military History Institute at Carlisle, Pennsylvania into the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center to more fully communicate its invaluable holdings to the United States Army and the American people. The Army Heritage Center Foundation’s continued support and generosity are essential for the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center to fulfill its charter.
On a 56-acre campus in Carlisle, PA, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center is a matchless research library, archives, museum, and educational facility. The only U.S. Department of Defense activity honored as a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Center serves the casual visitors and serious scholars.
The Hall of the American Soldier (Visitor and Education Center) hosts the Center’s two main galleries. The first highlights U.S. Army history from the Spanish-American War through current operations. Interactive and interpretive exhibits immerse guests in “The Soldier Experience” to gain a greater understanding of Soldiers’ service to our Nation. The second gallery supports rotating exhibits highlighting U.S. Army history and major commemorative events.
The Army Heritage Trail serves as the Center’s outdoor museum. The trail, about one mile in length, highlights nearly every era of Army history with different exhibits and large artifacts. Providing an immersive experience that allows visitors to walk into each period represented, the trail also serves as a stage for living history presentations by historians serving as interpreters.
The public research room of the U.S. Army War College Library in Ridgway Hall at the Center is one of the largest military history libraries in the world. With a collection of more than 3.6 million books, documents, photographs, and maps, the library plays a key role in developing military and civilian strategic leaders and serving the public.
The development of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center is possible thanks to a public-private partnership and the philanthropic support of individual donors, foundations, businesses, Veterans, and military families. And yet, the vision for the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center has not been fully realized.
The Army Heritage Center Foundation is committed to fully accomplishing this vision.
Expand Facilities – Complete construction of the Hall of the American Soldier to add 7,500 square feet of exhibit space and 30,000 square feet of educational program, conferencing, and meeting space.
Grow Programs – Improve the quality of the visitor experience, grow educational programming, and enable national reach
Increase Capacity – Develop funding resources and build upon the Foundation’s capacity to ensure that the Center can educate and serve future generations of Soldiers and the public.