National Veterans Memorial and Museum

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) began with a vision from the late senator, and Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, John Glenn who understood the value of telling and sharing the stories of American Veterans. The museum opened to the public in October 2018 and is a powerful and personal experience designed to bridge the gap between the Veteran experience and civilian understanding through storytelling.

The museum takes guests on a narrative journey telling individual stories and shared experiences of Veterans throughout history and celebrating the service and sacrifice of our nation's service members and their families. History is presented in a dynamic, participatory experience with photos, letters, personal artifacts, multi-media presentations, and interactive exhibits. Together, these elements link our national story to the larger context of world events since our country's earliest days and demonstrates the importance of individuals in shaping our history.

When one arrives at the entrance to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, one first notives the unique structure and its incorporation of the colors of the flag of the United States of America. The entrance plaza features flags representing the United States Army, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Air Force, the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard. Inside visitors are greeted with a big open space, high ceilings, and modern design. In the first main hallway next to the wrap around staircase, one finds individual portraits of veterans wearing uniforms from the different branches of service.

The exhibits begin along the left wall which curves its way through the museum and offers exhibits that share the history of the Armed Services in chronological order with a timeline. Interpretation begins with 1775, and each era has different photos and exhibits that incorporate important facts related to equipment, training, leadership, and various wars and conflicts. Letters home, medals, weapons, combat gear, and military technology can be seen throughout each part of the museum.

While a visitor follows the timeline on the left, they can see different exhibits on their right along with videos depicting actors and actual veterans from different eras and wars telling their story. The museum is unique in its focus on stories as told by veterans, and the interpretive side of the museum works to place these stories into a single narrative. Veterans are able to tour the museum at no cost, and staff is on hand for guided tours and questions from patrons who opt to take a self-guided tour of the museum.

Outside the museum one sees an outdoor Memorial Grove against the Columbus. The 2.5 acre park outside wraps around the entire perimeter of the museum. The center of the garden features a rock wall with a waterfall witch leads into a waterway. The Memorial Grove has whats known as a “field cross” which shows a pair of combat boots, a rifle and a helmet with the quote “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. American will never forget their sacrifices.” - President Harry S Truman

Accessed July 1st 2020. https://nationalvmm.org/about/

Additional information obtained from the MAP AND VISITOR GUIDE