Veterans Memorial Museum Germantown Ohio

David Shortt, a retired civil servant from a nearby city, and retired Chief Warrant Officer in the United States Army, acquired this structure as part of their effort share thousands of military artifacts collected over the years. Shortt’s collection began back in 1992 when he was on pass from Fort Knox, Kentucky. During that time off, Shortt met a World War II veteran who later gave him a pillow case full of military memorabilia including souvenirs, uniforms, and letters from his mother. He offered these items to Shortt saying “If you don’t want these, then I’m just going to throw them away.” 

In the years that followed, other veterans and families supplied even more memorabilia to Shortt's growing collection. Deciding to secure a building to showcase these priceless historical artifacts, Shortt purchased a former cigar factory building in Germantown in 2009.

This two-story building located at 123 S. Main Street would soon house the non-profit museum named Veterans Memorial Museum. Shortt serves as the curator, and seeks to discover and share the stories of the people who wore the uniforms and used the gear he has on display. The museum is staffed by volunteers, including veterans and family members, local historians and students. These volunteers work to discover and share the stories behind the artifacts, including recording oral histories from area veterans.

Accessed July 1st 2020. http://www.veteransmuseumgermantown.org/6401.html.

Belcher, Shirley. Veterans Museum is a jewell in Germantown, January 29th 2014. Accessed July 1st 2020. https://www.daytondailynews.com/lifestyles/veterans-museum-jewel-germantown/BQvmB8QDWvd0vvNr6brCfO/.