Com-Central.net

Moving an Army anywhere is a logistical feat. Moving its precious history is no easier.

Sadly, the “National Armor and Cavalry” part of the Fort Knox Patton Museum is being transferred to Fort Benning, Ga., under the auspices of the Base Realignment and Closure transition.

In exchange, the emerging new museum will focus on a longer, larger, and more indepth Army history, according to the museum’s Acquisition Director Christopher Kolakowski.

“The new museum will focus more on leadership than on armor obviously, and will span the 230-year Army history all the way back to Lexington,” said Kolakowski.

He added that there will be a greater focus on the local history of Fort Knox and the surrounding area.

“Change doesn’t always have to be negative,” he emphasized. “Change can be a positive thing, too. We hope now to better capture the complete Army history.”

The transfer is a massive logistical undertaking with nearly 85 percent of the museum being transferred.

This includes over 240 vehicles, and 10,000 collection objects making the move to Fort Benning.

Beginning in September, large portions of the museum will be closed to guests as the museum works behind the scenes to construct the new displays, with a goal of being completed by September 2011.

The museum will keep 13 armored vehicle monuments, as well as some artillery pieces.

Currently, the museum ranks as Kentucky’s eighth-busiest tourist attraction – welcoming over 125,000 visitors from around the world annually.

Since 1949, the Patton Museum has welcomed the Meade County community...with field trips for youngsters enthralled by the behemoth tanks; as a quick, affordable outing on a rainy day; and as a
patriotic participant in local events, among many other contributions.

“There are some really neat local histories we hope to capture now,” said Kolakowsi, noting that Abraham Lincoln’s grandmother, for example, is buried on the base. “We hope to continue to have a great relationship with our local communities and give expression to those relationships.”

Devoted volunteers welcome, and needed at Patton Museum

The Patton Museum credits much of its previous successes – and hopes for a successful transition this summer – on its corps of volunteers.

Numbering 35 at the present time, their duties are as diverse as their interests, according to program director Rick Dickerson.

Some provide tours, work in the library or conduct research; some construct the artistic displays; and some outfit the vehicles with the appropriate equipment.

“We have mill wrights, welders, painters, master-certified electricians, even ASE-certified mechanics,” said Dickerson. “You don’t have to be in the military. Most of our volunteers are civilians.”
Volunteers meet one Saturday a month, or volunteer in four-hour stints on weekdays.

“Volunteers are the backbone of any museum,” said Aquisitions Director Christopher Kolakowski.

With the daunting task of moving a large part of the museum, while erecting new displays in their place, the museum welcomes anyone over the age of 16 who would like to volunteer under the guidance of experienced curators and directors.

If interested in volunteering, Rick Dickerson may be reached at (270) 312-0147 or by e-mail at rdickerson @ generalpatton.org.

SOURCE: www.meadecountymesseng...tory_2.asp

I wish I could volunteer but I live on the other side of the continent.

- MarkHolloway

The museum will keep 13 armored vehicle monuments, as well as some artillery pieces.

That's the first time that an exact number has been mentioned. I just hope that we have time to put them into some kind of presentable shape before they bulldoze the work shops.

.......bulldoze the work shops.

And end of an era. Those shops and motor pool was where I first learned how to tank.

- Joe_D

.......bulldoze the work shops.

And end of an era. Those shops and motor pool was where I first learned how to tank.

When they're gone, we won't have any proper place to do any work except for the LST building. No heavy lifts, no proper working areas and no latrine!!