ATHENS, Ala. — The Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives in Limestone County has a new home, and on Memorial Day, the museum opened with a soft launch. It moved from its former location on Pryor Street, to just feet away to a larger space.
Our WZDX News reporter spoke with leaders on how the county's biggest tourist attraction is meaningful for today, and future generations.
"When you have a patriotic state and a patriotic community, funding becomes much easier. So, we're very excited about the new move," says Alabama Veterans Museum Board of Directors President, Jerry Crabtree.
What was planned to open about ten months ago, was pushed back due to the pandemic. But, the wait is over. Leaders say the soft launch of Alabama Veterans Museum on Memorial Day is especially meaningful.
"We had about 400 people today at the Memorial Day program which is outstanding. It shows our community supports not only our veterans, but supports this museum, and supports those who paid the ultimate sacrifice," says Mayor Ronnie Marks for the City of Athens.
Museum officials say their exhibits attract about 12,000 people a year. Limestone is now the fastest growing county in Alabama, and with the new museum capable of displaying more exhibits, leaders believe they'll attract more visitors.
"We've expanded over here, and without the help of the county commission, and the city and the state legislative power - we would've never been able to make this possible. It's been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, went into this and you hate to see the ones that didn't make it to get to see it but for all of them this is a great day," says Limestone County Commission Chairman, Collin Daly.
"What a great event. What a great event when you see young people, along with a 95-year-old with a tail gunner in the back of a B-52," says Marks.
From the American Revolution to the Tuskegee Airmen, and Pearl Harbor; just about any fact known to Alabama about our service men and women is the museum.
Leaders hope some of their features will also attract younger visitors.
"Once the word gets out about our virtual reality room, that's a calling card for our young people. We're very excited!," says Crabtree.
"Most of the artifacts here in this Veterans Museum is based on the history of Limestone County. However, museum officials say they can accept donations. Now of course, this was just the soft launch, but the grand opening will be July 3rd at 10 a.m.
Admission is free, but donations are excepted.
Hours of Operations:
Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.