Phase I of PGAV Destinations master plan complete.
The recent completion of PGAV Destinations ‘strategic destination assessment’ marks the next step towards a brand new museum experience for active duty soldiers, their families, and visitors to Fort Benning, Georgia.
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The National Armor and Cavalry Museum (NACM) is currently under development by The National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation and PGAV Destinations, and will look to house the best and largest collection of armor and Cavalry objec
ts in the country in a brand new, $65m+ facility.
“The primary focus of the new museum will be to keep the spirit of the Mounted Warrior alive for today’s soldiers and inspire future generations – both soldiers and the American public, ” says Major General George Harmeyer, Brigade Commander in Desert Storm and the Foundation’s chairman. The proposed world-class museum will complement the existing National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, will be operated by the same organization, and is being designed to support military training as well as provide an exciting and dynamic destination for the general public.
“We’re creating something that will truly be inspirational on multiple levels, ” says Tom Owen, project lead at PGAV Destinations. “The Museum will honor the leadership, bravery, courage, and sacrifices of those who fought in the Mounted Forces in every war in our nation’s 250-year history.” From George Washington’s first four mounted regiments in the Continental Army to MI Abrams tanks roaring across the Iraqi desert, the museum will honor the heroes who had vision, developed the technologies, organizations, equipment, and training in American armored combat. In addition, the new destination will incorporate a STEM approach in educating about the technological advances, power, and reach beyond military applications these developments and soldiers had.
The next phase of the project will include additional fund-raising efforts by the Foundation, as the project is entirely privately funded and will be free to the public when open. PGAV Destinations will begin developing and testing various exhibit elements as well as co-shaping the operational strategy for the new facility. At its open, the new NACM with thrill tech enthusiasts with simulations and an exciting look into future advances; history buffs will find dynamic opportunities to dig deep into the various niches of America’s armored combat history; and guests, active and retired soldiers alike will be inspired by the insurmountable spirit and élan of the Mounted Solider.
About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now in its fifth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.
PGAV’s key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North Companies, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, the St. Louis Zoo, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Hearst Castle, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks.
About The National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation
The National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation is focused on the creation of a new permanent home for the lineage, history, and heritage of the U.S Army’s Armor and Cavalry Force; a place that honors the patriotic men and women who have trained, served, and fought in America’s mounted forces. The mission of the foundation is to finance and build a dynamic and innovative multi-dimensional Museum facility that will meet the needs of the future Army at Fort Benning, GA.
Since 1989, the Army has been transitioning from its Cold War force structure to a leaner, more expeditionary model. The process has been accelerated by the Global War on Terror (GWOT) and the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). As part of that effort, the Armor Center at Fort Knox has been moved Fort Benning, GA and can be leveraged as a core component of the Maneuver Center of Excellence as both an educational resource and center for study of the history of the Mounted Force. The museum will also provide modern storage, maintenance and exhibit capabilities for the more than 9, 000 micro artifacts and 400 macro artifacts in the Armor Collection, and provide resources in support of ongoing research and development of doctrine, policy, equipment, and recruitment.
