12th Armored Division Memorial Museum takes giant step towards reality For Immediate Release Jan. 26, 2000 ABILENE - "The deal was closed" today to purchase the former "Lone Star Gas" building at Hickory and N. 2nd streets to house the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum. Building rehabilitation will begin immediately and continue throughout this year. The projected grand opening date of the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum at the Hickory and N. 2nd location in Abilene is July 2001. The museum will be dedicated in October 2001 when the 12th Armored Association conducts their national reunion at the museum. The museum will house exhibits and displays of World War II and feature a major education facility providing students of all levels unique opportunities to study World War II. The museum will be a teaching museum. "The 12th Armored Division was a unique group of men serving at a unique time in history," said Dr. Vernon L. Williams, director of the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum project. "Their story will serve as a vehicle to teach generations of children not yet born about World War II and its impact on America and her people." Along with technologically advanced interactive learning opportunities and incredible displays, the museum will house production shops and laboratories for staff, university students and volunteers to create all exhibition materials for the museum and equip future public historians with the essential tools of their trade. The 12th Armored Division was the last major division to train at Camp Barkeley in the 1940s near Abilene. Their accomplishments and stories will be documented in this museum through mountains of memorabilia donated by veterans and their families. Total display space in the museum will equal about 28,000 square feet. That includes an outdoor area where World War II vehicles such as tanks, jeeps, half-tracks and more will be displayed. -30- Archived News Releases - Current ACU News and Events If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@acu.edu or call 915-674-2692 (cell phone: 665-5469). Last update: Jan. 26, 2000 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/events/news/000126-12thad.html