General George Patton Museum of Leadership

By Ed Miller

Fort Knox, KY, October 19, 2011 – The U.S. Army’s famous Patton Museum is undergoing a multi-year transformation that is changing its focus from cavalry and armor history to one that features the story of Army leadership, duty and sacrifice since 1775.

The new General George Patton Museum of Leadership will use immersive and interactive exhibits to introduce visitors to timeless stories of leaders at all levels from corporal to general. The staff is creating interim interior exhibits to give visitors a taste of what is to come. Outdoor exhibits will include a restored WWII barracks and key armored vehicles that have been such an important part of our Army’s past.

{default}

In its final form, the Museum will not only tell the enduring story of General Patton’s life-long study of history and human character; it will also tell visitors about the importance of the human element in war and peace ― and how leadership makes the crucial difference between success and failure.

Museum Director Chris Kolakowski notes, "We are open for business, but on a limited scale for now. There’s a very bright future here, and Army leadership is committed to making it a showcase museum. We will have state-of-the-art exhibits and facilities for education and training that will appeal to a very wide audience."

"Significant transformations take time," he added. "Meanwhile, visitors can still see the famous Patton collection, including the pistols, but our other exhibits are temporary. Full reopening with permanent exhibits is planned for mid-2014. As part of the change, we recently completed a $2 million facility renovation that will add another 20 years of life to the current museum building.This included a state-of-the-art auditorium."

From its beginning in 1949 until September 2010, the Patton Museum housed a world-famous collection of tank and armored warfare exhibits. Now it is rebuilding its collection around the stirring story of Army leadership, inspired by the museum’s famous namesake.

For more information about the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, visit facebook.com/PattonMuseum.

–Submitted by Ed Miller