About Us
In 1989, the National Military Heritage Society (Society) was incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation for the purpose of preserving the military heritage of the United States of America. The purpose of the Society is to operate the National Military Heritage Museum (Museum). The Society was founded by a group of individuals including Lt. Colonel Franklin A. Flesher, USA (Retired), who gave 28 years of service to the United States Army and has since given years of selfless dedication to the Society and Museum.
Since 1989, the Museum has collected over 10,000 books, videos and magazine articles relating to U.S. military heritage. These items are being cataloged by the Missouri Western State University Library and in association with the Library of Congress for inclusion in the Museum's St. Joseph News-Press Military Library providing resources for research by military personnel, veterans and students. The Museum participates in the Library of Congress Oral History program with its Leave a Legacy Program and is designated as a repository for oral histories. The Museum has collected over 20,000 artifacts including vehicles, uniforms, medals, gear, equipment, models, dioramas, displays, exhibits, weapons, gifts, and much more. All of this is housed in either active exhibits or is in storage in the Museum complex.
The Museum complex consists of four buildings located in the immediate vicinity of 701 Messaine, St. Joseph, Missouri. The main building has particular significance to the local area, having been designed and built as the first police station of St. Joseph. Additional significance is that after WWII, this building served as the United States Marine Corps Reserve Training Center for the 1st 105mm Howitzer Battalion. Marines from the surrounding area mustering at this facility were activated in 1950 and served with the First Marine Division at the infamous Chosin Reservoir campaign in Korea. This building was designed by Harvey Ellis, a renowned architect of the time, and built in 1890. It's Romanesque style was a trademark of Ellis' and contributes to the eclectic architecture of St. Joseph. The building is being proposed for the National Registry of Historic Places and approval is expected before 2010.
The Society is governed by a twelve person Board of Directors (Board) that meets monthly. Day to day operations are conducted by the Executive Director (Director), volunteers, and occasional contract labor. Inevitably, growth will require a full time paid staff.
The Museum participates in school tours from fourth grade to college. Volunteers from community service groups, civic groups, churches and charitable organizations participate in several programs though the museum. American Legion Post 11 and American Legion Auxiliary 11 are based at this facility. The Joint Veterans Commission of St. Joseph meets here.
The Museum consistently draws diverse patronage from military, veterans, schools and the public. It pursues programs in collections enhancement and research to support our mission. Our exhibits are based on artifacts, research and professional standards that are meaningful, accessible and engaging. Local community civic groups, veteran organizations and the public benefit from our resources and services. Diverse funding sources are sought to support all aspects of operation and staffing for our mission. Partners are actively sought to fulfill our mission through contributions of funding, time, expertise and advocacy.
Vision
We envision that the Museum and Society will be the foundation for a national program of education, preservation and promotion of military heritage in the United States. This foundation will be evidenced by cooperation with museums around the country, programs involving schools, veterans groups and other individuals with similar interests.
Core functions mandated by the Society charter are:
- To collect, maintain, research, interpret, and present educational programs and exhibits relating to United States military heritage.
- To support and encourage local and national history museums in their endeavor to present or exhibit United States military heritage.
- To support and educate local and national media sources about the military heritage of the United States.
Core values necessary to meet the core functions are:
Stewardship dictates that the Museum care for collections with dedication and accountability and make available to the public the artifacts, archives and items in our collection.
We involve the local, regional and national community by programs in education that assists their interests and needs.
A continual striving for excellence means we present professional integrity and scholarship through research and innovation.
Respect for our patrons demands that we listen, consider, and respond to all voices.
National Military Heritage Museum Mission Statement
We are dedicated to preserving the military heritage of the United States Armed Forces and those who served on the home front by education about, enhancing awareness of and promoting the heritage of all branches of the armed forces and the sacrifices made by all patriotic Americans.