Museum Mission Statement
Established in 1945, the 82d Airborne Division War Memorial Museum collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets 100+ years of “All American” history from 1917 to the present. The primary purpose of the museum is to train, educate, and inspire Paratroopers and civilians on the history, heritage, and culture of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division.
Core Functions & Training Capabilities
- On-Demand Historical Support: Museum staff provides on-demand research and analysis of historical events directly for the 82nd Airborne Division.
- New Paratrooper Training: Museum staff executes a vital training support mission to teach the history, heritage, and culture of the 82nd Airborne Division to new Paratroopers assigned to the All-American division.
- Certified Historical Training Facility: The museum serves as an official historical training facility for paratroopers. This includes a Program of Instruction (POI) certified by the 82nd Airborne Division G3 Training Department, featuring the:
- Airborne Integration Course
- Normandy Battlefield Tour
- Holland Battlefield Tour
- Public Educational Attraction: The interactive exhibits function as a public educational attraction for military families and the local community.
- Honor & Remembrance: The war memorials serve as a sacred, specialized place of remembrance and honor for veterans and their families.
Institutional & Community Networks
Outreach Capabilities: Strategic community partnerships encompass and actively engage the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, the 82nd Airborne Division Association, and the Cumberland County Veterans Council.
Military Alignment: The museum operates in direct structural alignment with the Army Museum Enterprise, the Combat Division Museums, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the Fort Bragg Military Installation.
Museum Staff:
Mr. John W. Aarsen – Director Email: john.w.aarsen.civ@army.mil | Mr. Christopher M. Ruff – Curator Email: christopher.m.ruff8.civ@army.mil | Ms. Danielle R. Hackbarth – Archives Email: danielle.r.hackbarth.civ@army.mil | Ms. Shantay McQueen – Gift Shop Manager Email: sales@82ndairbornedivisionmuseum.com
Museum History
Major General James M. Gavin began the concept of the museum in 1945, when the 82d Airborne Division received the honor of Occupation Duty in Berlin at the end of World War II. Inside the Division headquarters a trophy and newsroom held information about their war effort and the nation’s victory.
In 1946, after the 82d Airborne Division returned to the states and started to call Fort Bragg home, the first museum began in one of the wooden office buildings in what is now called “the old Division area.” At first, there was not much inside of the building, As the Division grew, it moved to its current area of Fort Bragg. Through several building expansions and exhibit redesigns, we continue to tell the history of the 82d, share its customs and traditions, honor our Veterans, and support our military families.
From 1955 to 1958, new barracks, offices, warehouses and a headquarters building were constructed to house men and equipment. In early 1956, Major General Trapnell directed the formation of the 82d Airborne Division Historical Society and for the Division to plan for construction of a permanent museum. Veterans, local Fayetteville businesses and the 82d Association raised funds to build the museum. Chaplain George B. Wood, World War II Division Chaplain, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony, August 1956. Paratroopers from each unit that fought with the 82d during World War II consecrated the grounds by striking the earth with a golden pickaxe at each corner where the building would stand, as Chaplain Wood read aloud each unit’s total Killed in Action. The 82d Airborne Division War Memorial Museum is the second oldest U.S. Army Museum and still resides in the same location. It was officially opened by General James M. Gavin, Major General John W. Bowen (CG) and Chaplain Wood on 18 January 1957.
In Air, On Land. Airborne. All the Way!
82nd Airborne Division Historical Society
Established in 1956, the 82nd Airborne Division Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the past and preserving the future. Run by retired Army veterans who believe service continues beyond the uniform, our all-volunteer Board of Directors serves without compensation. Our Core Mission is to support the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum, paratroopers, military families, and veterans free of charge.
Board of Directors
- President: LTC (Ret) Mark Acker
- Vice President: CSM (Ret) Roger Vickers
- Secretary: Ms. Shantay McQueen
- Treasurer: CSM (Ret) Chris Nunez
- Directors: SFC (Ret) Jim O’Connor, SFC (Ret) Steve Wykel, CW4 (Ret) Jesse Taitague, COL (Ret) Michael C. Lopez
- Ex-Officio: BG (Ret) John W. Aarsen
Get In Touch
Join us in remembering the All-American Division’s history. Donate today to support our Paratroopers, families, and veterans.
In Air, On Land. Airborne. All The Way!
Disclaimer: The 82d Airborne Division Historical Society is not endorsed by DOD. “This is a non-federal entity. It is not a part of the department of defense or any of its components and has no governmental status.”
