The university, in partnership with Cadets of the Ole War Skule, is finalizing plans for a campaign to raise funds to renovate the Memorial Tower, to house the LSU Military Museum, and for an endowment for military scholarships for ROTC cadets.
"Cadets of the Ole War Skule is pleased to join with the university in bringing the LSU Military Museum to reality," said John Milazzo, president of Cadets of the Ole War Skule. "LSU's rich military history and heritage are certainly worthy of remembering, and the museum will afford the opportunity to showcase much of this history and the personal military experiences of our many dedicated alumni who have served or currently serve in our armed forces. "
The museum will be the repository for items reflecting the university's military history and heritage from Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman to Gen. Troy H. Middleton, whose collection will be the focal point of the permanent collection. Plans include exhibitions and collections related to the history of ROTC at LSU; involvement of LSU faculty, staff and students in America's wars and conflicts; LSU's military leaders; and the Cadets of the Ole War Skule.
"LSU is proud of its military heritage, and we are fortunate to see the influence of that legacy on our present-day flagship institution," said LSU Chancellor Michael Martin. "The LSU Military Museum will enable us to share the history of our Cadet Corps and distinguished military alumni and pay tribute to alumni who have served and continue to serve in our nation's armed forces, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."
Memorabilia will be accepted beginning in September and will continue on selected dates thereafter. Requested items include, but are not limited to, uniforms and other clothing, trunks, luggage, maps, books, battle plans, photos, correspondence, plaques, medals, citations, flags, cameras and typewriters.
Donations will be accepted from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Sept. 27. For more information, call 225-578-0420, email cadets@lsu.edu or visit www.olewarskule.lsu.edu.
LSU and Memorial Tower
LSU opened its doors on Jan. 2, 1860, in Pineville, La., as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy. Thus began LSU's long and proud military tradition.
The Memorial Tower, also known as the campanile, was built in 1923 and dedicated in 1926 and was one of the first structures on LSU's present campus. Financed and constructed through the efforts of American Legion posts throughout Louisiana, the Memorial Tower was donated to LSU as a memorial to those who died in service to the nation during World War I. Inscribed on plaques in its rotunda are the names of Louisiana citizens who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Long the symbol of LSU, the Memorial Tower was, for many years, home to the university's War Museum and "welcome center" and, until 2005, housed the LSU Museum of Art.
The Museum
To carry on LSU's 150 year-old military tradition of "the Long Purple Line," the university – in partnership with Cadets of the Ole War Skule – is finalizing plans for a campaign to raise funds to renovate the Memorial Tower to house the LSU Military Museum and to fund an endowment for military scholarships for ROTC cadets. One wing will be devoted primarily to permanent exhibits and the other wing will house rotating exhibits, which will change on a scheduled basis.
Supporters making capital donations to the upcoming endowment campaign will be able to choose from a unique selection of naming opportunities for scholarships, galleries, exhibit rooms, walls of honor, interactive computer kiosks, and sponsorship of permanent and temporary exhibitions, the library and offices.
Memorabilia
LSU alumni who participated in ROTC or alumni who served in any of the nation's armed forces are asked to donate items acquired before or during their years of service. Family members of deceased alumni are also encouraged to consider donating items in their possession. The "call" includes the following:
· Uniforms and clothing items
· Personal items such as trunks and luggage, and health, dental or physical care products
· Boots, shoes or other footwear
· Maps, books, letters, battle plans, official correspondence and photos
· Medals, flags, citations, plaques
· Small weapons and ammunition boxes or belts
· Communication devices, typewriters, cameras
· Memorabilia acquired for military purposes from local communities and/or citizens
Memorabilia will be processed, tagged and stored in a local climate-controlled storage facility for processing and preparation for the opening exhibition.
Items may be given as donations or simply placed "on loan" to the museum. The appropriate donation/loan forms will be completed at the time of delivery. Arrangements can also be made for delivery by mail, FedEx or UPS.
Post a Comment
