Army Heritage Center Foundation facts for kids

The Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF) is a special group. It's a non-profit organization. This means it helps people and doesn't make money for its owners. The AHCF works with the United States Army. Their main goal is to help build and support the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC). This important center is located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

The foundation's main purpose is to help build two of the center's four buildings. They also create and support learning materials and programs. The foundation works with many partners. These include the state of Pennsylvania, local governments, companies, and private citizens.

The foundation started in 1997. It became an official group in 1999. Back then, it was called the Military Heritage Foundation. In 2002, the Army announced the USAHEC. The foundation then changed its name to the Army Heritage Center Foundation. This new name showed its main focus. It was all about supporting the USAHEC project.

The foundation works with the Army to create a special place. This place honors soldiers and their families. It keeps their old items, writings, photos, and art safe. It also helps people learn more about the history of the United States and the U.S. Army history.

In 2010, the AHCF finished building the first part of the Visitor and Education Center at USAHEC. The foundation is currently raising money for the second part. This next part will have more display areas and meeting rooms. Once these buildings are done, the foundation will focus on making the visitor experience even better. They will also create new and exciting learning programs. The foundation also offers memberships. You can also buy special bricks or pavers to honor someone.

Learning Programs

What the Education Department Does

The Education Department creates learning materials. These materials are based on what the Army Heritage and Education Center has. They teach about how American soldiers have helped shape the history of the United States and the world.

These materials have included CD-ROMs. They also made a book and DVD set. It was called Army Nurses of World War One: Service Beyond Expectations. You can also find content on the foundation's website in the Education section.

Honoring a Military Historian

The AHCF honors Russell F. Weigley. He was a history professor at Temple University. He taught there from 1930 to 1966. Many people thought he was one of the best military historians in the country. The foundation gives a money award in his name. This award is for the best paper about military history. It is given at the yearly Barnes Club Conference in Philadelphia.

Oral History Projects

The Education Department works with local schools. They help create an oral history program. This program teaches high school and middle school students and teachers. They learn how to interview veterans. This helps them collect important stories from the veterans' lives.

Other Fun Activities

Other programs include a summer camp for young people. There is also a youth leadership program. They hold breakfasts for veterans. They also have special events to remember important moments.

The Education Director helps with National History Day in Pennsylvania. This is a program where students do projects about history.