The Nassau County Legislature Rules Committee has approved a resolution that confirms Nassau County’s commitment to fund a half-million dollar matching grant that will permit the Museum of American Armor to build a much-needed maintenance/repair facility behind its main building inside Old Bethpage Village Restoration.
Proposed by Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, the Legislature’s Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello moved the grant resolution in a bipartisan show of support for the Armor Museum and its mission.
The matching half-million dollar county grant is being met by corporate and private donations that will allow construction to commence this spring. The structure is envisioned as a prefabricated “Butler” building-sized to accommodate the largest of the museum’s tanks and vehicles that periodically need maintenance and repair.
Legislator Nicolello stated, “Since its opening on D-Day, June 6, 2014, the Armor Museum has served as a lasting tribute to our veterans while becoming a vibrant educational destination for a new generation of students. This restoration building, combined with the museum’s recent decision to retain a respected educational professional to further strengthen its role as a classroom resource, underscores the importance of this museum as an educational resource.”
Curran observed, “A unique strength of the Armor Museum is its ability to operate its historic vehicles within the wooded surroundings of Old Bethpage Village Restoration. It recreates a moment in time for the visitor when the very future of freedom was at stake. Ensuring that these vehicles can continue that role is essential, and the restoration building will guarantee that future.”
The Museum of American Armor has some 40 operational military vehicles within its building on the grounds of Nassau County’s Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Open year round, its current hours are Friday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. An admission donation of $15 for adults is requested, $10 for seniors and veterans, and $8 for children.
