Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, (ILARNG-Ret.), founder of the Chicago-based Pritzker Military Foundation (PMF) and the Pritzker Military Museum and Library (PMML), has committed $1,000,000 toward the Army Historical Foundation’s (AHF’s) capital campaign to build the National Museum of the United States Army.
The PMML and the AHF both have closely aligned missions that advance the preservation of military history for future generations, making this collaboration mutually beneficial to both nonprofit organizations.
Colonel Pritzker’s $1,000,000 commitment through the PMF consists of a $500,000 program grant and a $500,000 challenge grant, all of which will go toward Museum construction.
“We made our first installments of $100,000 in 2017 for each portion of the two grants—program and challenge,” said Colonel Pritzker. “Giving to another foundation that fosters the same commitment of honoring those who have served this country is what the Pritzker Military Foundation is all about,” she added.
AHF expects Museum construction to be completed by April 2019. The Army will then need additional time to complete ongoing fabrication and installation of the exhibits and to test all supporting systems before announcing the Museum’s official opening date.
“We are very grateful to receive the grants from the renowned Pritzker Military Foundation to help make our vision a reality,” said General Gordon R. Sullivan, AHF Chairman.
According to Sullivan, the collaborative efforts of the two foundations will eventually increase National Army Museum and Pritzker Military Museum and Library attendance and membership levels; redouble the resources that both museums offer to scholars, students, and the general public; cultivate a better understanding of military history and greater respect and appreciation for those who serve, and ensure future generations of Americans better understand the military’s core values and their critical importance to the nation.
“Our respective foundations and museums are going to work together in telling the stories and history of the role that the American military has played in defending, building, and shaping this nation,” Sullivan said. “What’s more, they will honor the men and women who made the sacrifices to protect this great country of ours and the freedom and values we stand for today.”
