Why a Transportation Museum?

Transportation is the most frequently encountered limiting factor in military logistics (the science of planning and executing the movement and support of forces). It provides the bridge over which the nation's resources reach our combat troops and is the key to victory which requires that "we get there first with the most."

For almost 150 years, in each war from the American Revolution to World War II, the US Army recognized the importance of transportation during war by forming a temporary management organization that was disbanded in peacetime. In 1950, the Transportation Corps that served so effectively during WWII was made a permanent branch of the U.S. Army. Since then, the Corps has exceeded the considerable accomplishments of its predecessors, teaming closely with civilian industry and transportation elements of the other services, in peace and war.

Americans are concerned that our nation maintains a capability for defense and to project military power elsewhere when vital to the interests of the United States. Many American citizens join organizations which support actions to keep our transportation capabilities strong.

The Army Transportation Museum Foundation (ATMF)

One such group is the ATMF, established in 1970. It defrays certain costs of the U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, Virginia, which informs the public of the role transportation has played in Army successes since colonial days. Some museum costs are funded by the Army, but the ATMF is the only source for capital improvements and some operating expenses. The museum is unable by law to obtain state or federal grants.

The ATMF is chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a tax-exempt enterprise. It is managed by a board of directors and staffed by retired military and civilian volunteers, and paid administrators.

Our goals are to obtain funds for needs not met by the Army, and to help the museum director plan and design exhibits which accurately portray U.S. Army transportation history. Our membership encompasses individuals, organizations, and businesses.

The Beginning

The museum was established in 1959 in a warehouse displaying a small collection of World War II artifacts. The current museum building was built in 1976, and the aviation pavilion was added in 1980. These facilities were built with foundation funds donated during world-wide campaigns, at a total cost of $765,000. Both structures have been donated to the Army, exclusively for museum use.

The Museum Complex

The main museum building houses exhibits focusing on Army transportation from the colonial days to the present. Films, videos, dioramas, and models demonstrate contributions to the growth of our nation. It also contains a research library and auditorium.

Extensive outside displays feature fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, tugboats and landing craft, trucks and materiel handling vehicles, steam locomotives and rail cars, and a few fascinating experimental vehicles.

The Fort Eustis Commander has approved the museum master plan. Post funds are appropriated for maintenance, operations, and personnel costs. The ATMF is the museum's only source for funding major construction.

Museum Operation

The museum complex occupies six acres at the entrance to Fort Eustis, Virginia, 11 miles east of Colonial Williamsburg off Interstate 64, on Route 105. Follow the roadside signs. Located in the middle of the Virginia Peninsula, the museum is within the historic triangle which also includes Jamestown and Yorktown.

The museum is open free to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except Mondays and Federal holidays. It is handicapped accessible. In addition to museum exhibits, the foundation operates a gift shop.

The museum staff welcomes donations of transportation artifacts, documents, books, and photographs.

The museum is certified by the Army Center for Military History, and is accredited by the American Association of Museums.

Contributions to the Foundation

Individual gifts are the main source of funds for museum improvements, coupled with ATMF projects such as the gift shops, raffles, and a golf tournament. ATMF needs your tax-deductible contribution to the museum as a legacy for future generations. We accept cash, securities, real property, or salable items; and memorial gifts such as a bequest, a trust fund, or as beneficiary to a life insurance policy. ATMF will furnish documents to meet tax laws.