Ralph Applebaum Associates

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum—officially designated by the federal government as a national museum in 2018—honors veterans past and present who have answered the call of duty throughout American history.

RAA’s remit was to create a place that was neither a war memorial nor a military museum. Instead, it was to be a place of personal narratives: relaying diverse experiences and contributions, from the Revolutionary War to the present, in wartime and in peace.

In the main exhibition, Veterans Among Us, fourteen thematic alcoves illuminate key themes and moments in the experience of veterans. A timeline serves as the chronological backbone of the museum journey with the personal stories of those who have served over time highlighted through artifacts and images. The Legacy of Service exhibit provides inspirational vignettes about how veterans use skills and values learned in military service to help their communities.

The dynamic, participatory experience presents this history through a rich assortment of photos, letters, and personal effects and multimedia presentations. Together, these elements link the importance of individuals in shaping our national history.

Located on the Scioto Peninsula, the museum is a key part of the revival of downtown Columbus, Ohio. With an aim to connect veterans and civilians in the 21st century, the museum is particularly focused on having young people understand veterans’ firsthand experiences of events that may feel distant from their lives.