WWII Memorial Museum shuts down effective Nov. 29th
Steve Stoli (photo)
After being opened since November 11th, 2001, the WWII Memorial Museum of San Antonio regrettably closes its doors November 29th, 2008. Funds are not available to sustain the museum. Started with Steven Stoli’s personal collection as well as donations from hundred’s of San Antonians, the museum has been a labor of love for those involved.
“The museum has been my personal thank you to the Greatest Generation,” said owner Steven Stoli. “Whether on the home front or in the Pacific or European theatres, this generation made sure that the claws of tyranny, hatred and evil did not come to the shores of America and even rid them from countless countries and continents too. These men and women – including my parents -- made sure their future sons and daughters would not have to deal with such evil.”
The news about the WWII Memorial Museum’s financial peril surfaced on Veteran’s Day, driving more than 450 people to visit it and donate almost $500. Curators from other San Antonio military museums also gave support and suggested a consortium of military museums be formed with the goal of a San Antonio Military Museum downtown. Unfortunately, no “good Samaritan” provided enough money to keep the museum going until the end of the year. Stoli will be shutting down the museum until a new home can be found for the collection.
People who donated artifacts can either pick up their items or leave them in the collection. If the item is taken from the collection, there is no guarantee that it will be accepted for display in a new facility. Items remaining in the collection will be carefully put away and stored in a controlled environment until a new space is found. For more information about the collection, call 408-0116 extension 6.
“We are losing veterans of the great war everyday,” said Stoli. “As our parents pass away, it’s up to the Baby Boomers to lead the charge and show honor and respect for what this generation did for all of us.”
The World War II Memorial Museum of San Antonio is located at 11840 Wurzbach at Lockhill Selma in the Elms Center.
After being opened since November 11th, 2001, the WWII Memorial Museum of San Antonio regrettably closes its doors November 29th, 2008. Funds are not available to sustain the museum. Started with Steven Stoli’s personal collection as well as donations from hundred’s of San Antonians, the museum has been a labor of love for those involved.
“The museum has been my personal thank you to the Greatest Generation,” said owner Steven Stoli. “Whether on the home front or in the Pacific or European theatres, this generation made sure that the claws of tyranny, hatred and evil did not come to the shores of America and even rid them from countless countries and continents too. These men and women – including my parents -- made sure their future sons and daughters would not have to deal with such evil.”
The news about the WWII Memorial Museum’s financial peril surfaced on Veteran’s Day, driving more than 450 people to visit it and donate almost $500. Curators from other San Antonio military museums also gave support and suggested a consortium of military museums be formed with the goal of a San Antonio Military Museum downtown. Unfortunately, no “good Samaritan” provided enough money to keep the museum going until the end of the year. Stoli will be shutting down the museum until a new home can be found for the collection.
People who donated artifacts can either pick up their items or leave them in the collection. If the item is taken from the collection, there is no guarantee that it will be accepted for display in a new facility. Items remaining in the collection will be carefully put away and stored in a controlled environment until a new space is found. For more information about the collection, call 408-0116 extension 6.
“We are losing veterans of the great war everyday,” said Stoli. “As our parents pass away, it’s up to the Baby Boomers to lead the charge and show honor and respect for what this generation did for all of us.”
The World War II Memorial Museum of San Antonio is located at 11840 Wurzbach at Lockhill Selma in the Elms Center.
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