Mission: To collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret the world's most complete military weapons collection at Aberdeen Proving Ground. The more than 300 pieces in the outdoor exhibit and numerous indoor displays not only are historically significant, but are also used for research. In addition to providing instruction to Army personnel, the collection is used to educate the public on the evolution of technology of war. Anzio Annie, the only German railroad gun known to survive World War II, is a major part of the collection.
Latest accomplishment: Throughout the past year, all weapons displayed outside have been repainted in historically correct colors and outfitted with historical markers.
On the horizon: "Explosive Ordnance Disposal," an exhibit of tools and techniques needed to defuse bombs and artillery during World War II, is to open later this month. Also opening this month is "What Can the Ordnance Corps Do For You?", an exhibit on how the corps affects modern life.
About the museum: Attendance: 150,000 annually. Operating budget: $80,000.
Where and when: Aberdeen Proving Ground, Route 22, Aberdeen. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily. Call 410-278-3602.
Richard N. Carnegie, chairman of the board, Ordnance Museum Foundation: "The foundation - with about 250 members worldwide - was created in 1991 to raise funds for a building expansion that would house all outdoor artifacts to keep them from rusting and deteriorating. They are significant artifacts - some, the only remaining examples of their kind - that need to be protected indoors for future generations; $5 to $8 million are needed for a building addition, but we are not even close to our goal."
Members of the board
Robin Axtell
Helen Bentley
Broadnax Cameron
Ronnie Chenowith
David C. Clark
Lindal Cossey
David Craig
Charles Cresswell
Elliot Deutsch
Jaap deGroot
Peter Gentry
Jim Harkins
William Heckman
Bob Infussi
Frank Jardim
Ron Lehman
Ned Libby
Mike Moss
Joanne Parrott
Ted Reno
Bill Rutherford
Cookie Sewell
Brigid Smith
Marie and Charles Steen
Cathy Stephens
Fred Sypher
Bart Vanderveen
Ken Ziegler
Pub Date: 10/11/98