Mission Briefing Convened at Division HQ

The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum released detailed plans for a new facility, with a grand opening tentatively set for the spring of 2025. More than 100 leaders of the veteran community, museum members and National Guardsmen gathered for a “Mission Brief” event, held at the 34th Infantry Division Headquarters in Arden Hills, Minn.

The $33 million project includes a 40,000 square-foot facility set on 32 acres. It will be located just outside Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minn., to maintain easy access by the public. The event program featured guest author Elliot Ackerman, as well as comments by Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Rick Nash, Vietnam Veteran Bill Strusinski and Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner, Larry Herke.

“This event was a special way to bring our supporters, lawmakers, donors and volunteers together in one place. We anticipate offering this format annually to keep our partners and the public informed of progress,” said Randal Dietrich, Executive Director of the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum. “It’s been an honor to witness Minnesotans mobilize for this project – which is focused on celebrating and remembering our military history.”

To date the Museum has raised more than $18 million. Although last year’s bonding bill included $10 million for the project, the session ended without passage of a bonding bill. In addition to working closely with lawmakers for the coming legislative session, the Museum board is seeking $5 million from private donors.

“When complete, this project will honor all branches of service, both past and present,” said Dietrich. “It will also truly represent a community effort, encompassing funds and support from federal, state, community and private funding sources.  

As part of this planning process, the board and planners traveled to some of the best museums in the country, spoke with veterans in Minnesota and beyond, and ultimately enlisted the renowned HGA Architects to help lead the design. 

Even now the Museum has continued to focus on “living history” and telling the stories of 9/11. A special Post-9/11 Exhibition debuted last year for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 at the State Capitol. Throughout the year it made several stops, including Duluth and Mankato. The last and final stop of the year for the exhibit was the Mission Brief event today in Arden Hills.