Don F. Pratt Museum honors the history of the 101st

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – As the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) celebrates their 75th anniversary, the Don F. Pratt Museum on post continues their outstanding efforts to honor the division, Fort Campbell, and its amazing history.

As renovation work is being carried out at the museum, a temporary location has been established at the Dreyer Field House. Dr. John O’Brien, Director of the Don F. Pratt Museum, spoke with Clarksvillenow.com about the history of the 101st, which began in World War II.

O’Brien, a 101st veteran, said the story line of the displays at the museum begin in 1942 with Camp Campbell transitioning to Fort Campbell in 1950 along with all of the many units that have been assigned to and trained there over the years.

There are also displays representing the other major tenant units on Fort Campbell like the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR)” Nightstalkers”, and 5th Special Forces Group. The museum also features a gift shop with memorabilia to help visitors remember their museum experience.

Once the renovations are finished on the building at the Don F. Pratt museum site on Tennessee Ave., the new exhibits will be set up into that building. O’Brien said they are hoping for a grand opening in January of next year.

O’Brien talked about the Fort Campbell Historical Foundation and their plans for the “Wings of Liberty Museum.” The site for the museum will be at the intersection of Fort Campbell Blvd. and Tiny Town Rd. with completion of the project expected within the next three to five years.

You’ll find the Don F. Pratt museum in their temporary location at the old WWII Dreyer Field House facility at the intersection of Screaming Eagle Blvd. and Kentucky Ave. There are some historic military vehicles out front to help make it easier to find.

There are also some examples of exhibits that will be found in the planned Wings of Liberty Museum. There is no admission charge to visit the museum which is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and for more information contact the museum at 270-798-3215.