10th Mountain Division & Fort Drum Museum

Background

The 10th Mountain Division & Fort Drum Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum, New York. Its mission is to collect and preserve artifacts and materials that chronicle the division's and installation's history from their inception to the present. The museum aims to provide an honest and accurate portrayal of this history, fostering esprit de corps among Soldiers, their families, civilian personnel, and the local community.

Key Strategic Focus

The museum's strategic focus includes:

Historical Preservation: Collecting and safeguarding artifacts that represent the rich history of the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum.

Educational Outreach: Offering educational programs and tours tailored to various audiences, including Soldiers, families, students, and community members.

Community Engagement: Strengthening ties with the local community by making military history accessible and relevant to all visitors.

Financials and Funding

Specific financial details regarding the museum's funding are not publicly disclosed. However, the museum has undergone significant renovations and relocations to enhance its facilities and accessibility. Notably, in 2015, the museum reopened after extensive renovations, including new lighting, a revamped floor plan, and modern display options to better highlight artifacts.

Exhibit Development

As a museum, the 10th Mountain Division & Fort Drum Museum does not have a product development pipeline. Instead, it focuses on curating and updating exhibits to reflect the evolving history of the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum. Recent additions include:

1940 Winter Maneuvers Exhibit: A new exhibit that explores the origins of winter training at Fort Drum during the 1940s.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The museum employs several technological platforms and innovative methods to enhance visitor engagement:

Modern Display Techniques: Utilization of advanced lighting and exhibit design to showcase artifacts effectively.

Educational Programs: Development of specialized tours and classes, such as those for the Mountain Training Group’s Alpine Warrior Course and the Fort Drum STARBASE Academy, to provide context and relevance to the exhibits.

Leadership Team

The museum is led by:

Joseph Scanlin: Director of the Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division Museum. Under his leadership, the museum has undertaken significant initiatives, including relocating to a more accessible location outside the installation to better serve the community.

Kent Bolke: Museum Curator. He has been instrumental in curating exhibits and educational programs that connect visitors with the history of the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum.

Recent leadership changes include the appointment of Joseph Scanlin as Director, overseeing the museum’s relocation and modernization efforts.

Market Insights and Competitive Landscape

The museum operates within the cultural and historical tourism sector, with a focus on military history. This sector is characterized by:

Educational Value: Providing insights into military history and its impact on society.

Community Engagement: Serving as a resource for local communities and visitors interested in military heritage.

Though unique in its specific concentration on the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum, it shares the broader market with other military museums and historical sites, including:

National Infantry Museum: Located in Fort Benning, Georgia, showcasing the history of the U.S. Infantry.

National Museum of the U.S. Army: Situated in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, presenting the history of the U.S. Army.

These institutions provide similar educational experiences but differ in their specific historical focus.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The museum collaborates with various organizations to enhance its offerings:

National Association of the 10th Mountain Division: Works alongside the museum to preserve and enhance the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division.

Operational Insights

Key strategic considerations for the museum include:

Relocation for Accessibility: Moving the museum outside the Fort Drum gates to improve public access, thereby increasing visibility and engagement with the community.