How you can help

A Message from our founder

More than 60 years ago, young men and women joined our nation’s military to fight against fascism and tyranny which was running rampant around the world. They met the Japanese by boat in the Pacific, charged through North Africa to meet the Germans, jumped from planes into the night sky on D-Day and went ashore on the tumultuous beaches of Normandy, France, and fought tooth-and-nail on tropical islands and on every terrain imaginable.

When the Second World War ended, “the Greatest Generation” returned home to their families. They went back to work and helped to build a nation that remains the most powerful example of democracy and freedom.

Many of those young men and women were to never return home after the war to see the fruits of their labor. Many World War II veterans today say that they are the true heroes.
Each day more than 1,000 of those who served in uniform during WWII breathe their last breath. In five years, it can be estimated that only 10% of those who served in World War II will be left, most of them in their 90s.

With one of the world’s largest collections of vehicles from the Second World War, the WWII Victory Museum is in the position to maintain the memory of those who served and sacrificed so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today and our children and grandchildren have tomorrow. Through the interpretation of this amazing collection, the stories of not only the generals, but the every-day soldier could be told.

Join me and the World War II Victory Museum in creating a national and international destination dedicated to honoring and preserving the experiences of individuals and nations during the Second World War and celebrating the perseverance and victory of the world’s citizens over the largest armed conflict in world history.

Thank you,

A Message from Bob Krafft, Executive Director

The WWII Victory Museum came into existence through the incredible generosity of our founder, Mr. Dean V. Kruse, who donated money and time to establish our non-profit foundation. The foundation, in turn, established our museum. Federal grants attained through assistance from our congressman, Mark Souder, have also helped to develop the gallery design, storyline and initial exhibit construction. We have been fortunate to have these men of great vision devote their efforts and resources to acquire this collection and also to create a home for it.

Projects of this magnitude usually enjoy a long period of fundraising and development spanning beyond local and regional to national support. After a few years of fundraising, the project would become a reality and would have already established a large base of donors and “grass roots” supporters. In our case, the generosity of one man allowed us to bypass this development period and instantly purchase an incredible collection of WWII artifacts. Mr. Kruse’s gift also provided the funds to build a wonderful facility to house this remarkable collection. These two tasks were the fundamental steps in the first phase of the museum’s multi-phase development plan.

Mr. Kruse made his founding gift with the purpose of honoring the Greatest Generation and bringing an international historical/cultural destination to his hometown community--Auburn, Indiana. The magnitude of this museum and the lessons it has to communicate span far beyond our local, regional and national borders. We have the opportunity to share the artifacts, experiences, and lessons of the last generation to be asked to sacrifice on a scale of biblical proportions. Clearly no conflict since has required so much from so many. From 1939-1945, the men and women of the Allied nations combated Nazism, fascism and tyranny with strength of purpose and resolve that may never be surpassed. The example and accomplishments of these men and women (who are our parents and grandparents) serve as a beacon to guide us in our own troubled time.

We must preserve this story, these artifacts, and those life lessons. All of these must be communicated to future generations. That brings me to you, the “grass roots” supporters. Our founder sparked the creation of an incredible museum that we continue to develop. His generosity is greatly appreciated, but the museum must move forward through the enlistment of greater public support.