NEW WINDSOR – A $17 million expansion of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor has begun with some 4,300 square feet of new and refurbished exhibit space, with an increased emphasis on stories of individual award recipients.
The Hall of Honor opened in 2006, is located in New Windsor, just a few miles from Washington’s Headquarters in the City of Newburgh where the predecessor award – the Badge of Military Merit – was first presented in 1782 by General George Washington.
The Hall is the first facility in the nation dedicated to the estimated 1.8 million recipients of the Purple Heart, which is awarded to American military personnel who have been wounded or killed by enemy action.
“The expansion of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor will serve as a tribute to these men and women who have made our freedom possible and help ensure we never forget their service and sacrifice,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo. “” This project will also honor the memory of Senator Larkin, a decorated war here who spearheaded the establishment of this museum and dedicated 70 years of his life to public service.”
Started November 15, the hall will be closed during construction with it expected to reopen by November 2020. During the same period, the adjacent New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site galleries will also be closed. The Cantonment grounds, however, will be open year-round and site events will continue including President’s Day weekend and costumed living history from April through October.
