About the foundation

The FMUSAF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to constructing and supporting the Frontier Museum of the U.S. Army at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas to share the diverse stories of America’s frontier expansion.

The museum’s mission is to tell the story of America’s westward expansion through the experiences of explorers, settlers, the U.S. Army, and others, fostering a deeper appreciation of the pioneering spirit that shaped the nation.

 FMUSAF became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on July 10, 2023.

 The project is backed by the U.S. Army, prominent local and national politicians, well-known philanthropists and organizations like the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association.

You can contribute to the foundation’s mission through a donation or by spreading the word.

The foundation is led by a team of experts in military history, nonprofit management, and community engagement, including Chairman, George Pettigrew; Executive Director, Bryan W. Wampler; and other dedicated professionals.

 Our key partners include the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Museum Capital Campaign, JE Dunn Construction, Multistudio, Armed Forces Bank / Academy Bank, and EAG Advertising & Marketing.

Behind the Foundation Logo: Our logo helps bring life to the mission of the Foundation by showcasing a few classic icons of the American frontier in a crest format. In addition to reflecting the United States flag, the stars in our logo represent the nine states added to the Union after 1861. They are positioned at the top of the logo in honor of the bravery of pioneers and explorers as they looked up to the wide night sky, guided by the stars into the unknown. The eagle head is representative of the United States and the majesty of the Western wilderness. Feathers in the left section pay respect to Native American tribes and the wagon wheel below it relates to both Western expansion by settlers and the Frontier Army’s iconic blue wagons. The red and blue colors represent the flag of the United States, while gold accents give a nod to both today’s Army and the expansion of American commerce across the frontier.

America’s stories need a new home. The new museum will create expanded pathways for visitor experience and engagement. The museum will highlight the great themes of our national memory told through the people of the plains.

• Multiple perspectives will weave together to reveal themes of history, culture, and communities.
• Diverse exhibition content and display strategies will take the visitor on a multi-voiced journey.

The museum will spark a renewed commitment to present the fullest versions of complex, and at times painful, histories. Visitors will encounter stories of American history and American potential — stories of a country in formation.

Construction will begin after the capital campaign is underway and final design approvals are complete. Specific timelines will be shared as these milestones are reached. Follow us on social media for the latest updates.

An opening date will be announced once construction is underway and key funding milestones are met. We’ll share updates along the way as plans progress.

The formal capital campaign is planned to launch in 2026.

Construction has not yet begun because it depends on completed design plans, secured funding, and close coordination with the U.S. Army and community partners.

The museum will be located outside the gates of Fort Leavenworth in Leavenworth, Kansas. Building the museum beyond the post’s gates will allow for greater public access and deeper connection with the surrounding community, while maintaining a strong physical and historical link to Fort Leavenworth.

Yes. The museum is being designed as a welcoming, public-facing destination for visitors of all ages. When complete, it will offer interactive exhibits that bring frontier history to life, in-depth resources for study and discovery, and outdoor spaces that extend learning beyond the museum walls. Group tours, field trips and community events are also part of the vision, making the museum a dynamic space for connection, reflection and deeper understanding of America’s frontier story. Specific visitor access details, such as hours and opening plans will be shared as the project moves closer to completion.

The themes covered intend to preserve and share the multifaceted history of America’s westward expansion. From the Native Indian tribes to the explorers, trappers, settlers and the women who held their families together, military leaders and soldiers, religious groups and others, every story deserves to be carried into the new frontier, our nation’s future.

Interactive elements are being explored; details will be released after the design phase. Building the museum is a gift to the American people. The hope is they enter, learn the history surrounding the frontier, feel connected to the past, and leave with a renewed spirit for the future.

A New Frontier exists, not in the defense of territorial expansion, but in the pursuit of knowledge. The New Frontier explores the limits of what is known, it advances new ideas and establishes new standards for success. The new Frontier Museum of the U.S. Army will share this commitment to advancing the generation of new understanding.

The museum will spark a renewed commitment to present the fullest versions of complex, and at times painful, histories. Visitors will encounter stories of American history and American potential — stories of a country in formation.

Yes. The Frontier Museum of the U.S. Army Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. EIN: 93-2275145. Gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.

Funds support planning, exhibit development, research, design and campaign preparation. This frontier story is everyone’s story, inclusive of every gender, race, religion and background. With the impending closure of the current museums and funding for the new one now at risk, our shared heritage could be quietly packed in boxes — stored away and forgotten, unseen by generations to come. Support is essential now more than ever.

Yes. Corporate partnership opportunities will expand during the capital campaign. These partnerships will allow companies to support the construction of the museum and align with its mission to preserve, educate, and share the diverse stories of America’s frontier.

Volunteer opportunities may become available as the project progresses. As the museum moves closer to opening, we will share information about ways individuals can get involved. Follow our journey on social media for the latest news and updates.

96% of the historical artifacts safeguarded at Fort Leavenworth cannot be displayed due to lack of space and protective display options. A new museum will help bring those out for display. FMUSAF is developing its collections policy. Individuals may contact the foundation with preliminary information.

The museum is being supported through private fundraising led by the Frontier Museum of the U.S. Army Foundation. The foundation was established to campaign and fundraise for constructing, and later supporting, the Frontier Museum of the U.S. Army at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The museum has the U.S. Army’s support but not funding. The U.S Army announced it is closing more than 20 Army museums currently open, including its museums at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley.

The Frontier Museum of the U.S. Army Foundation leads fundraising for the project and works in close collaboration with historians, architects, the U.S. Army, and community partners to bring the museum to life.

Please contact us here.