Exhibits

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor offers visitors an incredible journey through military history and provides veterans with the opportunity to share their stories and reminders of human sacrifice and the cost of freedom. We invite you to visit our 7500 square foot facility in New York's Hudson River Valley.

Entry Gallery

  • History Time Line
  • Journey through a timeline of the sacrifices made by America's servicemen and women.
  • Medical Treatment & Personal Protection
  • Learn about the changing nature of war and the advances in service to those in the line of fire.
  • Available to All, Desired by None
  • The Purple Heart Medal is unique in that it is not sought but has been earned in combat. This space is for reflection and also for temporary exhibits and programming.

Ceremonial Grounds

The Ceremonial Grounds, just outside of the main exhibit hall provide a contemplative space where visitors can reflect upon their experiences within the Hall of Honor. Purple Heart recipients can also choose to have their awards presented on these grounds.

  • Main Exhibition Gallery
  • This space contrasts the harshness of war's destruction with the care of the wounded as well as the very personal recollections of actual recipients.
  • The Roll of Honor
  • ? Visitors may sit in one of the computer alcoves and access The Purple Heart Roll of Honor by engaging with an interactive computer database. The Roll of Honor is an ongoing work in progress. As we build the nation?s first comprehensive registry of Purple Heart recipients we greatly appreciate your assistance in collecting accurate information on all whose names and stories should be remembered here. If you would like more information, please ask one of our staff members. Enrollment packets are available at the gift shop.
  • The Harsh Panorama of War
  • As visitors enter the main exhibit space they are confronted with harsh, impersonal images of war. The images on display have been chosen to express heroic acts of bravery. At the base of these images, three-dimensional elements expressing that destruction and chaos contain images and artifacts for up-close inspection. The exhibit space balances these images with those of the caring for the wounded and the re-uniting of families.
  • Video Interactive
  • Visitors will see three large drum-like forms, which represent a bunker, a ship and an airplane fuselage. Through interactive video technology visitors will learn the human and personal stories of Purple Heart recipients and their families at home, as they talk about themselves and answer questions such as: "How did your experience change your life?"

Theater

Located downstairs, visitors will have the opportunity to view a specially created 15-minute dramatic documentary film entitled "For Military Merit: The Purple Heart", telling the story of the Purple Heart.