Exhibitions

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 newly constructed 7500 square foot facility in New York's Hudson River Valley.

Entry Gallery

  • History Wall
  • 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.
  • Historic Overlook
  • Here, visitors will learn about the strategic location of the site chosen by George Washington as a base for our troops during the years when our nation was born.

Ceremonial Grounds

The Ceremonial Grounds 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 very personal recollections of actual recipients. The exhibition space includes interactive computer terminals that enable visitors to access the Roll of Honor, visuals depicting the Harsh Panorama of War and three video interactive which convey the harshness of battle.
  • 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.
  • The Harsh Panorama of War
  • As visitors enter the main exhibition space they are confronted with harsh, impersonal images of war. The images on display have been chosen to express the 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.
  • Video Interactive
  • Visitors will see three large drum-like forms, with resembling a bunker, a ship and an airplane wing. 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?"
  • Giving Our Thanks
  • With the assistance of Purple Heart staff, recipients and their families who visit the Hall of Honor will have the opportunity to record their thoughts and feelings about what they have experienced at the exhibition, or to take a moment to give thanks to the people who have given so much by serving our country.

Theater

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