{"id":243,"date":"2024-08-14T02:05:38","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T02:05:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/?page_id=243"},"modified":"2025-03-04T16:25:24","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T22:25:24","slug":"history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/?page_id=243","title":{"rendered":"History"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Our History” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Dan Starks didn’t initially envision a museum when he began collecting historic tanks and military vehicles.<\/p>\n

However, as news of his collection spread, more and more people expressed interest in seeing it. This public curiosity was partially sparked by the annual appearance of some of the vehicles in the Fourth of July parade in Dubois, Wyo., a quaint mountain town near Starks’ ranch. The buzz around the collection grew as word of mouth spread, and the requests to see it increased.<\/p>\n

Starks found joy in sharing his collection, but it soon became overwhelming. “It finally got so that in the summer I was doing a morning tour and an afternoon tour, day after day,” he recounts.<\/p>\n

The collection attracted a diverse crowd, transcending age, gender, income, education, and experience levels. Everyone from children and seniors to veterans and tourists, from enthusiasts to those new to military vehicles, was drawn to the tanks.<\/p>\n

Initially, the vehicles were crammed into two storage barns, lined up side by side and end to end, without any formal displays or interpretive information. Despite this, the interest did not wane.<\/p>\n

“I could see that it was a significant experience for these visitors. Parents wanted their kids to have that experience,\u201d Starks notes. \u201cIt was the same with veterans, seeing the level of enthusiasm.”<\/p>\n

Realizing the potential, Starks saw an opportunity in the intersection of his passion for the collection and the public’s fascination. “This process has been very interesting,” says Starks. “The vision has expanded, starting with a small kernel, as a result of feedback from so many different people.<\/p>\n

“I came to think there actually is a lot of interest in this kind of an experience, and to the extent that I can better organize the stories, the education element, and historic preservation — man, this could be something good.”<\/p>\n

His primary motivation for establishing the museum was to “just to build something good that could prove to have appeal to more people than we had expected.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moving away from the cramped sardine-can displays, Starks planned an organized exhibit space, complete with historical notes, technical specifications, and realistic settings that not only showcased the vehicles but also honored the people who operated them.<\/p>\n

Dan Starks is enjoying the journey: \u201cIt\u2019s been exciting, absorbing and fun \u2014 and a great reason to get out of bed in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

The $100 million, 160,000 square-foot National Museum of Military Vehicles, situated approximately eight miles southeast of Dubois, Wyoming, along U.S. Highway 26, welcomed the public for the first time in the fall of 2020. Its Grand Opening celebration was held on Memorial Day, 2022.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Dan-Starks.webp” alt=”Dan Starks” title_text=”Dan Starks” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Dan Starks, Founder and Chairman of the National Museum of Military Vehicles.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e2e2e2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_heading title=”Museum Milestones” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#53544C” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_free_form=”.timeline-container {|| position: relative;|| margin: 0 auto;|| padding: 20px 0;|| max-width: 900px;||}||||.timeline-item {|| padding: 20px 0;|| display: flex;|| justify-content: space-between;||}||||.timeline-date {|| flex: 1;|| text-align: right;|| font-weight: bold;|| padding-right: 20px;||}||||.timeline-content {|| flex: 2;|| padding-left: 20px;|| border-left: 2px solid #ccc;||}||||.timeline-item::before {|| content: %22%22;|| position: absolute;|| width: 10px;|| height: 10px;|| background-color: #ccc;|| border-radius: 50%;|| left: calc(50% – 5px);|| top: 50%;|| transform: translateY(-50%);||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
2011<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Dan Starks buys his first tank to drive in the Dubois, WY 4th of July parade. It is a derelict WWII Sherman tank needing complete restoration before it can be driven. <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
January 2014<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Dan Starks buys a second WWII Sherman tank that already is restored to drive in the Dubois, WY 4th of July parade. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
July 2014<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Dan Starks puts 7 military vehicles in the Dubois 4th of July parade for the first time. Community members encourage him to create a museum for his military vehicles. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
November 2014<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

A \u201cTank barn\u201d is completed on Starks\u2019 private ranch to house a collection of up to 40 military vehicles. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
2015 – 2016<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Community members who visit the private collection in the Tank Barn encourage Dan to create a museum. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
2016<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Dan and Cynthia Starks now own 65 military vehicles and decide to create a private, self-funded museum. Research, due diligence, planning, and a search for suitable real estate begins. <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
May 2018<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Construction on the 140,000 square foot main building of the museum begins. The collection now consists of 232 military vehicles. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
June 2018<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

A \u201cParade Building\u201d is completed in town to support putting military vehicles in the Dubois, WY 4th of July parade. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
February 2019<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The Sixty-Fifth Legislature of the State of Wyoming passes a Joint Resolution in recognition of Dan and Cynthia Starks in support of the National Museum of Military Vehicles. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
March 2019<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The IRS grants the museum 501(c)(3) non-profit status effective retroactively to October 2017. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n
August 2020<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Museum opens the General George C. Marshall Gallery (WWII), the Unknown Soldier Weapons Vault, and the General George S. Patton Gallery (rotating exhibits). The collection consists of 450 military vehicles and continues to expand. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
September 2020<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The Tank Restoration Facility (TRF) becomes operational. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
May 2021<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The General Louis \u201cChesty\u201d Puller Gallery (Korea and Vietnam) and the Veterans Pavilion open. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
May 2022<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

NMMV opens the Doris Miller Annex to the WWII gallery and conducts its Grand Opening attended by Governor Gordon, VFW past National Commander \u201cDoc\u201d Schmitz, LTG (Ret) Roger Schultz and approximately 4,000 visitors. The Grand Opening includes safe machine gun shooting and free tank rides all day. <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
September 2022<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The 20,000 square foot Poolaw Building opens adding a restaurant, catering kitchen, multiple meeting rooms, and additional exhibits. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
May 2023<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

New exhibits are installed in the Marshall, Puller, and Patton Galleries. The Veterans Tranquility Lounge opens. The first annual Veterans Talking to Veterans program and Veterans Fair developed and sponsored by Mentor Agility and the Wyoming Veterans Commission is hosted at the museum. <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
December 2023<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

A new YouTube Channel program is initiated with the video, \u201cVietnam Veterans: Thank you.\u201d <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n
April 2024<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The Wilderness Healing Project is initiated to benefit veterans and their families. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
May 2024<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The second annual Veterans Talking To Veterans program and Veterans Fair developed and sponsored by Mentor Agility and the Wyoming Veterans Commission is hosted at the museum. <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
June 2024<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Unveiling of the bronze sculpture Grizzly 399 and Her Four Cubs to help educate about conservation of grizzly bears. <\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
July 2024<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The museum participates in the Dubois, WY 4th of July parade with a record 30 military vehicles spanning WWII through the Global War on Terror to \u201cHonor American Freedom.\u201d <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
October 2024<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

New exhibits honoring Japanese Americans, African Americans, and the Army Air Force in WWII are installed in the Doris Miller Annex. <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
November 2024<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

NMMV and Wyoming Department of Education unveiled a new educational partnership. <\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

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Situated southeast of Dubois, WY, the National Museum of Military Vehicles is strategically located to offer a tranquil yet accessible destination for visitors. The serene surroundings provide a reflective atmosphere, enhancing the educational and emotional impact of the exhibits.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”73121f80-a3ef-4484-8763-c3f18e3c56d2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Impact on the Community” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”8c21dae4-c59d-4c2b-958c-0e045c7f06d6″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”2c55a9c4-feed-423b-9edb-ae0b5b365cac” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The museum has become a cornerstone of the local community, attracting visitors from across the nation and boosting the local economy. It serves as an educational resource for schools and a gathering place for veterans and their families.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”73121f80-a3ef-4484-8763-c3f18e3c56d2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”A Destination for All” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”8c21dae4-c59d-4c2b-958c-0e045c7f06d6″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”2c55a9c4-feed-423b-9edb-ae0b5b365cac” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

By drawing in families, tourists, and history enthusiasts, the museum greatly enhances tourism in one of the most scenic regions of our country, nestled near Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. Its dedication to commemorating and honoring military history establishes it as a pivotal destination. Visitors eager to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes and honoring American freedom will find a profound and enriching experience at this museum.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Call to Action” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0.5) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/about_banner_exterior.webp” custom_padding=”5vw||5vw||true|false” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-36fd78a7-34bc-404d-873c-dafa34efaae5%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”5138c454-be54-4233-bd3b-f8e6a8747976″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”73121f80-a3ef-4484-8763-c3f18e3c56d2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Discover the Legacy of American Freedom” button_url=”https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/?page_id=407″ button_text=”Plan Your Visit” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”4c2ad5d0-871e-414e-a4be-aa9134d4ae8e” header_text_color=”#53544C” custom_padding=”60px|60px|60px|60px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22button_bg_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22body_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-f2943306-fa6c-45f0-b632-5fc00151366a%22:%91%22button_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-36fd78a7-34bc-404d-873c-dafa34efaae5%22:%91%22button_text_color%22,%22color%22,%22background_color%22%93,%22gcid-7cadd8b3-5228-48e4-90c4-212d09232f7b%22:%91%22color%22,%22color%22,%22color%22,%22color%22%93,%22gcid-f113ad93-2527-46d7-862b-fc71181c6b5e%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22border_color_all%22%93}” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone”]<\/p>\n

Immerse yourself in the rich history of American military heritage. Join us at the National Museum of Military Vehicles to explore our extensive collection and honor the brave individuals who have fought for our freedom. Your journey through history awaits.<\/p>\n

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Dan Starks didn’t initially envision a museum when he began collecting historic tanks and military vehicles. However, as news of his collection spread, more and more people expressed interest in seeing it. This public curiosity was partially sparked by the annual appearance of some of the vehicles in the Fourth of July parade in Dubois, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-243","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"campaignId":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/243","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=243"}],"version-history":[{"count":38,"href":"https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/243\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2329,"href":"https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/243\/revisions\/2329"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}