LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
By late next spring, the History and Traditions Museum will have a new look.
The museum officially closed Oct. 2 for a complete renovation; it is expected to re-open in May and the only thing that may be recognizable is the floor. Everything else in the 1940s structure will be new or renovated.
"It took time to create a strategic plan and model but it was always a matter of funding," said Fernando Cortez, museum curator. "This has been 10 years in the making. The wing, command and the national Air Force museum has wanted Lackland to transition this into the official enlisted heritage museum."
One of the most noticeable changes will be a new stucco exterior. But stepping inside the building, erected in 1942, returning visitors will gaze upon a renovated and revamped interior.
The creation of walls and platforms will make historical habitat areas. New interactive computer kiosks and several large LCD flat screen televisions will also become part of the interior scheme.
"We'll have state of the art, professional museum lighting," said Mr. Cortez. "It will be low wattage, UV filtered and low heat emission. The ceiling is going to be all blackened to give the effect of empty space."
A new bathroom will be added and the current ones will be combined and converted into one facility. Both restrooms will be compliant with the American Disabilities Act, as will the front entrance.
"We have an open floor but the installation of walls and platforms will increase the usable space in the museum," said Tracy English, 37th Training Wing historian. "The building will be sealed as well to make it more energy efficient and stop the water leaks."
The bulk of the 15 new displays and exhibits will be about Air Force Basic Military Training, uniforms and living quarters. The closure will allow Mr. Cortez time to scour several military surplus stores in search of new artifacts.
Mr. English said the construction cost of the renovation was over $500,000 but with additional funding from Air Education and Training Command, more mannequins, display cases and technology will be purchased.
"This is a very good museum but it did have a 1970s flair to it," he added. "It didn't have the technology and that was one thing that had to be changed. The flat screen TVs and computer kiosks will help us put more information in a different format."
Both men are excited about the coming changes to the museum and what the future holds.
"General Lorenz (Gen. Stephen Lorenz, AETC commander) is a museum enthusiast, he likes history," said Mr. English. "He's taken an interest in this. General Patrick (Brig. Gen. Len Patrick, 502nd wing commander and former 37th TRW commander) is a history buff as well.
"He was on board with this project and Colonel Mott (Col. William Mott V, 37th TRW commander) is definitely on board. Everyone was interested in seeing this expansion."
"We can now interpret the whole history of enlisted training in small exhibits," Mr. Cortez added. "In the future, if we're able to build a new, larger building, not only can we do enlisted training, but we could include wing history, officer training and the history of Kelly Field."