The Army Aviation Museum Foundation, incorporated under the laws of the State of Alabama as a nonprofit organization, was formed on 9 March 1970.
The purpose of the AAMF is to foster and perpetuate the Army Aviation Museum as a medium of informing and educating the public on the important role of United States Army Aviation, and in inspiring students undergoing professional military training to complete the program and become career Soldiers; to serve as a philanthropic corporation in assisting the development and enhancement of the facilities of the Army Aviation Museum’s present and future artifacts and collections, to receive, hold and administer gifts received from persons, other organizations, corporations, foundations, and philanthropies, in the best interest of the Army Aviation Museum; and to do any other business, act, or thing incidental to and necessary for the accomplishment of the purpose of this corporation and not inconsistent or in conflict with any law.
Over the past 20 years, the Museum Foundation has expanded to include over 30 board members and thousands of contributors. As a result of a concerted effort by these people, the Foundation was successful in raising $2.5 million from civic and social organizations, military units, local communities, industries, businesses and individuals. Through the efforts of former Alabama Congressman William Dickinson, $2.5 million in matching Federal reprogrammed funds were obtained.
Construction based on the Foundation’s plans began in March 1988 under the supervision of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District. The present building completed and turned over to the U. S. Army in November 1989, represents the completion of Phase I, one of several phases and has become a major attraction to the Wiregrass area.