After announcing groundbreaking, Revolution Center reveals 2 major funding gifts
The American Revolution Center plans to build a museum and visitor’s center on privately owned land within Valley Forge National Historical Park. Now it’s getting a fresh infusion of cash. From WHYY’s Arts and Culture Desk, Alex Schmidt reports.
The American Revolution Center plans to build a museum and visitor’s center on privately owned land within Valley Forge National Historical Park. Now it’s getting a fresh infusion of cash. From WHYY’s Arts and Culture Desk, Alex Schmidt reports.
Transcript:
The American Revolution Center is getting $5 million from philanthropist Gerry Lenfest, topping off the $8 million already promised by Governor Rendell. This is the first major announcement for Director Bruce Cole who took the helm of the American Revolution Center about a month ago. Cole left the National Endowment for the Humanities for the Revolution Center. One of his mandates includes smoothing relations with the National Park Service and park advocates who have stalled work on the project with continuing litigation.
Cole: “We are hopeful that this demonstration of leadership by the governor and Mr. Lenfest is going to inspire subsequent public and private funding from entities and individuals who believe in the importance of bringing American history to life.”
The Revolution Center also announced it will break ground on the first of three buildings this May. Park advocates and the park service say they did not know that a groundbreaking date had been set.
Listen:
Use the play button below or right click on this link and choose “Save Link As” to download.
[audio: arts20090225arc.mp3]
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.