Heartland Military Museum

A nonprofit fundraiser supporting

Lexington Community Foundation

This Museum is a memorial "from the people to the people."

$4,935

raised by 28 people

$420,000 goal

Major Goal

The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles (HMMV) generates a significant amount of tourism for the Lexington community. Approximately 60-70% of our annual visitors are not local; we consistently attract tourists from all 50 states and multiple foreign countries. HMMV also provides a gathering space for various meetings and is the current home base for the local VFW and American Legion chapters.

Our need to address the museum’s roof continues. Significant rain events create problematic leaks in various areas. We have secured a responsible bid to make these crucial repairs, which will enable us to confidently display all exhibits without the need to rearrange the museum to ensure all artifacts are kept pristine and viewable. Contributions to this effort are much appreciated and will help ensure HMMV can remain weatherized and able to accommodate our significant number of annual visitors. As we do not charge an admission fee, the museum relies on voluntary donations for most of its annual income. While this practice benefits visitors, it generally does not allow HMMV to build reserves for significant projects (such as costly roof repairs), which highlights the importance of fundraising events like Give Big Lexington. We are always grateful for the community’s support and look forward to expanding our displays and programs over the years to come.

How it all began

In 1986, armed only with the determination to preserve historic military vehicles, four Lexington men formed the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles (HMMV). Today around 100 fully restored vehicles, including helicopters, tanks, half-tracks, ambulances, and a jeep from every branch of the service, plus displays of weapons, uniforms, engines, equipment, and more, are dedicated in honor and memory of those who served.

In 1991, a permanent site for the museum was obtained at exit 237 off Interstate 80. In 1998, a 16,000-square-foot Visitor Center was constructed, which houses many vehicles, displays, photos, and much more. The vehicles are from World War II through today, but the displays also include items dating from World War I. The museum is also a Library of Congress repository for interviewing area veterans. HMMV's goal is, and always has been, to restore, preserve and display historic military equipment of all types as a way to honor those who served.

The nucleus of the HMMV collection comes from the nation's heartland, Nebraska. Many pieces were used by farmers in the 1940s and early 1950s when tractors were still in short supply. As the old standbys were retired, they were parked in windbreaks, left to rust away. Heartland has given new life to these proud machines.

Your Support Is Needed

As a Nebraska non-profit organization run by volunteers, the museum is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of historical military equipment of all types. Donations and bequests are welcomed. The directors work with all groups to bring the vehicles to life. It is hoped you will answer the call to help this important project with your dollars and your support.

Mission Statement:

Honor those who have served; Honor the might of the "Arsenal Of Democracy"; Educate those who have and have not served; Support our local community and economy; Recover and restore increasingly rare equipment; Create a place of reunion and remembering.

Keep updated on the latest developments and events at the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles.