Exhibits within the gallery of the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Museum trace the history of the area’s native peoples and cover the arrival of the U.S. Army into the North Country of New York. The museum is slated to relocate outside of the installation fence in 2020 in order to ease access to the North Country community. (U.S. Army Photos)
Fort Drum museum will move closer to community
Maj. Harold Huff
10th Mountain Division Public Affairs Office
FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Aug. 25, 2019) – After several years of planning, Fort Drum officials have issued a contract to relocate the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Museum outside of the installation fence on Route 26. 
"The new museum location will serve as a shared space between the fort and the community, all built on our shared history," said Joseph Scanlin, director of the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Museum.
Fort Drum's goal is to make the museum more accessible to the community. Previously, the post-9/11 security changes limited the public's ability to visit the museum.
"With the move outside the fence, the future museum will continue its primary mission to train and educate Soldiers about Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division history," Scanlin explained. "Now we can also return to sharing it with our neighbors and friends in the North Country."
Exhibits will continue to represent the history of the U.S. Army in the North Country, particularly the Pine Camp to Fort Drum era, as well as the history of the 10th Mountain Division.
"The Army has been a part of the North Country since 1809, so the history of the Army is part of the fabric that makes up the great history found here," Scanlin said.
The location is ideal because it allows a partnership with Fort Drum Natural Resources, which has long been a resident on the site for community events. It is also well-situated just off of Route 3 for those traveling to the Adirondacks / Lake Placid region. The location is also centrally located to many of the neighboring school districts, which will improve access to students on field trips.
The new site will have military vehicles displayed outside and dozens of exhibits inside. Along with expanded educational offerings, the museum will include a classroom and space to host small outdoor ceremonies or events.
Based on meetings with the Directorate of Public Works and contractors, the initial estimate for museum completion is late summer of next year.
"We look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones as we partner in exploring our shared past and continue to grow into the future," Scanlin added.