HELP KEEP MIAMI VALLEY MILITARY HISTORY MUSEUM IN FAIRBORN!
WHY WE NEED YOU NOW: We are now attempting to purchase the old Fifth Third Bank building from the Fairborn Development Corporation. Their current asking price is $399,000. The building would give us nearly three times the amount of space we have now, would give us control over the building itself, provide a small green space, and provide for off street visitor parking.
WHAT IS OUR CURRENT SITUATION?: Our current building was built in 1928 and is showing it's age. Since we opened in January 2022, we've had 18 water leaks from the ceilings and basement, including one ceiling collapse in the bathroom. We remain dependent on the apartment residents above us to remember to turn of their faucets and heating appliances, and not to smoke in bed. We've been lucky so far, but these are ever-present threats we have no control over. Additionally our monthly lease has increased by 20%. The main issue, however, is lack of display, storage and research space and parking.
WHAT IS AT STAKE? For 20 years, we have been the guardians of over 100,000 historic military artifacts – including uniforms, medals, photographs, and more than 10,000 books, manuals and unit histories. These are not just “things”; they are the physical memory of our citizens who've answered the call to duty, including many from Fairborn, Beavercreek, Enon, Huber Heights and other surrounding communities. Our primary mission will always be to preserve and conserve the artifacts entrusted to us. If we can't obtain another building in Fairborn, we will have to relocate – which we do NOT want to do.
WHY MVMHM IS IMPORTANT: Miami Valley Military History Museum is a free and irreplaceable asset to Fairborn. In 2025, the Museum welcomed over 3,000 visitors, including school children, seniors, developmentally disabled individuals, historians and travelers, some who have come from as far away as Germany and Japan. Our visitors frequently ask us where they can eat or what else there is to see – which supports Fairborn's downtown businesses.
Your generosity and support brought us to Fairborn in 2022. Your generosity is the reason for our success and continues to be deeply appreciated. We are grateful for any donation, large or small. Even a modest contribution will help. Help us keep Miami Valley Military History Museum in Fairborn - PLEASE DONATE AND SHARE TODAY!
100% of your donation goes to the cost of acquiring the former Fifth Third bank building, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. MVMHM is a non-profit corporation, EIN 46-0835261.
You may also send checks to:
Miami Valley Military History Museum
4 E. Main Street
Fairborn, OH 45322
THANK YOU!