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Cold War museum to be built in Lorton
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The museum - perhaps appropriately - now appears likely to end up on the Nike Missile site, at Lorton, land that once housed 24 surface-to-air missiles positioned to ward off a Soviet Nuclear attack.
The parcel at the corner of Hooes and Furnace Roads was converted in the early 1970's into a kitchen and dining hall for female inmates at the prison, which closed in 2001 and was deeded to Fairfax County a year later.
The Park Authority is now in negotiations with Gary Powers, the museum's founder and director, to work out the details of a lease for the first phase of the project. Powers is the son of Francis Gary Powers, a pilot whose U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960.
Both sides say they don't foresee any major obstacles in reaching an agreement.
"I think there is a very good chance it will work out," said Bob Betsold, an official with the Fairfax County Park Authority who is overseeing the project.
Powers hopes to eventually use the full 26-acre site at a $1 per year lease.
The museum would house scores of relics from the nearly five-decade struggle between the United States and Soviet Union. Powers said museum planners have gathered about $3 million worth of Cold War artifacts, all of which are now held in storage.
An enormous fundraising challenge lies ahead, however. Powers said he hopes to raise $46 million over the next ten years, and $3 million in the next two. Museum fundraisers have so far secured about $300,000 from state, county and private sources, he said.
About six buildings still sit on the Nike Missile site that could be preserved for the museum's use, Betsold said. Both the Park Authority's board and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors would need to approve a lease agreement for the museum, he said.
wflook@dcexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
11:55 AM MST on Thu., May. 8, 2008 re: "Cold War Museum runs into financial difficulties"
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10:21 AM MST on Thu., May. 8, 2008
re: "Cold War Museum runs into financial difficulties"
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8:57 PM MST on Sat., May. 5, 2007
re: "Cold War museum headed to Lorton"
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Examiner Reader said:
For several years now, it has been my privilege to serve on the Board of Directors of The Cold War Museum. As with any undertaking the scope of the Museum, finances are a consideration. However, with the level of international support we've attained, there is little doubt the Museum will become a successful reality. Much of this justified optimism stems from our educational thrust. Over the past three years, the Museum has hosted “Cold War Conversations”, a series of seminars focusing on critical Cold War-era themes. This year's program will highlight the 40th anniversary of the Prague Spring. On 11 October 2008, scholars and survivors will gather to discuss these momentous events. In addition, plans are underway to electronically link American students with students in the Czech Republic, allowing them an opportunity to intimately reflect on the Prague Spring and its aftermath. The public is invited to join us for a remarkable day of dialogue and discovery. Linda McCarthy, Markham,
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Examiner Reader said:
In this article Gary Powers said the Cold War Museum was able to cover its operating expenses and yet this statement was presented as indication of a "financial crisis" and a drying up of funds. While it is understandable that state and local governments are not in a position to make any grants this year, and perhaps next year, such money was never envisioned ss the primary source of funding to build and operate the musuem. Those funds will be donated by the private sector and operating funds will be generated by admission fees, memberships and, since the CWM is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, through tax deductible donations. The museum has the enthusiastic backing of local, state and federal elected officials and a growing number of people and organizations that are forming a network of supporters as we initiate the capital fund raising campaign to make this museum a reality. Victor Dymowski Manager, Capital Campaign Cold War Museum
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Examiner Reader said:
OK, you said the Cold War Museum is to be in Lorton, Fairfax County, but no State. Your map said it couldn`t find Lorton. So, Where is it? LOL
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