February at the Museum
Show our Veterans the love this February! Join the Museum at one of our many events to interact with the Veteran experience in new and exciting ways. Whether it is our Virtual Rally Point, reduced cost admission on Presidents Day or Sensory Saturday, this month offers a diverse range of programming to ensure that you can access the important stories of those who served our country.
PREVIOUS EVENTS THIS MONTH
Rally Point – More than Clothing: The Triple Nikel Story
Saturday, February 4 | 11 a.m. | Virtual
In honor of Black History Month, we’re taking a step into the Triple Nikel universe. This San Antonio-based apparel company aims to tell minority Veterans’ stories and rebrand what “looking like a Veteran” means. Learn about the inspiration behind their brand and how U.S. Army Veterans Ruben Ayala, Rod Graham, Curtez Riggs and Chris McPhee are driven to spark change with a little bit of hip-hop flare.
Photography Workshop with Jason Myers
Friday, February 10 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Free
Award-winning photographer Jason Myers will lead an exclusive Photography Workshop focused on how to capture emotion and draw curiosity out of your audience through the eye of a camera lens. This hands-on experience will cover topics like the fundamentals of photography, mediums, photography as a career and more!
IDENTITY workshops are for Veterans only. Please be prepared to show your ID at check-in.
NVMM Trivia at Taft’s
Wednesday, February 15 | 6 p.m. | Free
The community joined the Museum at Taft’s Brewpourium Columbus for a special President’s Day edition of Trivia! Members of the NVMM staff lead Trivia Night with questions about our Presidents in honor of President’s Day on Monday, February 20.
Sensory Saturday
Saturday, February 18 | All Day
Join us for Sensory Saturday – a sensory-friendly museum experience that will offer enhanced sensory activities all day long including: reduced volume throughout the exhibit area, touch tours, hands-on educational activities, and more!
Presidents Day
Monday, February 20 | All Day
This Presidents Day, join us at the Museum and connect with the stories of Presidents who served for a Washington ($1). Learn more about their unique stories and discover the experiences of our Veteran Presidents when you visit.
Legacies of Black Veterans
Sunday, February 26 | 2 – 3:30 p.m. | Free
Honor the 200,000 pioneering Soldiers of the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Authors, scholars and descendants will discuss the USCT’s critical contributions to the Union’s victory in the Civil War, share lesser-known pieces of history and feature musical performances and a poetry reading from the works of Paul Laurence Dunbar.
RALLY POINT
Rally Point – More than Clothing: The Triple Nikel Story
In honor of Black History Month, we’re taking a step into the Triple Nikel universe. This San Antonio-based apparel company aims to tell minority Veterans’ stories and rebrand what “looking like a Veteran” means. Learn about the inspiration behind their brand and how U.S. Army Veterans Ruben Ayala, Rod Graham, Curtez Riggs and Chris McPhee are driven to spark change with a little bit of hip-hop flare.
INSPIRING STORIES OF SERVICE
Serbennia Davis
In our latest installment of Inspiring Stories of Service, U.S. Army Veteran Serbennia Davis shares her 31-year journey in the Army and how she aims to capture the strength of military couples through photography.
VETREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT
Triple Nikel
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020, the idea for Triple Nikel was sparked. The founders created an idea based off four simple concepts: Legacy, Community, Music and Love. Each founder started their military careers in the 82nd Airborne Division as paratroopers. Their designs pull inspiration from the Hip Hop culture. They believe that music is a common thread that binds all people.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Staff Spotlight: Ashley Donaldson, Experience Columbus Diversity Apprenticeship Program Participant
Meet Ashley! Ashley is one of our newest team members at the Museum. Learn a fun fact about, the show she is currently binging and if she thinks she would survive the zombie apocalypse. Spoiler: we will be finding her when the zombies arrive.
#NVMMREADS
“Tuskegee’s Heroes featuring the Aviation Art of Roy LaGrone”
“Tuskegee’s Heroes” tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen in a creative way that includes rare photographs, firsthand accounts, and paintings by artist and Tuskegee Airman, Roy LaGrone. In addition to LaGrone’s artwork, the book details the pre-war experience of young African American men who, despite their unequal treatment at home, fought for the opportunity to serve their country.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Discover Black Military History
Since the birth of our country and the fight for independence, African American men and women have played significant roles in wars and conflicts throughout American history. During Black History Month, join us as we explore their stories of service, sacrifice and achievement.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Pioneering Black Army Units in World War II
African Americans have served the U.S. military in every conflict our country has fought. While President Harry S. Truman’s order technically ended segregation in the military in 1948, Black service members continued to fight battles on two fronts – against the enemy overseas and against racism at home. This February, we share the inspiring stories of Black Army units who showed tremendous courage and heroism during World War II.
CELEBRATE PRESIDENTS DAY
Presidents who served in the Military
Do you know how many presidents served in the military? If you guessed 31, you’re correct! Military Times shares, “Even though military service is not a prerequisite to becoming president, members of the military develop significant leadership expertise during the time they train and serve.”
FEATURED COLLECTION
Triple Nikel
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020, the idea for Triple Nikel was sparked. Their four founders created an idea based off four simple concepts: Legacy, Community, Music and Love.
