Honoring Their Heritage
Generations of Americans have built upon the promise made by President Abraham Lincoln: To care for our veterans long after their service to our nation has been completed.
We Work …
. . . To Preserve the history of the Dayton Soldiers Home, now The Dayton VA Medical Center Campus
. . . To Inspire those everywhere to honor the sacrifices made by our veterans
. . . To Educate young and old alike about the rich history of these sacred grounds.
Our mission
The American Veterans Heritage Center (AVHC) honors the accomplishments of veterans while preserving a priceless piece of national and local history – the Soldiers Home located at the VA Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. We invite you to take your place in history by joining us in this mission.
The scope of our activities include historic preservation projects, events, tours, and our festival, “The Patriot Freedom Festival,” which is held annually on the weekend before Memorial Day at the Dayton VA for the benefit of the on-campus as well as off-campus veterans, their families, and the community.
About Us
The American Veterans Heritage Center (AVHC) is a non-profit, (501c3) corporation located in the historic Putnam Library, (Bldg. 120). We are not a government agency nor affiliated or supported by the Federal Government.
Honoring Lincoln’s Promise
Just before his death, President Abraham Lincoln made a promise to those soldiers who had been injured during the American Civil War. AVHC and the Dayton Lincoln Society are working with sculptor Mike Major to honor Lincoln’s Promise. Learn More.
Help us honor our veterans. We are participating in the Wreaths Across America program this year. Learn more and donate here.
Buy a Memorial Brick, leave a legacy. Support our mission.
You can support our mission and commemorate members of your family and others who courageously protected our country by participating in the Defenders of Freedom Memorial Brick Campaign.
The campaign is a tribute to veterans who served in the military, and individuals who provided support services, keeping our country safe and free.
Your bricks will be placed along walkways around the Garrison Flag that is centered on the grounds of the historic Dayton VA Medical Center – one of the three original Soldiers Homes that became VA centers. The flagpole is located near the Dayton National Cemetery.
Other ways to donate.
Wreaths Across America
American Veterans Heritage Center supports Wreaths Across America and encourage all to donate one or more Wreaths to be placed at the Dayton National Cemetery. Wreaths are $15 each. SPONSOR A WREATH via the Wreaths Across America website – . 1. Click:...
THE GROTTO GARDENS 2021 CALENDAR IS HERE!
Created by the Grotto Gardens Volunteers featuring 13 beautiful photos of the restored post Civil war era gardens located on the campus of the Dayton VA Medical Center This fundraiser benefits the Dayton VA Medical Center’s Grotto Gardens Fund for purchases of...
Dayton VAMC Grotto Gardens Deemed One of the Best Places for Special Occasion Photos
Dayton.com selected the Grotto Gardens as one of the best places to take your special photos. Thanks to all the volunteers and Dayton VAMC staff who keep these gardens beautiful....
VA Grotto Gardens Volunteers Featured in Dayton Daily News Article
Click on the link below to checkout the article about the volunteers who keep the Grotto Gardens looking beautiful. Also thanks to the Dayton VA staff for their support....
AVHC Trustees Honored
American Veterans Heritage Center congratulates two of our Trustees who will be inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2020: Kimberly D. Frisco, Air Force, Greene County, and Daniel R. Kirkpatrick, Air Force, Greene County. Our organization is proud to...
Robert Kinces Earns Award
A recent recognition was earned by AVHC’s Grotto Gardens Sustainment Committee vice-chair, and former AVHC Trustee, Robert Kincses. Earlier this year Robert worked with the Miami Valley Communications Council to produce a video regarding the Hanley Sustainability...
Education Committee Library Display
AVHC's Education Committee has a military history display at the Yellow Springs Library through Sept. 30. Come out for a visit if you can! We intend to provide educational displays at other libraries as well; Beavercreek Community Library: Nov 1 - Nov 16 and Fairborn...
From the Grotto Gardeners
Happy Independence Day!
The Grotto Gardens Update
The Grotto Gardens are now fully open to the public! Please maintain social distancing and keep a mask handy (not required outside on the VA property) to be considerate. We’ve been working hard and are proud to be able to invite visitors in. If you do want a guided...
Address
Tennessee and Gettysburg Ave.
Dayton, OH 45428
Mailing address
AVHC
P.O. Box 1366
Fairborn, OH 45324
Hours of operation
Open 24 hours a day
Phone number
Office: (937) 267-7628
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