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.
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...
Patriot Salute 2020 is Cancelled
Earlier this year, American Veterans Heritage Center announced the cancellation of the Patriot Freedom Festival which was scheduled May 23-24, (now scheduled for May 29-30, 2021) At that time, we were already planning the Patriot Salute 2020 for September 12-13, and...
Grotto Gardens are now open to the public
Come enjoy but keep it safe!
Lincoln Statue Moved to Dayton
Today, we moved the newly forged Abraham Lincoln Statue from Urbana to its temporary home at Copp Systems warehouse in Dayton Ohio. The Urbana Fire Department and Police department gave the statue a great sendoff. The motorcade included an official escort by the...
Moving Lincoln Statue
May 1, we went to the Coopermill Bronzeworks in Zanesville to pick up our Lincoln Statue in order to deliver it to the Studios of Mike Major.
2020 Festival Cancelled
Due to the Covid 19 outbreak, we have decided to cancel the 2020 Patriot Freedom Festival
2020 Patriot Freedom Festival Planning is Underway
Planning has started for this year's Patriot Freedom Festival. The festival will be held on the grounds of the Dayton VA on Memorial Day weekend, May 23 and 24. We're having a planning meeting Saturday, March 14, at 10 am. It will be at the Putnam Library building. If...
Let’s Welcome Mark Murdock
Members of the American Veterans Heritage Center Board of Trustees attended the Welcome Reception of Mr. Mark Murdock as the new Director of the Dayton VA Medical Center. The reception was held in the Dayton VAMC hospital tower on February 18. Mr. Murdock retired as...
Statue is at the Foundry
Things are on schedule with the Lincoln Statue. We are getting closer to installing it on the grounds of the Dayton VA. Sculptor Mike Major says that the statue is now at the foundry, Coopermill Bronzeworks, in Zanesville. Here's Mike's update about what will happen...
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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