The Friends of Ernie of Pyle Development Fund is launching a fundraising campaign in observance of our nation’s 250th birthday to help advance the continued expansion of the Ernie Pyle & Veterans Memorial Park.
Titled the “$250,000 for 250 Years” fund drive, the campaign strives to raise $250,000 during 2026 as part of the United States’ birthday celebration.
To reach its goal, the Friends of Ernie Pyle invites individuals and/or families, as well as businesses and organizations, to donate in honor of the 250 years since the British colonies in North America declared independence from the British Crown in 1776, forming the United States of America.
Steve Key, president of the board of the Friends of Ernie Pyle, said if an average of $250 could be received from 1,000 donors, the organization would reach its goal and direct the funds toward completion of the $1.2 million park now under construction in Dana just north of the renowned war correspondent’s birth home and Quonset huts that serve as the Ernie Pyle World War II Museum.
The site expansion was launched in 2023. More than $500,000 has already been collected and invested in the project, which incudes a beautifully designed plaza featuring a sculpture of Pyle created by Clinton artist Bill Wolfe and unveiled last fall. ADA-accessible restrooms have also been completed and will be open for visitors this season.
Future plans call for construction of a covered performance stage, an educational World War II Victory Garden, a presentation of flags of all branches of the military, a brick-lined walkway with lighting on a grass lawn and improvements to the museum entry area.
Key encourages potential donors to contribute whatever they can to the project. “If $250 is too great an ask, don’t worry. You can contribute any amount you would like toward the project. The more people are involved, the better. And it’s also OK to contribute more than $250.”
To donate, send donations to P.O. Box 345, Dana, IN 47842, payable to The Ernie Pyle WWII museum. Or go to the website at erniepyle.org and click on the link Become a Donor. Donors may also scan the QR code on this page to make a donation here.
The Ernie Pyle World War II Museum opened early this year — March 19 — and will remain open every weekend until Veterans Day on Nov. 11. Admission is free. Visitors will be encouraged to walk the grounds and view the expanded features already completed, including the Pyle sculpture.
The museum is open every Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
The Ernie Pyle World War II Museum is owned and operated by the Friends of Pyle, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and advancing Pyle’s legacy and honoring the service of all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
