The museum could not afford to remain open.

LARGO – The Armed Forces History Museum will close for the final time at 4 p.m. today (Jan. 29).

The museum, which opened Aug. 16, 2008, had operated in the red since the beginning even though it attracted about 25,000 visitors a year. It will open today (Jan. 29) at noon and will offer everyone complimentary admission. At noon, Steven Piazza, son the museum’s late president and founder, John J. Piazza, Sr., will make remarks the parking lot before the doors are opened for the last time.

The museum was founded by Mr. Piazza who spent 55 years collecting military memorabilia ranging from grenades to tanks. The collection served as the basic display for the museum. His mission was to ensure that the museum honorably preserved the history and memories of the military and its veterans, as well as to educate youth.

Mr. Piazza funded the museum’s deficit right up until his death this past Oct. 3.

Although the museum is closing today, the collection will remain intact until the end of March in the hopes that someone might step forward to ensure the museum carries on.  

For information about the museum, go to armedforcesmuseum.com.

Photo courtesy of the Armed Forces History Museum.

Armed Forces History Museum | Largo | Closure | Museums | Events | Things to Do | TB Reporter

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