FORT KNOX, Ky. — The General Patton Museum of Leadership, just outside of Fort Knox, is bustling with energy as Cadet Summer Training brings a surge of visitors. The museum sees nearly 50% of its yearly visitors during this three-month span. Tyler Reid, the museum’s director, sees this as a golden opportunity to fulfill the museum’s mission to educate future Army leaders.

A sculpture of General S. Patton carved from basswood stands at the front entrance of The General Patton Museum of Leadership, Ky, June 7 2024. The musem, dedicated to the life and legacy of Commander of the Third Army opened November 11, 1988. which would have been Pattons 100th birthday. | Photo by Andrew Berger, Ball State University. CST Public Affairs Office

Reid emphasized the importance of integrating the museum into the Cadet training program, noting that Cadet Command’s partnership offers valuable learning experiences for Cadets. The museum primarily focuses on General Patton’s WWII legacy while aiming to educate future Army leaders by preserving military history. 

Reid said keeping the museum open to the public is essential, and he believes that the public must see some part of the Army. To better achieve this goal, the museum plans for new additions in the coming years. Reid emphasized the need for careful expansion to maintain quality and grow. 

“It’s like managing a garden,” said Reid, “if it gets out of hand really quick it will start to look bad. Versus expanding plot by plot every few years.”

Reid recently appointed Ksenia Bradner, a new museum specialist, to manage the museum’s artifacts and preserve them for future generations. Bradner brings experience from other government sites like Mount Vernon and values engaging with the public, maintaining exhibits and preserving historical artifacts. 

“The importance of preserving these artifacts is so that future generations can learn from literal objects of history,” said Bradner.

Visitors can explore a range of artifacts honoring General Patton’s service, including his iconic bomber jacket, pistols, and the vehicle he rode during the Operation Torch invasion of North Africa.

Bradner highlights a replica of Patton’s dog, Willie, as a symbol of Patton’s achievements, reflecting on the significance of artifact preservation. Bradner noted that the most important aspect of artifact preservation is temperature. High temperatures can lead to loss of flexibility and cracking. 

A replica of Pattons dog displays at The General Patton Museum of Leadership, June 7, 2024. | Photo by Andrew Berger, Ball State University, CST Public Affairs Office

Richard Davis, the newly appointed curator of the General Patton Museum, is another new addition to museum management. Davis came from Fort Jackson, where he was the U.S. Army Adjutant General Museum curator. He completed much of his training at Fort Knox and thinks being back is a great opportunity to reconnect with the base. 

Being an ROTC graduate himself, Davis said he is excited to see efforts to integrate the museum into Cadet Summer Training advanced camp activities. He believes it shows the museum’s dedication to shaping future Army leaders. 

“The central core, of course, is General George Patton, but also the U.S. Army Cadet Command is here at Fort Knox now,” said Davis. “We focus on the leadership and the training of Army officers and soldiers in general. We’d like to see the museum continue with that mission in the spirit of General Patton.”

With Cadet Command now providing shuttle buses for Cadets and their families on family days, the museum is prepared to become a cornerstone of Cadet education, fostering appreciation for military history and leadership principles among future Army leaders.

Davis notes that the museum has introduced new exhibits, such as individual soldier stories highlighting moments of resilience and leadership in action. He reflected on Patton’s reputation for being hard-nosed but believes Patton would be proud of the leadership education provided through the ROTC program and Cadet training.

Davis’s favorite artifact is the Patton Pistols, which remains a very popular draw for visitors. 

“These are the very weapons that Patton carried throughout the war,” said Davis. 

The museum also features movie prop versions of the guns from the George C. Scott film, “Patton.”

“We’re open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9 to 4:30. If the gates open, we’re here,” said Davis 

The General Patton Museum of Leadership stands committed to preserving history, inspiring future leaders, and honoring the legacy of one of America’s most renowned military figures.