African American Military History Museum in Hattiesburg Mississippi reopens after tornado damage

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20140207/NEWS01/302070012/Military-history-museum-reopens

The ceremony marked the museum’s first day open to the public since sustaining major damage during the EF4 tornado that tore through the Pine Belt last February. The storm caused about $450,000 in damage to the building — which originally opened March 22, 1942 — and about $600,000 in damage to its contents.

“This building was not spared, but it was not destroyed, neither in spirit nor physically,” said Rick Taylor, executive director of Hattiesburg Tourism and Convention Commissions. “We were able to put it back together, and this is very exciting for our community. It’s something that we should not only treasure, but seek to preserve as well.”

Immediately after the storm passed, volunteers from several area organizations — including Southern Miss and Parkway Heights United Methodist Church — helped gather the building’s contents, including flags, enlistment papers and medals.
The ceremony marked the museum’s first day open to the public since sustaining major damage during the EF4 tornado that tore through the Pine Belt last February. The storm caused about $450,000 in damage to the building — which originally opened March 22, 1942 — and about $600,000 in damage to its contents.

“This building was not spared, but it was not destroyed, neither in spirit nor physically,” said Rick Taylor, executive director of Hattiesburg Tourism and Convention Commissions. “We were able to put it back together, and this is very exciting for our community. It’s something that we should not only treasure, but seek to preserve as well.”

Immediately after the storm passed, volunteers from several area organizations — including Southern Miss and Parkway Heights United Methodist Church — helped gather the building’s contents, including flags, enlistment papers and medals.