Explore the New Pritzker Archives & Memorial Park Center

Preserving history, furthering education, and fostering community are the driving principles of the Pritzker Archives & Memorial Park Center (PAMPC). The PAMPC was created as a necessity for more space to house the archival collections of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. It has since bloomed into a project that will extend the mission of the Museum & Library by sharing the stories of those who served and provide a space where both the armed forces and civilians can together understand the past, present and future of the citizen soldier.

Project Updates

Update as of May 6, 2022

Blocking for millwork wall cap was completed
Concrete infill at the north perimeter was completed
Bathroom, shower and locker room ceiling install began
PVC jacketing was installed on mechanical piping above south core lid
Continued basement lighting installation

PAMPC Upcoming Lane Closure

The consolidation and lane closure of County Highway E is continuing as expected. Residents should see significant work being done right now. We have barricades in place to shift the traffic lanes which have allowed us to continue working without affecting the traffic flow. In regards to last week’s progress, we stripped the topsoil on the south side of CTH E and are working on establishing the subgrade base for the extended roadway. Work to consolidate County Highway E, on the north side of the site, into one lane is from 7am- 4pm. This work will produce a turning lane into the Archives & Park Center lot, which will prevent future delays once we are fully open. Continue to check our website and Facebook page for the latest updates. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@pritzkerarchivespark.com with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Village of Somers Water Approval

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approved for the Village of Somers to divert an annual average of 1.2 million gallons of water a day from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River Basin. The DNR’s diversion approval allows the Village of Somers to extend public water service into the Mississippi River Basin for residential, commercial and industrial use, plus public authority purposes in the diversion area.

Cold War Veterans Memorial

In April 2021, we launched an international design competition for our new Cold War Veterans Memorial. We received multiple inspiring design submissions and narrowed it down to four talented finalists. After close consideration, a final selected design was chosen, Oyler Wu Collaborative’s Orbits.

COVID-19 Impact

Health and safety for everyone is our highest priority. Please know we are fully committed to continuing to move this project forward. From the beginning, a main pillar has been to develop a project that fosters community. During these challenging social and economic times, we feel this is more important than ever.

As we get through this difficult time, we look forward to celebrating the future with each and every one of you. Stay up-to-date and follow along on the journey by checking our Construction Updates page regularly and signing up for our email newsletter. Contact us with any questions or concerns by emailing us at info@pritzkerarchivespark.com.

View our Progress Video

Feet of Green Space

Acres of Anticipated Tax Exemption

+ 80

Square Foot Gallery Center

About Pritzker Military Museum & Library

The mission of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library is to increase the public’s understanding of military history, military affairs and national security by providing a forum for the study and exploration of our military – past, present, and future – with a specific focus on their stories, sacrifices, and values. These citizen-soldiers continue to apply the lessons of service to better civilian life, preserve democracy and safeguard our nation. We believe that military history is human history and defines our collective experience.

A non-governmental, non-partisan organization, the Museum & Library features diverse collections, scholarly initiatives, and public programs from its flagship center in downtown Chicago to its world-class research center and park currently under construction in Somers, Wisconsin. With national and global reach, these spaces and events aim to share the stories of those who served, helping citizens everywhere to appreciate the relationship between the armed forces and the civilians whose freedoms they protect.