Korean War Museum Opens in Springfield

The first exhibit of a new museum dedicated to the Korean War -- the first of its kind in the nation -- opened in Springfield yesterday.

The Denis J. Healy Freedom Center on Old Capitol Plaza is a 10,000-square-foot exhibit containing cases of artifacts and information about the war. This first exhibit will eventually move to the Korean War National Museum, to be built a short walk away at Fifth and Madison Streets. Construction of the planned 50,000-square-foot national museum is expected to start next June in time for the 60th anniversary of the start of the war. It will house $8 million worth of Korean War exhibits.

Because the Korean War often gets less attention than World War II before it and the Vietnam War that followed, advocates and veterans say they are grateful for the new exhibit and look forward to the completion of the museum and education center. [Chicago Breaking News, Journal-Register]