The Museum was founded by Ormond and Ormond Beach residents in 1946 as a living monument to creative freedom and equality of all persons, and to commemorate the service of World War II veterans who fought valiantly for that ideal.

A monument on the Museum grounds located with the American Flag recognizes local soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. A bronze plaque inside the Museum lists all Ormond Beach residents who served in World War II with an honor role recognizing those who gave their lives.

Artists are currently designing outdoor tributes to those who served in the Korean Conflict and the Viet Nam War for installation in the Memorial Gardens. 

In June of 2009, the City Commission of Ormond Beach voted unanimously to provide money from TIF (tax increment funding) to fund the commission and installation of two war memorials in the Memorial Garden that will serve as art in public places.

Korean War Memorial Model

The first sculptural memorial will commemorate those who served in the Korean Conflict. After reviewing artist submissions from across the country, a volunteer selection committee composed of representatives from the community, the military community and the Ormond Beach community selected North Port, Florida artist, Mark Chew.

According to Chew, “I feel the memorial must make a strong, essential, simple gesture: to honor all veterans who served in the Korean War. 

We will never forget the sacrifices made. The memorial will serve as an eternal flame. The elements communicated within the memorial will be balance, strength and reflection.

The second memorial is scheduled to be completed in 2011 and will honor those who served in Viet Nam. It will also be located in the gardens.

Plans are underway to continue to provide creative tributes to those who have served in battle.

A bronze plaque resides inside the Museum and lists the names of local Ormond Beach World War II veterans. The original plaque was donated by Claus and Elsa Wiedemann, Cincinnati, Ohio residents who wintered in Ormond Beach. This plaque listed the 147 names of the white men and women who served in World War II, twelve of whom are on the Gold Star list.^1,3 As was the custom of the era, a separate plaque commemorating the African-American veterans was placed in the old Reading Room formerly located on the corner of U.S. 1 and Tomoka Avenue. After the demolition of the Reading Room, the plaque listing these seventy-seven veterans was lost.

In 1999, a twenty-five year effort by Andrea Hall, granddaughter of local veteran James Lewis Hall, culminated in the inclusion of the 77 names omitted from the original plaque due to segregation issues. These local African-Americans fought with the same dedication and fervor as their white counterparts and are now listed with equal status. The plaque truly reflects the spirit of sacrifice and freedom of all of Ormond Beach's World War II veterans and helps to heal 53 years of social injustice.²

An additional plaque located outside the Museum on the west side of the property lists the names of three local men who gave their lives in service to our country in World War I.¹