Local transgender philanthropist Col. Jennifer Pritzker commented to Windy City Times about the impending move of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library (PMML), which she founded in 2003, to Wisconsin.
"At the end of the day, it was a good move for everybody because we have this magnificent building in Kenosha that is still within reach of Chicago folks," she said. "It gives us the opportunity to operate a building that's designed specifically for us. Speaking as the sole proprietor of the building, it was not cost-effective or economically feasible for PMML. This is a better move."
But there was also another reason for the move. Pritzker said, "What was the really critical thing is that we're evolving from a private foundation, which was basically me, to a public institution. The reason that's really critical is because Uncle Sam did not issue me immortality. I'm very concerned that the assets of PMML do not vanish into some nebulous cloud of lawyers, accountants and unknown relatives arguing over the assets.
"We've got a great staff and great people on the board. They're taking over for me. The old soldier here is fading away," added Pritzker, who is 73. "It's time for a change. Hopefully, I want my 5-year-old grandson to be able to go there and benefit from it."
The July 27 closing of the museum, 104 S. Michigan Ave., will coincide with the ending of its current exhibit, "War of 1812: Countering Peril on the High Seas and at Home." (There Is also a permanent exhibit, "Medal of Honor," that "highlights those who have received the United States' highest award for valor in combat," according to the museum and library's website.)
Approximately 40,000 artifacts and more than 65,000 book titles from the museum will merge with the Pritzker Military Archives Center in Somers, Wisconsin, which is about 30 miles south of Milwaukee. The nearly 52,000-square-foot Wisconsin location will open later this year.
See also Pritzker Military Library to close in July, move to Wisconsin www.windycitytimes.com/lgbt/Pritzker-Military-Library-to-close-in-July-move-to-Wisconsin/76617.html .
—Andrew Davis
