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The 9/11 Pentagon Visitor Education Center (VEC) will be a
space where visitors from around the world can learn about the
events of September 11, 2001, the lives lost that day, and the
historic significance of the Pentagon Memorial site.
Through exhibits and educational programs complemented by
docent and walking audio tours, the VEC will help visitors
understand and appreciate the historic events that took place
that day, connect with those who experienced them, and learn
why those events are relevant today.
Project Overview
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Education
– Tens of thousands of children and students come to the Memorial each year and few know why this memorial is different from all others in Washington DC in that it is located where the event took place, creating a teachable moment:
To tell the stories of who the victims were and where they were from.
Teach students what the Pentagon is and why was it targeted and how tolerance and understanding of others can help prevent another 9/11.
– The Pentagon is the only 9/11 attack site without a visitor center or museum to explain the historic significance of the site.
The Need
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Key Stakeholder Support
Appendix
Federal Stakeholders
Organization Department
Department of Defense Office of the Secretary of Defense
Department of Defense Washington Headquarter Services
Department of Defense Secretary of the US Army
Department of Homeland Security US Coast Guard
Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration
Department of Homeland Security Federal Air Marshalls
US Senate Office of Senator Mark Warner (VA)
US House of Representatives Office of Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA)
State and Local Stakeholders
Organization Department
State of Virginia Office of Governor McDonnell
State of Virginia Secretary of Transportation
Arlington County Board Chair, Director of Economic Development,
Fire Chief
Fairfax County Board Chair
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The 9/11 Pentagon Visitor Education Center will complement the existing Memorial The 9/11 Pentagon Visitor Education Center (VEC) will complement the existing
Pentagon Memorial
– Through exhibits and educational programs, the VEC will help visitors understand and appreciate the historic events that took place that day, and connect with those who experienced them
Planned VEC Site
Pentagon Memorial
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Operations Plan
Operations model for the Visitor
Education Center
Multi-purpose building for education and events
Self-sustaining
Strategy
Use the building itself (and
the view it affords) as a
primary way to attract
guests
Ensure the building can
support many types of
events and meetings
Monetize as much of the
building as possible
Provide conference rooms for
business meetings with DoD
officials
Create event space for formal
receptions for heads of state
and other formal events
Offer an auditorium for
speakers / lectures
Own the design of academic
and subject relevant rotational
presentation series
Provide virtual and rotating
displays as well as tie-ins to
a virtual presence
Create a “destination” for
events rather than a one-time
visit location
Use currently available iconic
displays as low-cost / high-
impact exhibits
Building Features Conference Space Exhibits
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Category Description Purpose/Details
Exhibits
(area will be
leveraged for
off hour private
events)
Interactive Exhibit areas
Video, audio, photographs, including iconic displays of recovered 9/11 artifacts
Connection to other 9/11 sites
Multi-media booth – A Nation Remembers
No fee to enter, but offer a “suggested donation”
Observation area
Overlook the Memorial
Interactive touch-screen window – Memorial design, 9/11 facts, Pentagon facts,
biographical story of the victims
Sponsorship and naming opportunity for Foundation sponsors and major donors
Rotational Exhibit Highlight a seasonal exhibit of interest (rotate artifacts with other 9/11 memorials)
Potential special recommended donation
Conference
Rooms
(consider
separate
entrance)
Boardroom configuration
(2, approx. 500 sq. ft.,
seat 15-20)
Overflow meeting space from Pentagon
Easy access and better optics than leveraging high end external space
Defense contractors, non-cleared personnel
Space could be sponsored/named for major donors and Foundation sponsors
Larger conference room
configuration
(recommend 3, approx.
800 sq. ft.)
Offer partitioned room design to allow for individual conferences or open for larger
events or dinners
Space would be available for major donor sponsorship and Foundation sponsors
Auditorium/theater
(recommend 3000 sq. ft.,
seat 250+)
Educational presentations, academic lectures, movie presentations
Ceremonies (TSA Flight Marshall, FBI, Homeland Security and other law
enforcement inductions, Pentagon and international dignitaries)
Distinguished Speaker, or Military subject series
Space would be available for major donor sponsorship and Foundation sponsors
Our Goal for Operations: Create a self sustaining, multi-purpose building for education and special events
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Category Description Purpose/Details
Children’s
Area
Classroom
Support class trips with designed curriculum including educational materials,
historical and service focused group projects
Space will be available for major donor sponsorship and Foundation sponsors
Activity Area
Participate in interactive activities
Artwork
Messages and essays for 9/11 families, military families and first responders
Space will be available for major donor sponsorship and Foundation sponsors
Rotational Exhibit Highlight a seasonal exhibit of interest, rotating 9/11 exhibits with Pentagon
Potential for special recommended donation
Other
Modest 9/11 Gift Shop Purchase mementos, remembrances
Primarily for marketing and raising awareness, self sustained
9/11 Reflection Area Designate observation area or dedicated outside space dedicated to the 9/11
victims, survivors, and first responders
Information/Reception
Desk
General info on Pentagon, Pentagon Memorial, events of 9/11/01 and other 9/11
memorials
Career info – military and civil service
Local area information
Our Goal for Operations: Create a self sustaining, multi-purpose building for education and special events
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Category Description Purpose/Details
Food/
Refreshments
Kitchen space Support catering set up for events
Outdoor seating or
picnic area School trips
Small refreshment area Increase draw
Minimal revenue generation
General
Facility Space
Office Space
PMF staff
VEC staff (tech staff, docents, etc.)
Private office space for visiting major donors, honorees, dignitaries
Security Security personnel and monitoring
Storage Area For event materials (receptions, exhibits), retail, supplies
Media/equipment storage Secure space for technology and equipment storage
Our Goal for Operations: Create a self sustaining, multi-purpose building for education and special events
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Raise $50M to fund the Visitor Education
Center building and programs
Capital campaign over 5 years
Add’l funding goes to endowment
Strategy
Seek funding from
major donors who will
benefit from the use of
resources offered
through the Center
Memberships,
sponsorships, and/or
admissions
Recruit a nationally-
known spokesperson to
lead fundraising
Prioritize major donors
over small donations
Offer high visibility
fundraising events that
will both proved
recognition and valued
access to leadership
Raise board profile and
fundraising targets
Ensure 9/11 family
members are always
represented on the board
Funding Sustainability Focus Fundraising Board Champions
Fundraising – Strategy
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9/11 Partnerships
Program/Content Business
Plan/Design
9/11 Community
Partners
9/11 Pentagon Visitor
Education Center
Project Partners
National
Geographic
Booz Allen Hamilton National September 11th
Memorial and Museum
Department of
Defense/Washington
Headquarter Services
Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI)
Gensler Flight 93 National
Memorial - National Park
Service
State of Virginia –
Department of
Transportation
Walter Phillips Smithsonian Institution –
National Museum of
American History
The Fashion Centre at
Pentagon City
Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI)
United States Navy
Memorial and Naval
Heritage Center
9/11 Tribute Center
Oklahoma City National
Memorial & Museum
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