History of the VSP Museum & Learning Center
2000
The Colonel Denny M. Slane Museum and History Center is officially dedicated and opened to visitors on December 21, 2000. The ceremony coincided with the Academy graduation of the 100th Basic Trooper Session, during which retired Colonel Slane served as the keynote speaker. Ret. Colonel Slane and his wife, Mary Jo, had the honors of cutting the ribbon alongside then-Superintendent, Colonel W. Gerald Massengill. The museum is located in what used to be the “Day Room” in the original 1950 Academy building.
2007
By 2007, when the Department celebrated its 75th Anniversary, the museum had more than doubled its inventory of historical memorabilia, photographs, uniforms, and badges.
2011
In 2011, the Department’s historical timelines were updated for major milestones, including leadership appointments, vehicle and uniform updates, etc. Also added to the museum were 18 large murals, featuring over 700 VSP Personnel.
2017
The museum’s first website was launched, introducing the museum to the public virtually for the first time.