The Military Memorial Museum is located within the Greater Southwest Historical Museum, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. The museum aims to preserve and display military history, and to honor those persons of all service branches who have served the nation in war and peace. Dedicated to the nation in April 1990, the Military Memorial Museum is housed in the west wing of the building which was once the National Guard Armory for Oklahoma's historic, battle-proven 45th Division. Built in 1935-36 by the Works Progress Administration, the building is a memorial to that period in Oklahoma and the nation's history. The Military Memorial Museum is the brainchild of Brigadier General George M. Donovan who put forth the idea in the mid-to-late 1980s. The building was renovated and prepared for displays during 1989-90. The exhibits in the Military Memorial Museum cover all eras - the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the Indian Wars, World War I, World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and Iraqi Freedom War. The museum showcases artifacts, uniforms, weapons, models, knives, medals, documents, photographs, and a great deal of personal memorabilia from veterans all over the country.