About
About Us
The General William C. Lee Museum, located in Dunn, North Carolina, is a historical institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life and accomplishments of General William C. Lee. General Lee, often referred to as the "Father of the U.S. Airborne," played a significant role in the development and establishment of airborne warfare tactics during World War II.
The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore General Lee's extraordinary legacy through a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, documents, and interactive exhibits. It provides insights into his military career, leadership philosophy, and the impact he had on shaping the U.S. Army's airborne forces.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division, with a particular emphasis on General Lee's contributions. The museum houses an extensive array of exhibits, including uniform displays, military equipment, and personal items associated with General Lee and the soldiers who served under him.
In addition to preserving historical artifacts, the General William C. Lee Museum also serves as an educational hub, offering programs, lectures, and special events that delve into the rich heritage of the U.S. Airborne and the broader context of World War II.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a military buff, or simply curious about General William C. Lee's remarkable life, the museum provides a captivating and enlightening experience that honors his enduring legacy and the courage of the airborne forces he helped shape.
"The most important thing I accomplished as a leader was winning the respect and trust of my soldiers, understanding their needs, and always putting their welfare before my own."
- General William C Lee -
Honoring the General
In addition to the establishment of the General William C. Lee Airborne Museum in Dunn NC, the “Father of the Airborne” has been honored in many different ways. The field house at Fort Benning, GA is named in his honor, Lee Village at Fort Campbell, KY bears his name as does the field house at Fort Bragg, NC. In Tokyo, the 11th Airborne Army named a street “General Lee Avenue.” The General’s alma mater at N.C. State University honors him with Lee Dormitory and by presenting the General Lee Military Scholarship to the outstanding ROTC cadet each year.
The General William C. Lee Memorial Commission, Inc.
In the mid – 1980’s a small group of Dunn citizens, led by newspaper publisher Hoover Adams, created the General William C. Lee Memorial Commission, Inc.* Through the determined efforts of this group of enthusiastic community leaders, General and Mrs. Lee’s three story brownstone homeBrownStoneHouse was acquired to house the General William C. Lee Airborne Museum. The building was restored at a cost of over $500,000 and now serves as an appropriate memorial to General Lee’s contribution to his country. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and memorabilia representative of airborne activity from the early days through the present. The museum has become a focal point of the Dunn community and is a popular attraction for thousands of tourists traveling Interstate 95. It provides educational tours and lectures for school youngsters from Harnett and surrounding counties, and is an accommodating meeting place for numerous organizations, including airborne groups from nearby Fort Bragg. The museum was dedicated on June 6, 1986 with an address by Secretary of the Army, John O. Marsh.
Current General Lee Commission Members are:
- Chuck Turnage, President
- Mark Johnson, Treasurer
- Tilghman Pope, Attorney
- Ray Stone, Board Member
- Sheila Maness, Board Member
- Gloria Gulledge, Board Member
- Barbara Godwin., Board Member
- Ronnie Blue, Board Member
- Dave Taylor, Board Member
The Lee House
The Lee house was built in 1903 by Jefferson Davis Barnes. William C. Lee and his wife, Dava, bought the house on October 30, 1935 from National Bondholders Corporation for $4,500.00 They rented out the house while Dava lived with Bill at a number of Army posts. Dava occupied the house when Bill became deeply involved with the Airborne Project and was making numerous trips overseas. After Bill’s death, Dave lived on the first floor and rented rooms to occupants until 1975 when she moved to the Golden Years Nursing Home in Falcon, N.C. She lived there until her death in 1983.
The Lee house was purchased by the Lee Memorial Commission on October 27, 1984 and was subsequently completely reconditioned. New heating and air conditioning was installed and the house was converted into the Lee Museum and the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Offices. The dedication ceremony was held June 6, 1986. The U.S. Congress declared this day as General William C. Lee Day.
The General William C. Lee Airborne Museum is a major tourist attraction in the heart of Dunn, North Carolina. More than $350,000 in renovation to the museum was unveiled on June 6, 2006, the anniversary of D-Day. State of the art exhibits and two stories of airborne history and the personal story of General Lee are on display.
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