Lt. Col. Robert Cole who led the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division into Carentan

The Purple Heart Lane Airborne Memorial Museum is your boarding pass to the history of America's finest - the Second World War paratroopers of the US Army. It will offer a close look at the combat history of these brave men through a collection of genuine WWII airborne memorabilia of the European Theater of Operations.

As part of the Normandy Museum System (Espace Historique), the 22,000 square-foot historical complex will house the world's rarest and impressive authentic collection of WWII Airborne artifacts ever assembled. It will offer a rare insight into the rich history of this unique segment of America's armed forces. Much more than just a static display of military gear, the allure of these artifacts will be enhanced by the personal histories experienced by these heroes.

The Purple Heart Lane Airborne Memorial Museum will be located at the northern side of Carentan, in the field where the 101st Airborne Division first Medal of Honor recipient started his heroic bayonet charge. The primary mission will focus on honoring the men and educating about the battle fought by the 101st Airborne troops. While the majority of the museum will be dedicated to the battles of Carentan, other campaigns fought by the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, as well as small independent airborne units, will be covered as well ; Sicily, Italy, Southern France, Holland, Ardennes, Germany... and this for a better understanding of the importance of the role played by the American airborne forces in Europe.`The museum will also cover the action of the 2nd Armored Division at Carentan.

Take look at some of WWII's most famous engagements through the eyes of those who fought in them on both sides. Be welcomed by Colonel Robert Cole’s Bayonet Charge National Monument. Jump into history, enter the museum and be confronted by Colonel Cole on tridimensional motion pictures. Then enter the Bob Cole Permanent Collection Hall and return into the past. Walk through history; Purple Heart Lane, Silver Star bridge, Sainte-Mère-Eglise, Saint-Côme-du-Mont, Carentan are names you have heart, but what really happened there in 1944? Pause as you walk through streets of Normandy villages and take a look at the first Nazi flag captured by the paratroopers in Normandy, encounter American national heroes, meet von der Heydte’s Green Devils, face Major Dick Winters, and for those who need to be in the heart of the action, take a ride into a C-47 Motion Simulator and fly along with the American paratroopers into Normandy.

Opening in 2009, the Purple Heart Lane Airborne Memorial Museum will stand as a stunning symbol of the Second World War's elite fighting forces - the airborne. Located in the natural reserve of the Parc des Marais, Carentan, at the end of the famous Purple Heart Lane at Silver Star Bridge, this project is a shining example of the Normans' belief in the importance of this historical moment and their gratitude to the men who threw off the yoke of Nazi tyranny.While the Bill Yarborough Exhibit Gallery introduces you to the airborne spirit, the Bob Cole Permanent Collection Hall provides a picture of the origins and evolution of the tools of airborne warfare. The museum's several original motion pictures will give visitors an up-close look at what the army's finest went through.
The Jumpy Johnson Exhibit Gallery is also designed to hold veterans' meetings, conferences, and cultural and historical events related to airborne warfare.
The Forrest Guth Exhibition Hall and the James Gavin Exhibition Hall are designed to house temporary displays, changing periodically to provide new interpretive exhibits to the public, as well as highlighting the museum's collections.

We initially planned to open in June 2007, but we were unable to reach the financial goal and a new law prohibiting constructions below sea level has caused to delay the project. Our new goal is now to be open in time for the 65th anniversary of D-day in June 2009.
Achieving the financial goal to build and equip such a Museum requires support from a variety of sources. At this stage of the project, those, public and private currently involved in this massive project are jointly the Carentan Historical Center supported by the City of Carentan and the Department of the Manche.

The Carentan Historical Center is still in search of foundations, partners, organizations, individuals, financially willing to support this project.