Armed Forces History Museum to close after funds dry up

LARGO (FOX 13) - A spectacular display of American history will be no more. The Armed Forces History Museum will close at the end of January.

For years, the museum has been operating in the red, to the tune of $600,000 each year.

Its founder – John Piazza – would front the cash to keep it alive, but he passed away last month.

Cindy Dion, the museum’s director says they’re looking for a huge donor to come forward – or else the doors will close for good.

“This is reality,” Dion said. “This home for veterans is going away, and I’m hoping someone will have a heart for that and will want to continue to salute veterans and maybe they’ll step up.”

Dion said if the museums shuts down, they’ll donate several rare items to the Smithsonian Museum and the World War II Museum.