Armed Forces History Museum closes doors

LARGO, Fla. _ The Armed Forces History Museum, which opened in Largo in August 2008, closed for good on Sunday, Jan. 29. The museum has been operating in the red since it opened, according to an announcement about the closure.

The museum was founded by the late John J. Piazza, Sr., whose 55-year span collecting military memorabilia ranging from grenades to tanks resulted in the museum’s grand opening on Aug. 16, 2008.

The museum experienced approximately 25,000 guests annually thanks to daily visits, group sales, field trips, private event rentals and special events. Museum operators described its location as “challenging” because it can not been seen from the road. The museum is located inside a warehouse in an industrial park off Ulmerton Road, which is not a tourist destination.

Piazza died Oct. 3. and the museum was forced to close its doors.

The Piazza family estate, along with the museum’s board of directors, are currently in discussions regarding the future of the museum’s collections. No plans have been finalized as to the disposition of the collection. For information, email info@armedforcesmuseum.com