Foundation

Become a part of the legacy of Sgt. York with an annual membership or in contribution to the SYPF.

Founded in 1993

With a motto of “Legacy in Action,” the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation (SYPF) is preserving and promoting the legacy of America’s greatest WWI hero, Sergeant Alvin C. York. SYPF works with York State Park and York family to preserve the York home, farm and artifacts; develops and coordinates educational opportunities for youth and adults; works to increase sustainable York heritage tourism; operates York General Store Visitor Center; and is restoring historic York Institute built by Sgt. York.

Founded in 1993, past SYPF accomplishments include achieving issuance of a Sgt. Alvin C. York postal stamp, construction of the reproduction 1930s-era store/visitor center and publishing out-of-print historic books. The Foundation is currently in the process of restoring the historic York Institute, built by York in the 1920s, as a multipurpose educational facility for the Upper Cumberland. More than $1 million has been spent on the proposed $5 million project.

Vision

One person moving forward and standing up for what they believe in can create a ripple effect, making our communities, our state and our America a better place.

Mission

We Breathe Life Into History… By teaching the world about spirit, tenacity and courage in the face of adversity through the inspiring story of the life of one of WWI’s most decorated war heroes, Sgt. Alvin C. York.

We Restore and Preserve… By developing sites like the Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park in Pall Mall, TN, and the Alvin C. York Historic Institute in Jamestown TN, keeping them intact and thriving, so they may serve as educational, historic and cultural destinations for current and future generations.

We Invest in Education… By providing educational outreach programs for our youth, promoting higher education and honoring our veterans by working to create opportunities for the men and women who have faithfully served our country.

Other Accomplishments

Other recent accomplishments have included securing and implementing an Appalachian Regional Commission grant for more than $40,000 for interpretation and promotion of Sgt. Alvin C. York State Park in Pall Mall and Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park in Byrdstown in an effort to increase tourism to the sites; hosting an annual Veteran’s Day ceremony that attracts veterans and visitors from across the region; presenting the Sgt. York Cultural Arts and Heritage Celebration with a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission to showcase more than two dozen musical, performing and visual artists; creating a digital archive of York’s papers, photos and other paper ephemera; and enhancing Sgt. York’s presence on the internet though use of social media, blogs and You-Tube; and upgrading our website to include downloadable brochures, lesson plans, slideshows, documents and GPS coordinates listings for Pall Mall attractions. and educational photos, slideshows and documents.

Membership Options

Please send all membership dues to P.O. Box 100, Pall Mall, TN 38577.

  • Recruit    $25.00
  • Private    $50.00
  • Corporal    $100.00
  • Sergeant    $500.00
  • Medal of Honor    $1,000.00
  • Life Time Member    $5,000.00