About AAI

About the American Academy of Industry

The American Academy of Industry is an Illinois, not-for-profit organization and is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Founded in 1995 as an educational group, AAI's stated purpose is to advance the public’s knowledge through the preservation and presentation of historic artifacts significant to American Industry including, but not limited to: National Defense Regional Heavy Industry Manufacturing, and Transportation;

On June 30, 2006 the United States Coast Guard, via the Federal General Service Administration (GSA) and the Illinois Central Management Service (CMS), transferred the USCGC Acacia (WLB-406) to AAI to serve as a historic educational platform for the public in Illinois.

The Acacia's mission is to:
   - Serve as a tribute to the veterans (the most significant piece of national defense) of the Coast Guard, Navy and Merchant Marine
   - Tell the intertwined story of Great Lakes' Maritime History, Heavy Industry, and Transportation; and
   - Tell the story of the Acacia and the Coast Guard’s 180’s.