The National Museum of Patriotism in Atlanta, Georgia, US is to change its name to The National Foundation of Patriotism.

At the same time it will be closing the doors to its Baker Street NW premises in the city and become a virtual museum online instead. Nick Snider, founder and CEO of the museum said: "As a result of the current economic downturn, the museum needed a change. It became apparent that we need a new 21st century technology plan to continue the mission."

Executive director Pat Stansbury added: "The museum had to answer the call of the new economy to find a new way of doing business. "We have changed our name and will keep our status as a non profit organisation. This will allow us to have a bigger impact on America's patriotism and become extremely relevant on the national scene, helping those organisations and individuals on a local, regional and national level who have America's best interest at heart."

The museum, which first opened in 2004 and closes on 31 July, will continue to offer an array of services through its www.museumofpatriotism.org website. It believes this will allow it to reach a much broader audience with its resources not limited by a physical premises with limited hours. Among the attractions at the museum were exhibits relating to 'Symbols of America', 'Hall of Patriots', 'The Immigrant Experience', 'The Military - Defenders of Freedom', 'The First Responders - Fire, Police and EMT' and a memorial to 9/11 called 'One America'.