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National Museum of the Marine Corps

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Entrance to the National Museum of the Marine Corps
Aerial view of the Museum under construction, taken April 2006. (USMC photo)

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is the new historical museum of the United States Marine Corps. It is located in Quantico, Virginia and is free to the public. The museum had its grand opening on November 10, 2006 at which President Bush came to give a dedication and to also give the family of fallen Marine Jason Dunham the Medal of Honor.

President Bush: "These walls remind all who visit here that honor, courage, and commitment are not just words. They are core values for a way of life that puts service above self. And these walls will keep the history of the Marine Corps alive for generations of Americans to come." [1]

The exterior design is meant to "evoke the image of the flag raisers of Iwo Jima," an image that is also preserved by the USMC War Memorial. The 100,000 square foot museum is a tribute to the U.S. Marines who have served their country since 1775. In the near future, the building "pie" shape will be expanded/added to allow further exhibitry.


The new museum replaces the Marine Corps Historical Center, in the Washington Navy Yard, which closed 1 July 2005, and the Marine Corps Air-Ground Museum, in Quantico, Virginia, which closed on 15 November 2002. [2] [3]

The museum is a public-private venture, a cooperative effort of the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. The Foundation manages the museum operation, while the museum building will be donated to the Marine Corps.

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, established in 1979, is a private, non-profit organization which was established in support of historical programs of the Marine Corps. The MCHF programs initially included "education, awards, publications, special projects, preservation...." In 1999, the Foundation expanded its mission to include the creation of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Heritage Center

The National Museum of the Marine Corps will be the centerpiece of a complex of facilities called the Marine Corps Heritage Center. This multi-use, 135-acre campus will include the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park and Chapel; a demonstration area with parade grounds; hiking trails and other outdoor recreational offerings; a conference center and hotel; and an archive facility to restore and preserve Marine artifacts.

Exhibits

The museum features the following permanent exhibits, which were designed by Christopher Chadbourne and Associates, Inc.:

The museum currently also offers exhibits regarding: the Global War on Terrorism, Art Works by Marine Artists, and the Marine Corps Band. Future expansion of the building will allow the installation of exhibits focusing on the Corps from 1775-WW1

In addition to historical exhibits including displays of artifacts, multimedia, and full immersion experiences, the museum facilities also include class rooms, a theater, a gift shop, bar and a restaurant.

Photographs

  • The Museum's Main Rotunda features marine aircraft and large-scale quotes from famous Marines
    The Museum's Main Rotunda features marine aircraft and large-scale quotes from famous Marines
  • The room where this Korean War immersion is located has a lowered temperature to give visitors a feeling for the coldness of the mountains where the Marines were engaged
    The room where this Korean War immersion is located has a lowered temperature to give visitors a feeling for the coldness of the mountains where the Marines were engaged
  • The original flag from the raising on Iwo Jima is on display at the USMC Museum
    The original flag from the raising on Iwo Jima is on display at the USMC Museum
  • A wall similar to that at the National World War II Memorial features an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor for each Marine killed at Iwo Jima, and an anchor for each Navyman
    A wall similar to that at the National World War II Memorial features an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor for each Marine killed at Iwo Jima, and an anchor for each Navyman
  • Signs in a small gallery of art containing tables and chairs with paper and crayons invite children to draw pictures and write letters to Marines
    Signs in a small gallery of art containing tables and chairs with paper and crayons invite children to draw pictures and write letters to Marines
  • Actual Marines were used as models for all the figures in the USMC Museum
    Actual Marines were used as models for all the figures in the USMC Museum
  • Inside Marine Corp Museum
    Inside Marine Corp Museum
  • Exterior View of the Marine Corp Museum
    Exterior View of the Marine Corp Museum

See also

References

  1. ^ Matthew Borghese (November 10, 2006). "President Bush Dedicates National Marine Corps Museum". All Headline News. Retrieved 2006-11-11. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ Marine Corps History and Museum Division
  3. ^ Marine Corps Air-Ground Museum
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