U.S. Military Museums

The United States has a wealth of military museums, maintained by the Armed Services as well as by veterans groups and other private organizations. The Army Museum System is described, with links, by the U.S. Army Center for Military History. Many of those museums are also described in the table below.

Specialized museums can also be found elsewhere on Olive-Drab.com such as on the Navy & Ships and Military Aviation pages.

Jeep, from the Korean War exhibit at the 1st Cavalry Division Museum. Fort Hood, TX.

U.S. Military History Museums

1st Cavalry Division Museum includes an outstanding display of vehicles from many wars, both US and captured enemy units. This page has an index of vehicle photos from the museum. Many other displays plus huge photo library. Building 2218, P.O. Box 5187, Fort Hood, TX 76545. 254-287-7068, 254-287-6423 fax.

First Division Museum at Cantigny. Dedicated to the history of the Big Red One, the famed 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army. A modern 38,000 square foot facility, including 10,000 square feet of state of the art interactive and experiential exhibits. 1 S 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60187-6097. 630-668-5185. fdmuseum@firstdivisionmuseum.org

4th Infantry Division Museum. Huge collection of vehicles, aircraft, and historical presentations about the 4ID. Rebuilt in 1999 with a new, second exhibits building. Exhibits telling the history of the 4th Infantry Division in World Wars I and II are in the new building, while the exhibits in the old building depict the history of the division from 1950 to the present day, the early Camp Hood and the Tank Destroyer Force. Battalion Ave. & 27th Street, Fort Hood, TX 76544. 254-287-8811.

12th Armored Division Museum is dedicated to the members of the division whose efforts helped bring victory in World War II. 1289 North Second St., Abilene, TX. Website has a large collection of photos. hellcatsmuseum@yahoo.com

The 45th Infantry Division Museum collections include personal property of Adolf Hitler, the Reaves' Military Firearms Collection, the "Hall of Flags" from 1951 to Operation Desert Storm, and over 200 of Bill Mauldin's original Willie and Joe cartoons from World War II. 2145 NE 36th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73111-5302. 405-424-5313, 405-424-3748 fax. museum45@aol.com

82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum is located on Fort Bragg, NC at the intersection of Ardennes and Gela Streets. Follow signs from I-95 or NC 24.

Aerospace Museum, Scotia NY. The Empire State Aerospace Museum, Scotia, NY has display vehicles and aircraft from WW II, Korean War, and Vietnam. 518-377-1034, 518-377-1959 fax

American Armoured Foundation, Inc., Tank and Ordnance War Memorial Museum. At the Tank Museum you will see one of the finest collections of tanks, armoured vehicles, ordnance, uniforms, and headgear, etc. found anywhere in the world. Many restorations being performed right in front of visitor's eyes. Visitors are able to inspect these in-process restorations, and are encouraged to talk to the Tank Museum's staff to learn more. The Museum shop sells militaria, books, and even complete vehicles. 3401 U.S. Highway 29B, Danville, VA 24540. 434-836-5323, 434-836-3532 fax.

American Helicopter Museum and Education Center brings the adventure and history of rotary-winged flight to life by showcasing the aircraft, technology, and milestone contributions of rotary-wing flight to this nation's aviation heritage. 1220 American Blvd., Brandywine Airport, West Chester, PA 19380-4268. 610-436-9600, 610-436-8642 fax. rotors@icdc.com

The American Society of Military History has a museum in the suburbs of Los Angeles with exhibits from all branches of the US armed forces: Army, Navy, Marines and the Air Force. Tracked vehicles, wheeled vehicles, artillery and more. Visit the web site for many photos. 1918 North Rosemead Boulevard, South El Monte, California. 626-442-1776, 626-443-1776 fax. tankland@aol.com

Andersonville National Historic Site is unique in the National Park Service as the only park to serve as a memorial to all Americans ever held as prisoners of war. The 475 acre park, consisting of the national cemetery and prison site, exemplifies the grim life suffered by prisoners of war, North and South, during the Civil War. The historic site was established in 1970. In April 1998 the National Prisoner of War Museum was opened here. The 10,000-square-foot (900-square-meter) museum combines interactive exhibits, videotaped interviews, narrated letters, and photos and memorabilia preserved from the estimated 800,000 Americans who have been held prisoner in wars beginning with the American Revolution through the Persian Gulf War. Route 1, Box 800 Andersonville, GA 31711 912-924-0343

Armed Forces Museum, the military history museum for the State of Mississippi, honors the service and sacrifices of Mississippi's servicemen and women of all branches and those from other parts of the country that trained in Mississippi during times of war. The museum's state-of-the-art exhibits tell personal stories of the heroes and heroines of our Republic and serves to educate future generations about the price paid for the freedom and prosperity Americans enjoy today. Building 850, Camp Shelby MS. 601-558-2757. Museum Director: chad.daniels@ms.ngb.army.mil

The Armed Forces History Museum is a non-profit organization, founded in 2008, dedicated to preserving military history and providing education to the public of the many sacrifices made to protect our freedom. The museum is committed, through its collections and outreach, to being a vital partner in the cultural life of the Tampa Bay and Central Florida communities and strives to achieve this goal through the highest professional standards in keeping with military traditions. 2050 34th Way North, Largo, FL 33771. 727-539-8371

Army Historical Foundation, Inc. is raising money for The National Museum of the United States Army (NMUSA) to tell the story of the US Army as an institution and be a tribute to the American Soldier. 2425 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22201. 703-522-7901, 703-522-7929 fax. armyhstfnd@aol.com

Not exactly a museum, but Arkansas Roadside Military Hardware provides a long list of tanks, planes, artillery and other hardware on display at VFW Posts, parks, and wherever found.

Battery Corporal Willis S. Cole Military Museum has focused on World War One history, including the display of souvenir condition relics, as well as field dug relics complete with locations found and history to go with them. The museum is now also researching World War Two American Aircraft crash sites in France and Belgium, helping others to locate such sites and information on personnel involved. The museum has published a book by the Director, "The Last Flight Of The Lady Jeannette", ISBN 0-9662728-0-3, about the awarding of dual Congressional Medals of Honor to the pilots of the B-17G. 13444 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034-5403 U.S.A. ww1@ww1.org

Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles is a general transportation museum with some outstanding military vehicles. 85 S. Walnut St., Boyertown, PA 19512. 610-367-2090.

Camp Blanding Museum & Memorial Park. World War II vintage aircraft, artillery and vehicles as well as monuments to Medal of Honor recipients. The museum displays memorabilia of the early history of Camp Blanding and its role in World War II. S.R. 16 (10 miles east of Starke, FL). 352-533-3196

The California Military Museum houses over 30,000 artifacts as well a substantial library and archives. In addition to the main facility in Sacramento, the museum also has three satellite museums at Camp Roberts in southern Monterey County, Camp San Luis Obispo, and the Los Alamitos Armed Forces Reserve Center in Orange County. Old Sacramento State Historical Park, 1119 Second Street, Sacramento, California.

The Camp Pendleton Mechanized Museum houses 75 vehicles (and growing) from different eras, including World War II, Vietnam and Desert Storm at its location within the Camp Pendleton Marine Base. Founded by Master Gunnery Sgt. James C. King, motor transport maintenance chief, 1st Marine Division and officially established in 2002. 2612 Vandegrift Blvd., Camp Pendleton, CA 92055

The China Lake U.S. Naval Museum of Armament & Technology houses one of the finest collections of tactical aircraft weapons and technology anywhere. The collection includes guided missiles, precision guided bombs, conventional bombs, rockets, and other ordnance. Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, CA. 760-939-3105

Colorado Springs Historical Military Museum. Dedicated to the restoration and preservation of military vehicles, and to educate the public with guided tours. 1220 Dragon Man Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80929. 719-683-2200

Garbarino Military Vehicle Museum. Dozens of tanks, trucks, jeeps, tractors and other military vehicles and militaria. Jacoby Street, San Rafael, CA 94901. Call to arrange tour. 415-459-6292.

The National D-Day Memorial complex includes a National Monument, Amphitheater and an Education Center, that commemorates and preserves the legacy of D-Day in World War II. Located at the interchange of State Routes 460 Bypass and 122, in the city of Bedford, VA (between Roanoke and Lynchburg). Office: 202 East Main St., Bedford, VA 24523. 540-586-DDAY, 800-351-DDAY, 540-586-7200 fax. dday@dday.org (Thanks to Don Yeargin of the Liberty House Inn, Bedford, VA for this suggestion.)

The National D-Day Museum celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won World War II and promotes the exploration and expression of these values by future generations. 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. 504-527-6012, 504-527-6088. Info@DDayMuseum.org

J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum houses over 20,000 firearms and firearm related items, military and civilian, from the US and other countries. One of the largest collections in the world. 333 Lynn Riggs Blvd. (U.S. Route 66), Claremore, Okla. 74018. 918-341-5707. (Thanks to Jack Wall for this suggestion.)

Firelands Military History Museum has grown from its start of a single Korean war jeep to its present size of over 40 pieces of military history. Military equipment from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam war is on display and is used for parades. Huey rides. Almost all of the equipment is in working condition and is available for rides. The largest vehicle is the huge 60-ton M-60-A1 tank, while the smallest is the 1942 Harley-Davidson military motorcycle.

Fort Brady Museum. US Army Box 11, Brady, NE 69123. 308-584-3215, 308-584-3216 fax

Fort Hamilton has guarded the entrance to New York harbor since 1776 when a gun battery there fired on British ships. Through all of US history, the Fort has played a role. In WW I and WW II Fort Hamilton served as a major embarkation and separation center. Today, it is the home of a U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion and the Military Entrance Processing Station for New York City. Visit the Harbor Defense Museum, directions on the web site. Fort Hamilton Historical Society, Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11252. 718-630-4349.

Fort Jackson Museum at the U.S. Army Training Center, Ft. Jackson, SC holds 2,600 pieces of historical property including weapons, clothing, equipment, and military vehicles. The museum illustrates how the American soldier has been trained to perform his duties in peacetime and war.

The Fort Lewis Military Museum, is the Northwest's largest and most diverse museum of martial history with its extensive collection of Army uniforms and artifacts pertaining to Fort Lewis, the Army's presence in the Pacific Northwest, and the units which served at the post. A vehicle park includes a variety of military vehicles and tanks from WW2 to the present.

The Fort MacArthur Museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the history of Fort MacArthur, a U.S. Army post which guarded the Los Angeles harbor from 1914 to 1974. 3601 S. Gaffey St., PO Box 268, San Pedro, CA 90731. 310-548-2631, 310-241-0847 fax.

Fort Snelling Military Museum. Dedicated to the remembrance of veterans of all wars and the preservation of the military equipment they used. Holds the midwest's largest collection of historical operating military vehicles. 511 Constitution Avenue, Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4027. 612-713-3291.

The GI Museum preserves memorabilia representing the generations of Americans who have served our country so that we remain free today, making them available through displays and educational programs. 5796 Ritcher Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. 228-872-1943.

Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles. A growing museum with Tanks, Half-tracks, jeeps and other vehicles from WW II to Desert Storm. Off I-80, Exit 237. 612 N. Grant, PO Box 699,Lexington, NE 68850. 308-324-2393 or 2793.

The Herreid Military Museum tells the story of Rock County, MN citizens who served the nation during WW I and WW II. Exhibits feature artifacts, pictures, stories, video, memorabilia and written testimonies. Located in Luverne, MN, which was featured in Ken Burns' 2007 documentary "The War" on PBS. Adjacent to the Rock County Veterans Memorial with its exquisite bronze caste statue named "Poppies," placed in grateful memory of all veterans. 215 East Luverne Street, Luverne, MN 56156. 507-283-4061, 888-283-4061.

The Idaho Military History Museum has the purpose of preservation, display and interpretation of military history and artifacts that have a geographical tie to the history of the people and state of Idaho. Photos, artifacts, weapons, vehicles, and displays. 4748 Lindbergh St. (Next to Gowen Field), Bld 924, Boise, Idaho 83705. (Thanks to 'buffalohead' for this suggestion.)

Illinois Heritage in Flight Museum. Aviation history plus some military vehicles. Located in Lincoln, IL at the site of the old Camp Ellis, a WW II German POW camp.

Indiana Military Museum is dedicated to fostering the memory, understanding, and appreciation of U.S. military history by maintaining, preserving, and displaying artifacts which represent the strength and freedom of our American heritage. The museum exhibits a vast array of unique artifacts, including military vehicles, artillery, weaponry, uniforms, insignia, artwork, textual resources, music, equipment and other related artifacts from the Revolutionary War to the present day. 2074 North Old Bruceville Road Vincennes, IN 47591. 812-882-8668.

The Ft. Benning, Georgia National Infantry Museum contains a large collection of military art and artifacts and follows the steps of the American foot soldier across two centuries of courage and determination. Triumphant victories, dispiriting defeats, and day-to-day life are interpreted in the paintings and sculpture of World renowned artists. Weapons carried by allies as well as enemies and a wide range of support equipment from the American Revolution to the present are on display.

The Institute of Heraldry is a part of The Adjutant General Directorate, U.S. Total Army Personnel Command. They furnish heraldic services (research, design, development, standardization, quality control) to the armed forces and other United States government organizations.

The Jacksonville Museum of Military History is located at the WW II site of the administration building of the Jacksonville Ordnance Plant including a 4,500 square feet building, with an additional 10,000 square foot area of new construction behind it. There are many permanent and special exhibits located in the Museum's galleries including artifacts, military vehicles and displays from WW II, the Korean, Gulf, Afghan and Iraqi Wars in addition to educational and research facilities. 100 Veterans Circle, Jacksonville, AR. (501) 241-1943. (Thanks to 'buffalohead' for this suggestion.)

The Kansas Museum of Military History is dedicated to the acquisition, restoration and display of aviation and military history. Displays include over 300 model airplanes, dozens of military vehicles, military uniforms and equipment, and more. 135 South Highway 77, Augusta, KS 67010. 316-775-1425. info@kmmh.org

The Kansas National Guard Museum displays weapons, uniforms and other artifacts carried or worn by Kansas Guardsmen from the Civil War to the Gulf War. 6700 S.W. Topeka Blvd., (the main entrance of Forbes Field) Topeka, KS.

Korean War Veterans National Museum & Library Web Site. Currently in its planning and development stage, this will be the first museum of national scope devoted entirely to the subject of one particular war.

Lane Motor Museum. Unique collection of mostly European automobiles not typically seen in the United States, including military vehicles. 702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210. 615-742-7445. Curator: Susan Lane

Legion of Valor Museum. The museum houses thousands of items and papers donated by Legion of Valor members and others. Numerous framed citations, photographs, and exhibits tell the story of America's wars as seen by individual soldiers, sailors, and airmen. Uniforms and equipment of different eras are also on display. 2425 Fresno Street at "O" Street, Suite 103, Fresno, CA 93721. 209-498-0510.

The George C. Marshall Museum celebrates the life of one of America's foremost soldier/statesmen and the times in which he lived. PO Box 1600, VMI Parade, Lexington, VA 24450. 540-463-7103, 540-464-5229 fax

McClain's Military Armor Museum. U.S. Armor history and evolution. (Joe McClain). PO Box 1252, 2330 Crystal St., Anderson, IN 317-649-8265.

Michigan Museum of Military Transport is a travelling museum with a program of educational outings for children in MVs and other programs showing the general public the significance of military vehicles in the history of the 20th century. PO Box 1123, Grayling, MI 49738. Brian K. Morrison, President. 231-582-2364. bigbeemorrison@juno.com

Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford IL 61107. 815-397-9112, 815-397-9156 fax. In September, hosts North America's largest World War II era reenactment with more than 1,000 reenactor soldiers and dozens of tanks and World War II vintage military vehicles.

The Military Firefighter Heritage Display at Goodfellow Air Force Base, San Angelo, TX, includes a unique collection of historic military firefighting vehicles and the DoD Fallen Firefighters' Memorial. As the home of the Department of Defense Fire Academy, Goodfellow is a logical location for the equipment display and the memorial. Funding and support comes from the Military Firefighter Heritage Foundation.

The Military Museum of Butte County is located at Surplus City Jeep Parts and is dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of this century's military history, art, and memorabilia. 4514 Pacific Heights Road & HWY 70 (inside of Surplus City), Oroville, CA 95965. 530-534-9956, 530-534-1170 fax

The Military Museum of Southern New England. The nation's largest private museum collection of heavy fighting vehicles and artillery pieces from the World Wars I & II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War eras. Life-size Dioramas showing U. S. and foreign equipment in realistic World War II settings. Rotating exhibits of period art work, artifacts, weapons, and memorabilia. The museum's outside display area contains tanks, armored vehicles and artillery pieces from World War II, Korea and the Vietnam eras. 125 Park Avenue, Danbury, CT 06813. 203-790-9277, 203-790-0420 fax

The Military Museum of Texas exhibits armor, half-track, and other military vehicles, including M-151 prototype. 8611 Wallisville Road, Houston, TX. 713-673-1234

The Military Road Show & Traveling Musuem was established in 1999 by a Vietnam veteran, dedicated to veterans of all countries. The collection includes uniforms, medals, patches, magazines, pictures, maps and war souvenirs. The Museum is the proud home of the Vietnam Wall, a memorial to the 53 men from Kalamazoo County who did not return home. 5350 Ivanhoe Ct., Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5555.

The Military Vehicle Technology Foundation oversees one of the largest and most significant collections of historical military vehicles in the world. They acquire, restore, and interpret the historical significance of 20th and 21st century military vehicles such as tanks, armored cars, self-propelled artillery, towed artillery, antitank, and antiaircraft guns. Military support equipment, inert ordnance, and accessories round out the collection. The collection includes American, British, German, and Soviet vehicles. Tours are by appointment only. Please email to arrange a visit. Note: Jacques Littlefield, who established the MVTF, passed away in January of 2009.

Military Veterans Museum ("Fields of Honor") contains an extensive collection of military vehicles, equipment and military related items. Navy Room has the recommisioning plaque from the USS Wisconsin, a piece of the the USS Arizona and the log book pages from the USS California for Dec. 7th 1941. The 32nd Division exhibit contains many personal artfacts and mementos of WWI and WWII's Pacific Theatre. Large display of US military insignia and library containing books, documents and service manuals, over 3000 titles. City Center Plaza in downtown Oshkosh, WI. Mail: P.O. Box 511, Neenah, WI. 54957-0511. 920-426-8615

Miracle of America Museum. Extensive military display which includes over 20 vehicles, a large collection of home-front posters, bomber equipment, and memorabilia from several wars. 58176 Highway 93 Polson, MT 59860. 406-883-6804 museum@cyberport.net

Motts Military Museum. Exhibits of memorabilia, photos, equipment and vehicles (including Huey chopper) from wars including US Civil War through the Gulf War. NASA exhibit too. 5075 South Hamilton Road, Groveport, OH 43125. 614-836-1500, 614-836-5110 fax.

Museum of the American G.I. is a A Living History Museum preserving the equipment, uniforms and memories of the American serviceman. Features restored military vehicles and equipment, original military uniform collection, fully functional weapons and artillery, equipment and technical library, and memorabilia collection. Living history activities are held at the museum and annual combat reenactments. 1303 Cherokee St., College Station, TX. Brent Mullins, President/CEO, 979-690-0203.

Museum of the Forgotten Warriors is dedicated to all veterans, honored through exhibit halls of tens of thousands of artifacts from all American wars. Exhibits range from cannons, helicopters and tanks to uniforms, equipment, papers and relics. Open Thursdays and special days (see website). Free admission. 5865 A Road, Marysville, CA 96901 (west of Beale Air Force Base). 530-742-3090.

The Museum of the Marine in Jacksonville, NC tells the story of the unique contributions of Camp Lejeune and auxillary bases throughout the Carolinas from their establishment in World War II to the accomplishments of the MV-22/Osprey and other innovations for today's battlefield. Post Office Box 1046, Jacksonville, NC 28541-1046. 910-937-0033, 910-937-0537 fax.

Museum of the Soldier. Highlights the service and sacrifice of the military veteran, through uniforms, photographs, and related items. 510 East Arch Street, Portland, IN 47371. 260-726-2967 . mos@jayco.net

The National Cryptologic Museum provides a "peek behind the curtain" at a once-secret world -- the exploitation of enemy cryptology and the protection of American communications. Colony 7 Road, off Maryland Rt. 32 at the Baltimore/Washington Parkway, Ft. Meade, MD.

National Historic Seaport of Baltimore (Maryland), includes the World War II submarine Torsk and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Taney, last warship afloat that survived the Pearl Harbor attack, along with Ft. McHenry, ships from the 19th century and other U.S. history landmarks. (Thanks to Arthur Kyle for this suggestion.)

National Military Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving the military heritage of all branches of the United States Armed Forces and those who served on the home front, both during war and between wars. Exhibits include the transportation building that features helicopters and vehicles. 701 Messanie Street, St Joseph, Missouri 64501. 816-233-4321, 816-279-9667 fax. info@nationalmilitaryheritagemuseum.com

National Military History Center. See WWII Victory Museum.

The Navy Museum. Ship models, uniforms, medals, ordnance, tools, equipment, photographs and fine art. 805 Kidder Breese Street SE Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5060.

Visit Ed Thelen's Nike Web Site for information about SF-88, the Nike site museum in San Francisco, CA.

The National Museum of the Pacific War (formerly the Admiral Nimitz Museum and Historical Center) is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of World War II in the Pacific Theater. Located on a seven-acre site, the Center includes the George Bush Gallery, Admiral Nimitz Museum, Plaza of Presidents, Veterans' Walk of Honor, Japanese Garden of Peace, Pacific War Combat Zone, and the Center for Pacific War Studies. In addition to nearly 24,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, the museum boasts an impressive display of Allied and Japanese aircraft, tanks, guns and other large artifacts made famous during the Pacific War campaigns. P O Box 777, Fredericksburg TX 78624. 830-997-4379, 830-997-8220 fax.

The Old Guard Museum, tells the story of the United States Army's oldest active infantry unit. Building 249, Sheridan Avenue, Fort Myer, VA 22211.

Oregon Military Museum, has a firearms collection, Liberty trucks, tanks, trucks, artillery, uniforms, radios, books, films, and pictures. Public visitation Fri Sat 1-4; otherwise by appointment Tues to Fri 8 to 5. Steve Mc George, Director. Camp Withycombe, Clackamas, Oregon 97015. 503-557 5359.

General George S. Patton Memorial Museum. Established to honor the late General George S. Patton and the thousands of men who served with him here at the Desert Training Center and overseas. Located off Interstate 10, about 30 miles east of Indio at Chiriaco Summit, at what was the entrance to Camp Young, command post for the DTC during World War II. Chiriaco Summit, CA 92201. 760-227-3483.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. The 120,000-square-foot musuem structure houses world-class interactive exhibits using the most innovative technology to surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Triangle, VA 22172. 877-635-1775. info@usmcmuseum.org

The Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor is administered by the US Army at Fort Knox, KY. This web site describes the museum, including its extensive inventory of vehicles from many countries, and has Gen. Patton bio and other info.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum recounts the story of Pennsylvania citizen's who served in defense of their nation. Their service is highlighted through exhibits and artifacts that are documented by the museum's excellent collection of vehicles and small arms. Year-round events include reenactments, documentaries, speakers and more. The Pennsylvania Military Museum and 28th Infantry Division Shrine occupy 67 acres that includes a military parade grounds, landing zone, and recreation/picnic area. 602 Boalsburg Pike, Boalsburg, PA 16827. 814-466-6263.

The Reno NV Military Heritage Museum features rotating exhibits ranging from the Revolutionary War era to the Persian Gulf War. Located in the entrance to the Nursing Home Care Unit at the Ioannis A. Lougaris VA Medical Center, 1000 Locust Street, Reno, NV 89502. Open every day 7 AM to 8 PM. Contact Thomas J. Iverson, Curator at 775-328-1491. sarge@hotmail.com

Russell Military Museum. Authentic aircraft and vehicles from World War I through Desert Storm, including tanks, airplanes, helicopters, motorcycles, boats, and howitzers. I-94 & Hwy. 165, 11114 120 Ave., Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 53159, 262-857-3418 , 262- 857-7934 fax. msonday627@aol.com.

The U.S. Navy Seabee Museum covers the history of the Naval Construction Battalions from their beginning at the outset of WW II to today. Many exhibits of uniforms, equipment, weapons, and their many accomplishments in building the installations needed to support combat operations. Naval Base Ventura County, Building 99, Port Hueneme, CA 93043. 805-982-5165. A new U.S. Navy Seabee Museum is being constructed adjacent to the Construction Battalion Center portion of the Naval Base Ventura County, situated directly on Ventura Road. (Thanks to Frank Lopez for updated information.)

From 1794 to 1968 the Springfield Armory was a center for the manufacture of U.S. Military small arms and the site of many important technological advances. A large weapons museum is now housed in the original Main Arsenal Building, 1 Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01105-1299. 413-734-8551.

The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum honors the service and sacrifice of all Iowa veterans from the Civil War to present. 503 South Street Waterloo, IA 50701. 319-234-6357.

Texas Military Forces Museum. Exhibits of the Texas air and land military from Texas' War of Independence to today. Building 6, 2200 West 35th Street, Camp Mabry, Austin, TX. (Just west of Loop 1, MOPAC Blvd). 512-782-5659.

Top Kick's Military Museum is a small museum in West Virginia striving to preserve military vehicles and equipment.

Through indoor, outdoor, and on-line exhibits, the Tropic Lightning Museum relates the history of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Wheeler Army Airfield, and the 25th Infantry Division from 1941 to the present. Building #361, Waianae Avenue, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii 96857-5000. 808-655-0438.

U.S. Army Engineer Museum at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO has examples of construction, bridging, land mines, and many other aspects of Army Engineer history and activities.

U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) is located with the Army War College, and is the only currently active arm of the National Museum of the US Army. It is home to the Military History Institute, the Army Heritage Museum, a full Army Conservation Lab and a comprehensive Visitors Center for tours and events. 950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013. 717-245-3971.

The U.S. Army Medical Department Museum, Fort Sam Houston, TX. Collection consists of Army medical equiptment (including captured medical equipment used by foreign armies), uniforms, artwork, photographs, and scale models and a collection of restored and replica ambulance vehicles.

U.S. Army Ordnance Museum Exhibits an enormous array of ordnance, representing weaponry from the Revolution to Viet Nam. Edged weapons, handguns, rifles, machine guns, grenades, mines, booby traps, and more. A 25-acre field contains more than 200 armored vehicles of all types. Bldg 2601, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21005-5201 410-278 3603, 410-278 7473 fax.

U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum. Since 1957 the Quartermaster Museum, at Ft. Lee, Virginia, has preserved the history and heritage of the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps, the Army's oldest logistic branch. For more than two centuries Quartermaster soldiers have fed, clothed and equipped the United States Army.

The U.S. Army Signal Corps Museum at Fort Gordon, GA preserves and teaches all aspects of the history of the Signal Corps, the development of Fort Gordon and vicinity, and the U.S. Army. Many unique artifacts dating as far back as 1861.

The U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, VA is the only museum in the United States devoted entirely to the history of military transportation. In 1987, the museum was rededicated as Besson Hall, in honor of General Frank S. Besson, the first four-star Transportation Corps general. Nearly 100 vehicles, amphibians, aircraft, rail equipment and experimental craft can be seen in the vehicle park and in the helicopter pavilion adjoining the museum.

The U.S. Army Women's Museum at Fort Lee, Virginia is dedicated to collecting, preserving and illustrating the history of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, the Women's Army Corps and Women in today's Army. 2100 Adams Avenue, Building P-5219, Fort Lee, VA 23801-2100. 804-734-4326.

The Veterans Memorial Museum, operated by the Alabama Center of Military History, is dedicated to promoting and disseminating the accomplishments of American military men and women from World War I to the present day. The Museum displays more than 30 historical military vehicles as well as tableaus, artifacts, and other memorabilia. There are 'living history' presentations on many Saturdays by affiliated reenactment groups. 2060A Airport Road, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-883-3737. info@memorialmuseum.org

The Warrant Officer Hall of Fame (unofficially known as the Warrant Officer Museum) and the Warrant Officer Career Center are centrally located at Fort Rucker Alabama. The aviation oriented displays date from the Vietnam war and continue up through the Persian Gulf war.

Watervliet Arsenal Museum houses many priceless bits of history, such as old weaponry and ammunition dating back to the 16th century and modern cannon and guns, everything from 60mm lightweight company mortars to the massive 16-inch guns of World War II battleship fame. Rt. 155. North of Albany, NY.

The West Point Museum at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY holds the oldest and largest diversified public collection of miltaria in the Western Hemisphere. Open all year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

At the White Sands Missile Range Museumyou can trace the origin of America's missile and space activity, find out how the atomic age began, and see the missile park displaying a variety of missiles and rockets tested at White Sands. Las Cruces or El Paso gate, White Sands Missle Range, New Mexico. 505-678-8824.

The WWII Victory Museum is the single largest, and possibly most important collection of WWII vehicles, uniforms, arms, equipment and documents in the world. Over 100 vehicles from the U.S., the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Czechoslovakia, Belgium and Germany, many operational, are the centerpiece of the collection. Located in Auburn, Indiana. 260-927-9144. UPDATE: On 8 December 2012 an auction was held to reaise money to keep this museum open by downsizing. Name changed to National Military History Center.

The Wright Museum. Situated on a six-acre site in historic Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, the museum has a unique collection of World War II vehicles and artifacts preserved from the years 1939 to 1945.

World War II Vehicle Museum and Learning Center has a large collection of restored vehicles, many shown in photos on the web site. Note: Founder and Curator Henry Venetta died in 2007. The museum has been closed. The collection is rumored to have been purchased by Knight's Armament Company, Titusville, FL.

WW II US Military Vehicle Museum. (Joe Gabarino) 1050 Andersen Drive San Rafael, CA 94901. 415-485-5648

Recommended Video about U.S. Military Museums

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