Mission

Preserving our Past, Influencing the Present, Inspiring the Future

The National Museum of the Marine Corps, under the command of Marine Corps University, preserves and exhibits the material history of the U.S. Marine Corps; honors the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices of Marines; supports recruitment, training, education, and retention of Marines; and provides the public with universally accessible platforms for the exploration of Marine Corps history. The Museum:

• Collects and provides responsible stewardship for objects related to the history of the Marine Corps and individual Marines;
• Interprets the history of the Marine Corps through exhibitions, professional presentations, and other public programming;
• Conducts collections-based research and shares the results of that research through publications, exhibitions, and accessible public programming; and
• Develops materials and conducts educational programs for students, families, and educators to increase their knowledge of the history of the Marine Corps.

The Museum contributes to the recruitment, training, education, and retention of Marines by:

• Informing and inspiring visitors through exhibitions and other accessible public programs;
• Providing a backdrop for recruitment initiatives and an understanding of what it takes to “make a Marine”; and
• Providing opportunities for Professional Military Education (PME).

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A Continuation of Excellence

The National Museum of the Marine Corps—by demonstrating the highest professional museum standards—was reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 2022, ten years after its original accreditation in 2012. This achievement is a testament to the work and dedication of the staff, donors, volunteers, Marines, and visitors that help maintain the mission of the National Museum of the Marine Corps by preserving and exhibiting the history of the United States Marine Corps.

Plan your visit and see what 6.7 million visitors have experienced, why so many return, and why the American Alliance of Museums determined that the National Museum of the Marine Corps has met the highest professional museum standards.