National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, Virginia, A Complete History of the Corps

The National Museum of the Marine Corps, which opened in 2006, offers visitors a look at the history of the marines as well as a glimpse into the life of a marine starting in boot camp.

The museum, which will eventually include over 200,000 square feet, is made up of several galleries. They include Making Marines, World War II, Vietnam War, Korea War, Combat Art and Global War on Terrorism.

The first thing a visitor will see upon entering the museum is the Leatherneck Gallery. Hanging over this gallery are four planes that are an important part of Marine history. The planes in this gallery are Curtiss Jenny from the 1920's, two World War II Corsair fighters and a Harrier Jump Jet.

Ground vehicles are also highlighted in this gallery with an LVT-1 amphibious tractor.

In the Making Marines gallery, visitors will be able to hear actual audio of real Marines as they head off to boot camp. See a little of what a Marine recruit endures during his time in boot camp. Visitors can also see if they can hit the mark in the M-16 laser rifle range.

Some of the other galleries highlight a particular war or conflict and guide visitors through the role that the Marines played in each of them. Also included are important artifacts from each war or conflict.

In addition to the permanent exhibits, the National Museum of the Marine Corps also hosts changing exhibits that offer visitors further glimpses into the life of Marines and the role that they have played in the United States military since they were first formed in the year 1775.

One visitor was just as impressed with the grounds as she was with the museum. She said, "I must say that it was so much more than I expected. The museum and grounds are beautiful. The recreated settings are so realistic.''

Special events and educational programs take place throughout the year including discussions with the museum curators and talks on topics such as battlefield medicine.

There are thousands of important artifacts in the museum including the two original flags raised by U.S. Marines over Mount Suribachi in February 1945 which flew during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Parents should keep in mind that the museum presents the entire history of the Marine Corps. This, of course, includes the Marine's role in a variety of combat situations. Some of the photographs may be disturbing to younger visitors.

Check for updated pricing information as well as information about upcoming events and changing exhibits.