The Marine Corps Heritage Center was conceived to tell, and preserve forever, the uniquely American story of contribution and sacrifice, valor and victory of the United States Marine Corps. It was designed to include a complex of facilities which include the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, artifact restoration and storage facilities and an on-site conference center and hotel. One of the goals of the Marine Corps Heritage Center, along with the General Alfred M. Gray Marine Corps Research Center, is to make Quantico the foremost center for the study of the Marine Corps, an exciting destination for Marines and civilians alike. Since 1999, the Foundation has worked with Marine Corps leadership, historians, educators, museum professionals, architects and exhibit designers to conceive a great National Museum that would tell the Corp´s legendary story — through the eyes of Marines.

Our joint vision and hope inspired tens of thousands of Marines to support this effort, enabling the Foundation to mount a major fundraising campaign that reached out to individuals, corporations, foundations and others, raising some $62 million toward the first phase of our venture.
 

	Marine Corps Heritage Foundation chartered to research and chronicle the contribution of the Marine Corps to the nation.
	Congress authorizes each service branch to develop a national center to house and interpret service history to the American public.
	Foundation’s mission expands to include planning and development of a new National Museum of the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Heritage Center.
	JUNE Fentress Bradburn Architects announced as the national architectural design competition winner for the Museum. SEPTEMBER Christopher Chadbourne and Associates selected as firm to design exhibits for the Museum.
	SEPTEMBER 25th Gala kicks off Capital campaign with a goal of $36.5 million. SEPTEMBER 26th Groundbreaking for Museum takes place in Quantico, VA. Watch the Video
	FEBRUARY 18th Design for new Marine commemorative coin is released. MARCH 8th Marines dedicate Museum site. May25th United States Mint strikes the first Marine Corps 230 th Anniversary Silver Dollar. MARCH 29th Giant mast of the Museum is erected. JULY 20th Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Silver Dollar officially released. AUGUST 4th Lin Ezell announced as the first Director of the Museum.
	NOVEMBER 10th Phase I, with over 100,000 square feet, is opened to the public on the Marine Corps´ 231st birthday. Watch The Dedication Ceremony Video

RELATED MEDIA

Dedication Ceremony, National Museum of the Marine Corps Dedication Ceremony, National Museum of the Marine Corps

» View more videos on the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation Channel on YouTube™