The Marine Corps Heritage Center: Our Past

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. 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.

Our History

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1979
Marine Corps Heritage Foundation chartered to research and chronicle the contribution of the Marine Corps to the nation.
Late 1980's
Congress authorizes each service branch to develop a national center to house and interpret service history to the American public.
1998
Foundation’s mission expands to include planning and development of a new National Museum of the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Heritage Center.
2001
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.
2003
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
2005
FEBRUARY 18th
Design for new Marine commemorative coin is released.
MARCH 8th
Marines dedicate Museum site.
May 25th
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.
2006
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
View more videos on our YouTube™ Channel
Dedication Ceremony,
National Museum of the Marine Corps