Family-friendly military history museums to visit
The National Museum of the Marine Corps in northern Virginia
Our nation’s veteran and military museums provide a window into an important aspect of our collective history. Here are five places where you and your family can learn about the lives and experiences of those who serve.
1 THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS, QUANTICO, VIRGINIA The museum’s design evokes the image of the Marines raising the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. Inside, experience the sights and sounds of Marine life via exhibits of more than 60,000 uniforms, weapons, vehicles, medals, flags, aircraft, works of art and other artifacts.
INFO usmcmuseum.com
2 NATIONAL VETERANS ART MUSEUM, CHICAGO This innovative museum began as the result of a touring exhibit crafted by Vietnam veterans in 1981. Today, the collection includes work from more than 255 veteran artists, offering perspectives through paintings, photography, sculpture, poetry and music.
INFO nvam.org
3 NATIONAL NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM, PENSACOLA, FLORIDA At this museum, motion-based simulators and 3-D rides provide thrills for would-be aviators. Naval Air Station Pensacola is home to the Blue Angels and the museum showcases more than 150 aircraft representing Navy (and Blue Angels), Marine Corps and Coast Guard history.
4 THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE, DAYTON, OHIO The region’s rich aviation history includes the Wright brothers and the world’s largest military aviation museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Expect more than 360 aerospace vehicles, including the B-2 stealth bomber, missiles and fighters, as well as thousands of artifacts.
INFO www.nationalmuseum.af.mil
5 NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM, NEW ORLEANS Learn the secrets of military code cracking in a family workshop, explore changing exhibits and multimedia programs as you learn about America’s World War II experience.
