Museum of The American GI

Museum of The American GI The Museum of the American G.I is a living history museum dedicated to preserving the equipment, uniforms and memories of all American Servicemen and women.
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The Museum of the American G.I. is home to one of the finest collections in the US of restored, running WWI, WWII and later era military vehicles including a WWI FT-17 tank, WWII Sherman tanks, M18 Hellcats and various other tanks as well as historic uniforms and equipment used by the American Serviceman and women. What really makes this museum unique is its ability to exhibit the vehicles and wea

pons in action. We restore and maintain the equipment so the public can hear and see the equipment move under its own power. All of the vehicles and equipment on display are fully restored and functional.

Flying on Nuclear Power?!In the 1950s, the United States Air Force developed the Convair NB-36H, a modified B-36 bomber ...
06/17/2025

Flying on Nuclear Power?!

In the 1950s, the United States Air Force developed the Convair NB-36H, a modified B-36 bomber equipped with an operational nuclear reactor. Part of the Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion program, it was designed to explore the possibility of a long-range nuclear-powered bomber.

From 1955 to 1957, the NB-36H completed multiple test flights. While the reactor didn’t power the engines, it proved a plane could safely carry nuclear material without harming the crew.

Still, the concept was overtaken by advancing missile and jet technology. In 1961, President Kennedy ended the program, noting that after 15 years and $1 billion, a practical nuclear aircraft was still far from reality.

Photo: U.S. Defenseimagery.mil photo no. DF-SC-83-09332

Before Lady Liberty took the spotlight, Columbia was America’s original leading lady. ✨From the 17th century through the...
06/16/2025

Before Lady Liberty took the spotlight, Columbia was America’s original leading lady. ✨

From the 17th century through the World Wars, Columbia stood tall as a powerful symbol of freedom, patriotism, and Manifest Destiny. She rallied troops, inspired a nation, and led the charge westward — all in flowing robes and starry crowns.

Though time dimmed her shine, she wasn’t done yet. In World War I, Columbia returned with a commanding presence on recruiting posters, calling men to serve their country. 💪

Want to see this forgotten icon of American history for yourself? Visit the Museum of the American G.I. and discover our stunning collection of WWI propaganda posters featuring the fierce and fearless Columbia!

By Francis Adams Halsted and Vincent Aderente
Publisher: United States War Department 1916

in 1775 — A legend took command.250 years ago, George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental A...
06/15/2025

in 1775 — A legend took command.

250 years ago, George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

The colonies were at war and they needed more than a soldier — they needed a leader. Washington stepped up, bringing not only military experience from the French and Indian War but also the kind of steady leadership that could rally a revolution.

From that day forward, he wasn’t just leading an army — he was forging a nation.

Image: Washington appointed Commander-in-Chief. Currier & Ives. ca. 1876. [Library of Congress]

#1775

This Father's Day, we're saluting every hero — past and present.Whether he’s a battlefield legend or a backyard BBQ cham...
06/15/2025

This Father's Day, we're saluting every hero — past and present.

Whether he’s a battlefield legend or a backyard BBQ champ, dads deserve a little extra love today!

From all of us at the Museum of the American G.I., thank you to the fathers who lead, protect, teach, and inspire.

Drop a pic or a memory of your dad below and let’s celebrate the everyday heroes in our lives.

Tour Guide Annie wishes the U.S. Army a very happy 250th Birthday and invites everyone to stop by today for a birthday c...
06/14/2025

Tour Guide Annie wishes the U.S. Army a very happy 250th Birthday and invites everyone to stop by today for a birthday cupcake!

On June 14, 1775, amid the escalating tensions of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress took a bold step tha...
06/14/2025

On June 14, 1775, amid the escalating tensions of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress took a bold step that would shape the nation's future—they authorized the creation of the Continental Army, laying the foundation for what is now known as the United States Army.

Initially approving the enlistment of ten companies of expert riflemen to serve the united American colonies, Congress didn’t stop there. Behind the scenes, they took sweeping action: they assumed command of nearly 15,000 New England militia already engaged in the siege of Boston, authorized forces to defend New York, and established a committee to write the Army's first rules and regulations—truly forming an Army in both spirit and structure.

From that courageous beginning in 1775 to the global force it is today– It is now the largest and oldest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces—standing ever ready to defend freedom at home and abroad.

As we commemorate 250 years of courage, service, and sacrifice, we honor all who have worn the uniform—past and present.

Here’s to a legacy forged in battle, tempered by duty, and driven by a commitment to protect and serve. Happy Birthday, U.S. Army!

Stop in on Saturdays at 10:30 AM for our newest program, History Adventures, a children's storytime. Throughout June, we...
06/13/2025

Stop in on Saturdays at 10:30 AM for our newest program, History Adventures, a children's storytime. Throughout June, we will be reading Grace Banker and her Hello Girls Answer the Call by Claudia Friddell and Elizabeth Baddeley.

Follow along with Grace Banker and her team of telephone operators - known as "Hello Girls"- as they risk their lives to maintain vital communication lines on the French frontlines. They played a crucial role in the war and their dedication to their jobs was a part of the success of the American Expeditionary Forces.

On this day in history — June 12, 1948 — President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (PL 625), of...
06/12/2025

On this day in history — June 12, 1948 — President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (PL 625), officially allowing women to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. military in all four branches.

This groundbreaking legislation came just weeks before Truman’s Executive Order 9981, which desegregated the military — marking two bold steps toward equality in the Armed Forces.

Before 1948, women could only serve in temporary or limited roles such as nursing or clerical work, though Congress briefly granted the Women’s Army Corps full status during WWII. The 1948 Act permanently changed that.

Image: Women's Armed Services Integration Act: On June 12, 1948, President Harry S. Truman stands in front of the White House and holds a copy of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, which created regular and reserve status for women in the military. [Dept. of Defense VIRIN: 480612-O-D0439-001.JPG]

This week’s Vehicle of the Week features the Nash Quad 4017 A, a 1.5-ton truck from the Great War era. Also known as the...
06/11/2025

This week’s Vehicle of the Week features the Nash Quad 4017 A, a 1.5-ton truck from the Great War era. Also known as the Jeffrey Quad, named after its designing company, the Nash Quad served as a vital workhorse for the Allied Expeditionary Force, transporting ammunition, supplies, and troops for all member nations.

It is powered by a 5.1-liter, four-cylinder Buda engine, which delivers an impressive 28 horsepower. Designed to complement mule-drawn carriages in modern militaries, the Nash Quad's off-road capabilities were particularly noted, making it a reliable vehicle in challenging conditions.

To explore this remarkable piece of automotive and military history and discover more vehicles like it, visit our museum or browse our website.

From Museum collections, we find an original 1917 “Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Infantry of the A...
06/10/2025

From Museum collections, we find an original 1917 “Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Infantry of the Army of the United States.”

This well-worn pocket manual once guided U.S. Army soldiers through drills, discipline, and life in uniform during World War I. But what makes this copy even more special? A handwritten note inside:

“Property of Frank D. Watson, given to me by Bob Moore, 2007.”

Personal inscriptions like this powerfully remind us that every object in our collection has a life beyond the battlefield—a story passed from hand to hand, generation to generation.

Ever noticed the bold vintage poster in our lobby that asks, "Have You REALLY Tried to Save Gas by Getting Into a Car Cl...
06/09/2025

Ever noticed the bold vintage poster in our lobby that asks, "Have You REALLY Tried to Save Gas by Getting Into a Car Club?" It’s not just eye-catching—it’s a powerful piece of World War II history.

During the war, the U.S. was cut off from East Asia’s rubber supply due to conflict with Japan. That meant tires—just like gas—were a precious wartime resource.

Posters like this weren’t just about saving money—they were rallying calls to the public to support the war effort from home. Carpooling became a patriotic act.

Next time you pass by Harold von Schmidt’s striking artwork, take a closer look—there’s a whole story behind that simple question.

Printed by the U.S. Government Printing Office, 1944

On this day in history… the U.S. Navy launched a missile — to deliver MAIL!In 1959, a Regulus I cruise missile — usually...
06/08/2025

On this day in history… the U.S. Navy launched a missile — to deliver MAIL!

In 1959, a Regulus I cruise missile — usually built to carry a nuclear warhead — was repurposed for something surprisingly peaceful: delivering 3,000 letters across 100 miles in the first official U.S. rocket mail delivery.

Each letter, signed by Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield, marked the mission a success and included his bold prediction:
"Before man reaches the moon, mail will be delivered within hours from New York to California, to Britain, to India or Australia by guided missiles!"

That vision never quite landed. Rocket mail didn’t take off — but the test made one thing clear: U.S. missile technology was advancing fast.

Amid Cold War tensions, this launch was more than a novelty — it was a headline-making demonstration of strength, showcasing the Regulus I’s capabilities as a fast, accurate, and deadly weapon.

Fun fact: This wasn’t even America’s first attempt! In 1936, a rocket launched from Greenwood Lake, NY aimed for a post office in NJ… but it crashed mid-flight. The rest of the journey? Delivered the old-fashioned way — by hand.

PC L55-16.3.10 Regulus Missile First Missile Mail launch from the USS Barbarro

Address

19124 6
College Station, TX
77845

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+19796900501

Website

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