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MCRD San Diego Museum

MCRD San Diego Museum linktr.ee/mcrdmuseum

Welcome to the MCRD San Diego Museum! This museum is free and open to the publi Guided tours, classes, workshops are all free.

The MCRD Museum in San Diego shows the history of the Marines in California, and the history of the Marine Corps from 1921 to the present day. Major galleries include: From Sea to Shining Sea: The California Campaign of the Mexican-American War, The Early Days (the construction of MCRD and history up until WWII), World War II, The Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Forward Deployed: The Mar

ine Corps Since Vietnam, The History of Boot Camp, and Medals and Decorations. Other highlights of the museum exhibits include two armories featuring weapons used by the Marines, their allies, and their enemies; the Waterhouse Gallery of artwork of the Marines in the Mexican-American War; a temporary exhibit gallery, currently showing the satellite exhibit From Presidio to Pacific Powerhouse; a recreation of an MCRD Squad Bay. The museum maintains a reference center, comprised of an archives and a research library, which is free for patrons to use. The reference center contains photographs, newspapers, books, maps, cruise books and platoon books, manuscripts, and ephemera such as comic books, blood chits, menus, postcards, sheet music, etc. The museum also has an education program designed to teach Marine Corps history, tradition, and values. The museum also offers free merit badge workshops for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Museum staff is happy to travel to local classrooms to teach and will gladly send curriculum to out of area educators. The MCRD Museum Historical Foundation supports the MCRD Museum by fundraising and by providing volunteer support. The Foundation runs the museum gift shop.

Operating as usual

Yesterday, General Morris stopped by the MCRD Command Museum for an oral history.When was the last time you visited the ...
03/22/2023

Yesterday, General Morris stopped by the MCRD Command Museum for an oral history.

When was the last time you visited the MCRD Command Museum? Tell us in the comments!

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Happy 0311 Day to all Infantry Rifleman out there! Tag a 0311!
03/12/2023

Happy 0311 Day to all Infantry Rifleman out there! Tag a 0311!

International Women's Day recognizes women around the world. In celebration, the MCRD Museum and Foundation honor the wo...
03/09/2023

International Women's Day recognizes women around the world. In celebration, the MCRD Museum and Foundation honor the women who have served in the Marine Corps, from World War I to today. Thank you, Marines!
To learn more about the history of women in the Marine Corps, visit our website https://www.mcrdmuseumfoundation.org/

Thanks to Cpl Manny for stopping by the museum!   Manny is a dedicated Historian - he visits the museum often.
02/21/2023

Thanks to Cpl Manny for stopping by the museum! Manny is a dedicated Historian - he visits the museum often.

UNCOMMON VALOR WAS A COMMON VIRTUEThe MCRD San Diego Museum and Foundation honor the Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers who ...
02/19/2023

UNCOMMON VALOR WAS A COMMON VIRTUE

The MCRD San Diego Museum and Foundation honor the Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers who fought one of the most famous battles in our nation’s history.

78 years ago today, on February 19th, the Battle of Iwo Jima commenced.

Photos from MCRD San Diego Museum's post
02/16/2023

Photos from MCRD San Diego Museum's post

Merry Christmas from the MCRD Museum!
12/25/2022

Merry Christmas from the MCRD Museum!

The MCRD Museum will close early today at 1630, and is closed Sunday the 25th and Monday the 26th in observance of the C...
12/25/2022

The MCRD Museum will close early today at 1630, and is closed Sunday the 25th and Monday the 26th in observance of the Christmas holiday.

We wish you a very merry Christmas!

Join the MCRD Museum Foundation and Command Museum for the premiere of our virtual programs with a panel of generations ...
03/08/2022

Join the MCRD Museum Foundation and Command Museum for the premiere of our virtual programs with a panel of generations of female Marines. Female veterans and active-duty Marines will discuss their service history, being a female in service and hopes for the future of women in the Corps. This program will be hosted online via Zoom. Register for this FREE event using our linktree: linktr.ee/mcrdmuseum.

Made possible in partnership with SDSU Center for War and Society and MCRD EEO.

On Saturday, March 5th, the Command Museum opened its new Centennial exhibit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of MCR...
03/08/2022

On Saturday, March 5th, the Command Museum opened its new Centennial exhibit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of MCRD San Diego. A Ribbon Cutting event was held. It featured two performances by the Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment and a guest reception with special remarks from Commanding General Jason L. Morris and local elected officials. The Museum Foundation was honored to support this historic event in partnership with the Museum and Recruit Depot.

The San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot officially opened on December 1st, 1921. It was the first permanent expeditionary base on the West Coast of the United States. San Diego was chosen as its destination because it had several natural strategic advantages. San Diego has a natural harbor, it is a warm water port, and it is in the southernmost part of the West Coast. Today, MCRD San Diego continues to train Marines by instilling a fighting spirit, core values, and esprit de corps in every recruit, which has ensured the Corps’ success for over 240 years.

 In 1867, Jacob Zeilin became the first non brevetted Brigadier General Commandant in Marine Corps history. This was the...
03/03/2022

In 1867, Jacob Zeilin became the first non brevetted Brigadier General Commandant in Marine Corps history. This was the first time that Congress had authorized this rank in the Corps. During Zeilin’s time as Commandant, he challenged two efforts by Congress to disband the Marine Corps, once in 1867 and again in 1874. BGen Zeilin also approved the ‘Eagle, Globe, and Anchor’ design for the Marine Corps emblem.

 Four days after landing on Iwo Jima, 1stLt Harold G. Schrier led 40 men to the top of a 556 extinct volcano, Mount Suri...
02/23/2022

Four days after landing on Iwo Jima, 1stLt Harold G. Schrier led 40 men to the top of a 556 extinct volcano, Mount Suribachi. A newer regiment, the 28th Marines, reached the crest of the mountain's crater within an hour and planted an American flag on the summit. Recognizing the historical significance of taking control of the island, five Marines and a corpsman raised a larger flag in its place. Joe Rosenthal photographed this moment which became a historic moment, and the symbol of the 7th war bond drive.

 Marines in Vietnam began Operation Deckhouse VI in Quang Ngai. During the operation, which lasted until early March, th...
02/17/2022

Marines in Vietnam began Operation Deckhouse VI in Quang Ngai. During the operation, which lasted until early March, the Special Landing Force (BLT Y4 and HMM-363) accounted for 280 enemy combatants killed.

FLASH SALE! Today and Tomorrow Only! 15% off all outerwear with code "JACKET15".Proceeds from your purchase go to the MC...
02/09/2022

FLASH SALE! Today and Tomorrow Only! 15% off all outerwear with code "JACKET15".

Proceeds from your purchase go to the MCRD Command Museum and support outreach programs that serve Marines and military families in our community.

Shop Here: tinyurl.com/Jacket15
Must use the discount code at checkout to redeem.

 While a small handful of black men served with the Continental Marines during the Revolutionary War, the Marine Corps d...
02/07/2022

While a small handful of black men served with the Continental Marines during the Revolutionary War, the Marine Corps did not formally integrate after its re-establishment until June 1941. More than 19,000 African American Marines trained at Montford Point from 1942 to 1949. This unique and heroic group of Marines participated in Pacific island invasions such as Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Peleliu, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima.

Explore the Montford Point Marines Command Museum Exhibit here: https://tinyurl.com/MontfordMarinesExhibit

 the new 4th Marine Division successfully captured the twin islands of Roi-Namur in 1944. It was part of the first assau...
02/02/2022

the new 4th Marine Division successfully captured the twin islands of Roi-Namur in 1944. It was part of the first assault on Japanese-controlled islands before World War 2.

 Marines supported settlers in Seattle who were attacked by Native Americans in 1856. Settlers on the ground were suppor...
01/26/2022

Marines supported settlers in Seattle who were attacked by Native Americans in 1856. Settlers on the ground were supported by Marines from the United States Navy sloop-of-war Decatur. The battle lasted seven hours, ending with no Marine casualties.

 Marines in Vietnam engaged in what became known as the Second Battle of Khe Sanh. Attacked by Northern Vietnamese at Kh...
01/20/2022

Marines in Vietnam engaged in what became known as the Second Battle of Khe Sanh. Attacked by Northern Vietnamese at Khe Sanh, President at the time, Lyndon B Johnson ordered Marines to defend the base. Over the next 77 days Marines fought back a siege until they ultimately defended the land with the help of Air support, Marines, and South Vietnamese during Operation Niagara and Pegasus.

Read more about it here: https://tinyurl.com/BattleKheSanh

On Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey’s push up the Solomon island chain, the 4th Raider Marine Battalion landed on the Ge...
01/18/2022

On Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey’s push up the Solomon island chain, the 4th Raider Marine Battalion landed on the Georgia Islands. The New Georgia campaign was a part of Operation Cartwheel and played a large role in the Pacific Theater.

Read all about it here: https://tinyurl.com/PacificMarines

 Following the Battle of Chosin, the 1st Marine Division began operations against guerrillas in the Pohang area in South...
01/11/2022

Following the Battle of Chosin, the 1st Marine Division began operations against guerrillas in the Pohang area in South Korea.

Read About This Counteroffensive Operation: https://tinyurl.com/PohangOffensive

01/10/2022

It was announced the U.S was deploying 2,600 Marines to Somolia to assist with the withdrawal of United Nations peacekeeping troops. This marked the beginning of Operation United Shield.

Video Credit: AP Archive

Just a few hours left to order for shipping by Christmas! Order USMC gear, gifts, apparel, and more by 12/16 online at: ...
12/16/2021

Just a few hours left to order for shipping by Christmas! Order USMC gear, gifts, apparel, and more by 12/16 online at: shop.mcrdmhs.org

Last week the MCRD Museum Foundation awarded three scholarships as part of the 2021 Col Nate Smith Scholarship program. ...
12/10/2021

Last week the MCRD Museum Foundation awarded three scholarships as part of the 2021 Col Nate Smith Scholarship program. Recipients this year included one Marine, sailor, and Marine spouse, all of whom demonstrated a commitment to education. Thank you to all who have supported this initiative this year and in years past!

 we mark 80 years since the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Today we pause to remember and salute those who ma...
12/07/2021

we mark 80 years since the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Today we pause to remember and salute those who made the ultimate sacrifice that day

Pictured: USS Shaw exploding after her forward magazine was detonated by the fire

Black Friday deals are here! Take 25% off all USMC gear, gifts, apparel, and more with code: BFCM2021 at checkout!Shop o...
11/26/2021

Black Friday deals are here! Take 25% off all USMC gear, gifts, apparel, and more with code: BFCM2021 at checkout!
Shop online here: shop.mcrdmhs.org

 to all from the MCRD Museum and Foundation! The museum will be closed today and tomorrow. Wishing all a safe and joyful...
11/25/2021

to all from the MCRD Museum and Foundation! The museum will be closed today and tomorrow. Wishing all a safe and joyful holiday with loved ones!

We are proud to announce that the MCRD Museum Foundation has been selected as a 2022  grantee! We are incredibly humbled...
11/22/2021

We are proud to announce that the MCRD Museum Foundation has been selected as a 2022 grantee! We are incredibly humbled and honored to have been selected and look forward to continuing in our mission of supporting our military community. Thank you Midway Foundation!

11/19/2021

19 Nov 1868 - Eagle, Globe & Anchor

“The spirit of the Marines of Korea, Vietnam, and Kuwait still animates those who wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor today.” -- General James L. Jones, 32d Commandant, November 2000

Marine uniforms had featured a variety of insignia in the early decades – “plumes, cockades, tassels, and epaulettes,” either prescribed or locally adopted. In 1834, Headquarters specified that a 3-inch-wide brass eagle be worn on the hat, then in 1859 switched to a gold bugle and a silver “M.”

A board appointed by Commandant BGen Jacob Zeilin approved on 19 November 1868 the present Marine Corps emblem, designed by Lt George Reid, aided by a Washington, DC jeweler. It borrowed the globe from the Royal Marines, but showing the western hemisphere. The eagle and the anchor made clear the nature of the Corps as both American and maritime.

This shoulder board Eagle, Globe, and Anchor was worn by Lt George C. Reid, c1869. It is one of the earliest examples of the iconic insignia.

Today we salute all men and women who took an oath to serve and defend. We thank all veterans past and present for their...
11/11/2021

Today we salute all men and women who took an oath to serve and defend. We thank all veterans past and present for their service and sacrifice. Happy to all who have answered our nation's call.

Happy birthday, Marines! In celebration of this year's 246th birthday the MCRD Museum Gift Shop is offering 20% off all ...
11/11/2021

Happy birthday, Marines! In celebration of this year's 246th birthday the MCRD Museum Gift Shop is offering 20% off all orders! Get USMC gear, gifts, apparel, and more 20% off through Veteran's Day with code: BIRTHDAY20 at checkout.

Semper Fi!

Happy Birthday Marines! Here's to 246 years of the world's finest fighting force. Wherever you are, whether at home or a...
11/10/2021

Happy Birthday Marines! Here's to 246 years of the world's finest fighting force. Wherever you are, whether at home or abroad, we wish you a Happy 246th Birthday!

Photos from National Museum of the Marine Corps's post
11/08/2021

Photos from National Museum of the Marine Corps's post

Address

1600 Henderson Avenue , Bldg. 26
San Diego, CA
92140

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 3pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm
Saturday 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

(619) 524-6719

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when MCRD San Diego Museum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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Patton 2006
San Diego's beautiful summer stretches across September bringing with it a host of new exhibitions and events. Check out our NEW September Museum Fun Guide for great ideas throughout San Diego.

Pick your favorites from San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, ICA San Diego, The New Children's Museum, Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, Museum of Photographic Arts, FilmOut San Diego, USS Midway Museum, Lemon Grove Historical Society, Mingei International Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego African American Museum of Fine Arts, Marston House Museum, Visions Museum of Textile Art, Whaley House San Diego, San Diego Natural History Museum, Mission San Luis Rey, San Diego Police Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum, Barona Cultural Center & Museum, Coronado Historical Association, Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, Comic-Con Museum, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, California Surf Museum, Timken Museum of Art, Museum of Us, Fleet Science Center, WorldBeat Cultural Center, Basketball Forever, Vanguard Culture, San Diego Children's Discovery Museum, MCRD San Diego Museum, Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum, Women's Museum of California, La Jolla Historical Society, La Mesa Depot Museum, Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, and Maritime Museum of San Diego.
NEW August Museum Fun Guide! Catch the best of San Diego this month with new exhibitions, family friendly events, live music, romantic nights, movies and more.

Find the FUN all over San Diego County at more than 55 museums, historic sites, garden, zoos, aquariums and more including: Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego Museum of Art, Barona Cultural Center & Museum, San Diego African American Museum of Fine Arts, Japanese Friendship Garden, Living Coast Discovery Center, ArtWalk San Diego, Visions Museum of Textile Art, San Diego Air & Space Museum, Spreckles Organ Pavilion, Fleet Science Center, San Diego Natural History Museum, Women's Museum of California, Museum of Making Music, MCRD San Diego Museum, Vanguard Culture, San Diego Botanic Garden, Coronado Historical Association, Birch Aquarium at Scripps and more.

https://mailchi.mp/sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/big-exchange-museletter-memorial-day-2022-240682
I have no idea how this museum got here
Explore planes, trains, automobiles (and ships!) during The Big Exchange now through May 18. Enjoy BIG FUN at 40+ San Diego museums for FREE with your membership card including USS Midway Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum, JA Cooley Museum, Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, La Mesa Depot Museum and MCRD San Diego Museum (Oorah!). Don't have a membership? Now's a great time to get one from your favorite museum. For a full list of participating museums and more, go to www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org.
We salute the service of all military veterans this Veterans Day 2021 including the veterans at our military museums MCRD San Diego Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego, and the USS Midway Museum. A year-round tribute to Native American veterans is also prominently displayed at the Barona Cultural Center & Museum's "Wall of Honor" featuring tribal and community members. Native Americans have served in the armed forces in greater numbers per capita than any other ethnic group, and they have served with distinction in every major conflict for more than 200 years.

Pictured: SDMC Executive Director and USMC veteran Bob Lehman with Executive Director of Visions Art Museum Laura Mitchell (left) and Executive Director of Barona Cultural Center & Museum Laurie Egan-Hedley.
Happy Birthday, U.S. Marine Corps! Today marks the 246th birthday of the world's finest fighting force. To celebrate, the MCRD San Diego Museum gift shop is offering 20% off all online orders through Veteran's Day (11/11/2021). Use code BIRTHDAY20 at https://shop.mcrdmhs.org/.
We are proud to announce the MCRD San Diego Museum as a new San Diego Museum Council member, an addition reflecting the important contributions of active duty servicemembers, veterans and their families to our region.

The museum opened its doors in 1987 and has served the Recruit Depot/Western Recruiting Region through its mission to train recruits and provide for the continuing education of Marines. It supports the recruiting effort and serves as a bridge to the civilian community. The museum is currently open to veterans, active duty military personnel, and families of graduating Marines on Family Day and Graduation. All visitors must show valid government issued identification.

Find out more at https://www.mcrdmuseum.org/about-the-museum/visit-us or by calling (619) 524-6719.
Need some help Marines. I’m trying to find anybody who served with PFC SIPPLE, OLIVER W, he also went by “Billy.” He was originally from Detroit, MI but looks like he enlisted at Houston, TX and went to boot at MCRD San Diego on October 10, 1967 and graduated on December 14. I don’t know his platoon # at SD but he was trained at 2nd Bn. He then went onto Pendleton for infantry training at 3rd Bn, 2nd ITR and got sent to Vietnam with Kilo Co, 3rd Bn, 4th Marines. From what I’ve got so far, he didn’t make it for the 13 months. He got wounded in the head in December of 1968 and was medevac’d to Camp Butler on Oki and then sent to Navy Hospital Philadelphia via Seattle. He stayed in Philly until he was medically discharged on March 23, 1970. He was in Philly and then NYC for a while and then he moved west and ended up in San Francisco where he died in 1989 at 47. He was a known face at the Frisco VA hospital before he passed. Any help or guidance would be much appreciated. Semper Fi.

Sincerely,

Dick Coxe
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Proud to be a new member. Semper Fi
My sons recruiter said that there is a virtual family day on FaceBook today. How can I find it? (BRAVO COMPANY)
HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

Marine Band San Diego honors our military veterans who have served faithfully for our nation. Your selfless devotion and sacrifice for our nation's freedom serve as excellent models for future generations. Thank you for your service!
MCRD San Diego Museum



Happy !

The best way to stay up-to-date on all the happenings at the Museum is through our website and social media accounts. So for today's follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for posts on USMC and American history, artifact highlights, Museum updates, and more! Follow our NMMC Kids page for educational content too!

Facebook: National Museum of the Marine Corps
Twitter:
Instagram:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC86tex1gJ1lXWvw3TpjP72w?view_as=subscriber

Also, check out some of our favorite accounts for museums: George Washington's Mount Vernon, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, The National WWII Museum, the USMC Museum Parris Island, the MCRD San Diego Museum, The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. And, of course, our sister service museums: the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the National Museum of the United States Navy, the National Museum of the United States Army, and the National Coast Guard Museum Association!

What's going David Cardenas! How long are you going to be in San Diego?
It's Wednesday and you know what that means! It's podcast day, and this week we've got an exciting episode for you featuring Chris Weimer of MCRD San Diego Museum. After 9/11, Chris was inspired to help his nation, so he joined the Marine Corps - and the rest is history. Tune in to hear his story and the MCRD museum's long history and ties to San Diego.
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Listen now: https://bit.ly/2phqofF
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