Visit the Museum

Open to the public:
Mon-Sat: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 4:30pm
Front Desk: 619-524-8431

Admission is free, and military identification is not required, although admittance to the Depot requires a photo identification card, driver’Äôs license, and proof of insurance if driving aboard base.

Command Museum Education Program

Mission
Welcome to the MCRD San Diego Command Museum Education Program. Our mission is to serve as a bridge to the civilian community for the purpose of educating and enlightening children and adults about Marine Corps history, tradition, and values.

We accomplish this by:

• Teaching students US history, social studies, communications, and current events, as it coincides with Marine Corps history.
  
• Teaching Marine Corps history and values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment to youth and civic organizations.
  
• Providing guided tours of galleries to visiting groups.
  
• Facilitating historic lectures and educational seminars on Marine Corps history for the public and Depot personnel.
  
• Participating in family events aboard the Depot.
• Publishing historical materials about Marine Corps history.

Please contact us if your class, group, or organization is interested in receiving instruction, lesson plans, or tours.

About the Education Program
The Education Program at the MCRD San Diego Command Museum was established in 2005 to provide visitors with a more in-depth educational experience, as part of the Command Museum’Äôs commitment to supporting life-long, experiential learning. Since opening to the public in 1987, thousands of people have visited the Museum, including hundreds of school groups as well as other youth and civic organizations.

Visitors to the Museum are immersed in U.S. history, with the Marine Corps’Äô history paralleling the history of our nation. The Marine Corps has been involved in every American conflict from the Revolutionary War to the current Global War on Terror. Founded in 1775, the Marine Corps even predates the birth of the United States. It was no accident that the Marine Corps was already present to help protect our young nation, just as the Marines continue to protect our country today as America’Äôs Force in Readiness. A field trip to the MCRD San Diego Command Museum, therefore, provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience United States history through the eyes of the Marines.

Marine Corps history is also regional and local history. Throughout 1846 to 1848, the Marines played a vital role in the establishment of California as a U.S. Territory during the Mexican-American War. The Marine presence in California continued with a Marine Barracks at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Northern California, and a Recruit Training Station on the same location in 1912. In 1911, due to unrest in Mexico, the Marines of the 4th Provisional Regiment landed at North Island, adjacent to the city of Coronado, and returned again in 1914. Since 1914, the Marines have maintained a continued presence in the San Diego region. At one time, the Marines were even stationed in Balboa Park. San Diego would not enjoy its rich history were it not for the Marine Corps.

Far from being just a history of battle and tactics, social history is also told through the Marine Corps story. The Museum describes the integration of both African-Americans and women into the Marine Corps, and the crucial role of the Navajo during World War II is interpreted in the Museum’Äôs Codetalkers exhibit. Visitors gain an understanding of the vital contributions of these historically underrepresented groups and their impact on the Marines' past and present.

A field trip to the MCRD San Diego Command Museum brings to life what students only read about in their text books. It is certain to be a fun, educational, and memorable experience for students of all ages. The Museum is a reminder that the freedom we enjoy in America has never been free. It is also a tribute to the determined and spirited men and women who since 1775 have proudly claimed the title of United States Marine.

Learn how you can help support the Command Museum through membership in the MCRD Museum Museum Historical Society More Information