“We have an overarching opportunity to provide a forward-thinking museum designed to ensure that the contributions of our Carolina Marines and Sailors to our Nation’s freedom are remembered, to teach young and old alike the virtue in understanding what made our great Nation a leader of the free world, and to help prepare our young people to lead, to follow, and to embrace future challenges.”
General Al Gray, USMC (Ret),
29th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
Capital Campaign
Meet the Marine. Be Inspired
Capital Campaign
Meet the Marine. Be Inspired
“We have an overarching opportunity to provide a forward-thinking museum designed to ensure that the contributions of our Carolina Marines and Sailors to our Nation’s freedom are remembered, to teach young and old alike the virtue in understanding what made our great Nation a leader of the free world, and to help prepare our young people to lead, to follow, and to embrace future challenges.”
General Al Gray, USMC (Ret),
29th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
Mission Statement
Honor, preserve, and teach the legacy of Carolina Marines and Sailors. Showcase the Marine example to inspire future generations.
Vision Statement
To provide a forward-thinking museum designed to ensure that the contributions of Carolina Marines and Sailors to our Nation’s freedom are remembered. To prepare our young people to lead, to follow, and to embrace future challenges.
Core Values
We are professional, patriotic, selfless servants who support and defend the Constitution and embrace the core values of the United States Marine Corps: Honor, Courage, and Commitment
Voices of Honor:
Read messages from the founders, USMC veterans, and board members: Why this Project is Important for all of us and generations to come.
Introducing Carolina Museum of the Marine
We are building a 25,000 square foot museum showcasing Marines and Sailors whose service to the Nation exemplifies honor, courage, and commitment. Further, the unique role of Camp Lejeune in preparation for World War II and amphibious operations was the foundation for our victory and the great Nation we have become. This outstanding legacy of service and community support continued after World War II and persevered through our Nation’s every conflict. The story of the Carolina Marines and Sailors is compelling and worthy of being told.
The Carolina Museum of the Marine will also provide an exciting new multipurpose venue for public and private events including military balls, promotion and retirement ceremonies, weddings, and civic events.
How is the Museum Being Created?
An experienced team of architects, designers, construction managers, curators, and volunteers – all under the leadership of the museum’s CEO and staff – are developing a building and exhibits that will embody the experiences and stories of Carolina Marines and how they have dedicated their lives to the service of their country.
Here we are telling a more personal story – one that explores how that dedication is formed and manifested in defending our country and engaging in humanitarian efforts, and how qualities such as innovation, adaptability, and connection to family and community are part of the fabric of what we can all aspire to be.
Architectural Renderings
Construction Progress
Phase I – $8.5M (completed)
Reflection and Celebration Park
PhaseII – (In progress)
Carolina Museum of the Marine
Why Here?
This museum is located in a special place. It is legendary that “Marines come from the sea” – and Marines first came to the Carolinas because it was an ideal place to train and develop innovative amphibious warfare strategies that were a critical part of the success in the brutal battles in the Pacific during World War 2. This type of innovation combined with the grit, bravery, and special ethos of Marines is part of the ongoing legacy and impact of the Corps. The design concept is conceived as a series of dramatic, immersive experiences consisting of large-scale objects, scenography, images, media, and personal stories illuminating topics, themes, and events. The visitor journey and sequencing of experiences aims to capture a sense of cadence and tempo that is reflective of the steadiness, rhythm, and procession of Marines.
Meet the Marine. Be Inspired.
The stories that unfold in the museum will show how Marines have become “America’s 911 Force” – always ready, always faithful. At Parris Island, the title of United States Marine is earned. In the Carolinas, Marines and Sailors are trained, not just physically but mentally and emotionally, forming deep bonds and values that will continue throughout their lives.
We hear and see these stories from the voices and perspectives of Marines, their families, and their communities.
Al Gray Marine Leadership Forum
Al Gray Marine Leadership Forum will engage visitors of all ages with dynamic educational programming designed to strengthen the museum experience and make it truly memorable. Currently we intend to:
We will teach the core values, strategic thinking skills, and leadership traits and principles that are emblematic of our Marine Corps. We will focus on developing educational material and educational programs aligned with this philosophy. As we execute, we remain committed to General Gray’s mission to use the Marine example to inspire future generations. General Gray is an ardent supporter and active member of our Board of Directors.
Keep the Flame Burning Brightly
From every walk of life to every clime and place, Marines and Sailors selflessly answer the call to support and defend our Constitution, to carry high the torch of freedom, and to preserve our way of life.
Now we ask you to answer the call to protect and preserve their legacy, to carry the torch to future generations.
Your meaningful gift to Carolina Museum of the Marine sets in place a firm foundation for future generations to meet the Marine and be inspired.
Help us preserve the legacy of Carolina Marines and Sailors and the communities in which they raise their families. Give generously with pride to our Marines and Sailors. Your gift is a tangible and permanent way to thank the most diverse group on earth united for one common cause – this great Nation, and our way of life.
Download Naming Opportunities list. Does one call to you? Do you see your place among those who stand beside the legacy of our Marines?
Thank you for your support. Semper Fidelis!
For Information Contact:
Ashley Danielson
Vice President of Development
907 Lejeune Blvd., Jacksonville, NC 28540
Email: adanielson@museumofthemarine.org
