Virginia WWI and WWII Commemoration Commission

The US Army Quartermaster Museum (located just outside of Petersburg, VA at Fort Lee) collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets the history of the Quartermaster Corps from 1775, through WWI and WWII, to the present. To this end, the Museum has collected nearly 24,000 artifacts relating to the Corps' history and has assembled thousands of documents relating to quartermasters.

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture, formerly known as the Virginia Historical Society, was founded in 1831. It has operated without interruption for more than 180 years. The VMHC is the only organization dedicated to collecting and interpreting all of Virginia’s history—all areas, all time periods, and all people, including WWI and WWII.  For this reason, although it is a private non-profit, the General Assembly designated it as the state's official historical society. 

​Rising a lofty 240 feet in the heart of Richmond’s Byrd Park stands the Virginia War Memorial Carillon—the Commonwealth’s official monument to the men and women who died as a result of World War I. The majestic tower, dedicated in 1932, houses a massive musical instrument made up of 53 fixed bronze bells, still played during annual holiday concerts.

The US Army Women's Museum, located at Fort Lee, is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of women in the U.S. Army and the only museum of it's kind in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Museum's archive has one of the most comprehensive collections in the world of primary and secondary documents,  artifacts, and materials pertaining to the service of women in U.S. Army branches and organizations.

Founded to educate the community about the tragedies of the Holocaust, the Virginia Holocaust Museum serves to memorialize and document the atrocities that occurred during World War II. Through exhibits, programming, and outreach, the Museum uses the history of genocide to teach the dangers of prejudice and indifference. 

As part of the national centennial observance of WWI, the Maymont Mansion provides a glimpse into the war’s effect on the Dooley household and other Richmonders. Visit the Dooleys’ Gilded Age home to see how citizens rallied to support the war, from Major Dooley's financial support with the largest purchase of Liberty Bonds in Virginia, to the immensely important activities of women “doing their bit” for the country, to the Maymont butler and chauffeur who enlisted.

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture, formerly known as the Virginia Historical Society, was founded in 1831. It has operated without interruption for more than 180 years. The VMHC is the only organization dedicated to collecting and interpreting all of Virginia’s history—all areas, all time periods, and all people, including WWI and WWII.  For this reason, although it is a private non-profit, the General Assembly designated it as the state's official historical society. 

The AAF Tank Museum is a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. The museum collects, restores, displays and preserves as many military artifacts as possible from pre-WWI, and from WWII through the present. The museum houses one of the most extensive collections of International Tank and Cavalry artifacts in the world, including over 120 tanks and artillery pieces, and so much more.

The Nelson County Veterans Memorial Field was dedicated 60 years ago soon after the new high school was built. The idea for the memorial was created by Central Virginia Electric Cooperative CEO and the Superintendent of Schools. The memorial is made of soapstone from Alberene Soapstone Plant at Schuyler, cut and placed there by the plant workers. It stands as a memorial to Nelson County's WWI, WWII and Korean War veterans who lost their lives in those conflicts.

The inspiring rise of Monument Terrace commemorates Lynchburg citizens who fought and died in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and present day. At the base on Church Street stands the iconic doughboy statue. Many other sculptures and markers line the 139 steps and terraces all the way to the top, where the Lynchburg Museum stands on Court Street. The museum features local history exhibits, including "Lynchburg in WWI."

The Military Room at the Walton's Mountain Museum in Schuyler, Virginia, features a large selection of WWI and WWII items (both American and German), detailing our country's involvement in the conflicts. Their collection includes helmets, grenades, gas masks, munitions belts, uniforms, mess kits, footlockers, canteens, boots, medical items, books and much more. 

Located in the town that suffered the highest per capita D-Day losses in the nation, the National D-Day Memorial pays tribute to the Allied Forces of the largest land, sea, and air operation in history: the Invasion of Normandy. The D-Day memorial features an English Garden, a haunting invasion scene and statuary, and the Victory Arch, serving as a tribute to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of D-Day’s servicemen & servicewomen.

Located at the Fort Story US Army base, the new Cape Henry Lighthouse was built to replace the old one in 1881, and is the tallest cast iron lighthouse in the United States. The 164-foot octagonal tower has been operated by the U.S. Coast Guard since 1939. During the early part of World War II, the top was used as a battery commander's station for Battery Walke, which contained two 16-inch howitzers. 

The Mariners Museum's "Defending the Seas" exhibit tells the story of the navy’s important role in our nation’s past, present, and future. Each of the exhibition’s five sections focuses on an important period in the navy’s history (including WWI and WWII) while stressing the overriding importance of sea power to our nation’s strength.

Originally built in 1919, returning WWI troops disembarked from ships and marched through the arch in victory parades. The arch was reconstructed to its current state in 1962, and on Memorial Day in 1969 an eternal flame was added, donated by the American Legion. Today the arch serves as a memorial, with the eternal flame continually burning for all the men and women of the armed forces. 

The VA Beach Surf & Rescue Museum is housed in a 1903 Life-Saving / Coast Guard Station. There are two floors of exhibits. The Lower Gallery is housed in the old boat room and tells the story of the Life-Saving Service. The surfmen slept on the second floor of the building. Here you will find tales of Virginia shipwrecks, the Battle of the Atlantic in World War II, and view short films depicting Coast Guard rescue methods and VA Beach history.

Fort Monroe National Monument and the Casemate Museum interpret the history of Fort Monroe’s importance as a bastion of defense for the Chesapeake Bay during the World Wars. Crucial to the Endicott system of shore batteries and the M.A.R.S. tower, Fort Monroe was uniquely positioned to protect the entrance to Hampton Roads. Museum exhibits explore Seacoast Artillery, the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps, naval mine placement, and other contributions to the war effort.

The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest private collections of World War I and World War II military aircraft in the world with over 100 aircraft. Each has been beautifully restored to its prior military flying condition, using original parts whenever possible. Learn about the aircraft as you get up close, and hear the stories of the those who created aviation history.

The U.S. Army Transportation Museum is the only museum dedicated to the history of Army Transportation. From horse-drawn wagons to armored vehicles, their story is told through exhibits, models, dioramas, and more. Located on Fort Eustis, the museum features a 50,000 square foot building and four outdoor parks dedicated to army aviation, marine vehicles, cargo handlers, and wartime railyards. 

Military history from 1775 to the present is highlighted through weapons, vehicles, uniforms, and more. See a section of the Berlin Wall and a portion of the outer wall from Dachau Concentration Camp. Galleries include Women at War and Marches Toward Freedom, exploring the military roles of women and African-Americans, and Visions of War, the Museum's outstanding propaganda poster collection. 

Located in Norfolk's restored 1850 city hall, the MacArthur Memorial traces the life and career of General Douglas MacArthur and honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Highlights include military artifacts, photographs, documents, paintings, memorabilia, the general's trademark cap, sunglasses and corncob pipe, plus his 1950 Chrysler Crown Imperial limousine. 

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum introduces visitors to over 234 years of U.S. Naval history. One of 12 officially operated U.S. Navy museums, the museum houses a rich collection of authentic uniforms, weaponry, underwater artifacts, detailed ship models and artwork. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is located on the second level of Nauticus, home to the WWII Battleship Wisconsin. 

The Adventures in Flight Gallery highlights the origins of flight and Hampton Roads’ significant role in commercial, general and military aviation. Visitors can take an immersive aviation adventure from the origins of flight to the future of flight. They can “wing walk” on a recreated Jenny, explore a DC-9, ride in a WWII B-24 bomber motion simulator, sit in the cockpit of an FA-22, and much more!

The York Co. Historical Museum is the only museum in Yorktown that interprets the entire history of the county. From pre-European settlement to the present, visitors can discover artifacts and exhibits telling the diverse stories of York’s past. Exhibits also recount military history of the county, both on the battlefield and home including WWI & II. Chronicle the history of the carrier USS Yorktown, the Naval Weapons Station and more. Explore Yorktown's 300 years of history!

The Americans in Wartime Museum (currently under construction), will bring history to life through the stories of American men and women who have answered the call to serve, from WWI and WWII to the present. It will also serve as the official home for The VA Museum of Military Vehicles. VMMV currently educates the public about the experiences of the veterans who served their country at yearly open houses and live demonstrations at their "Tank Farm" in Nokesville, VA".

The Commemorative Air Force was founded to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans. More than just a collection of airworthy warplanes from the past, the CAF's fleet of aircraft recreate, remind, and reinforce the lessons learned from the defining times in American military aviation history.

Fort Hunt Park, a former WWII Prisoner of War interrogation camp, was once part of George Washington's estate and is situated along the Potomac River. Visitors can explore the outsides of Batteries Robinson, Sater, Porter, and Mount Vernon. The interior of the batteries are closed to the public because they were lined with asbestos during WWII and used to safeguard nitrate film rolls from the National Archives. 

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines- past, present, and future. World-class exhibits using innovative technology surround visitors with rare artifacts and immerse them in the sights & sounds of Marines in action. Attend boot camp, test skills with a laser-designated M-16, feel the ground shake at Iwo-Jima, brave the cold in the Korean War battlefield, and more! 

Quantico Marine Corps Base is open to the public with identification. Quantico has been the "Frontline of innovation" and was the place where amphibious warfare was conceived and perfected in preparation for World War II. Quantico National Cemetery is also on the base. 

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 service members and their families. Many 5-star leaders from WWII are buried here, and memorial sites include Tomb of the Unknowns; the Kennedy gravesite, Coast Guard Memorial, and more. The adjacent Women’s Memorial honors all servicewomen who have courageously and selflessly served in America's defense to the present. 

The Freedom Museum features the stories of local heroes from Manassas and Prince William County. The names of the heroes who gave all are presented on a memorial in the museum. Most of the WWII artifacts were donated by local residents and include a Norden Bombsight, nose section of a B-25, military art, and tours conducted by veterans of some of the historical events in our exhibits.

The Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, is the companion facility to the Museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Opened in 2003, this huge facility houses thousands of important icons and artifacts of aviation and space history, including many significant WWII aircraft such as the famous B-29 “Enola Gay”. Daily tours, educational activities, lectures and events are held throughout the year. The Museum is open daily from 10 am to 3pm. Admission is free; parking is $15/car.

Oatlands was the country home of the Eustis family from 1903 to 1965. William C. Eustis served as Gen. John J. Pershing’s interpreter and personal assistant during WWI. The Eustis’s only son, Morton C. Eustis, served in the 2nd Armored Division commanded by Gen. George Patton. Their stories are interpreted as part of Oatlands’ 200+ years of history. Comprised of more than 414 acres, magnificent terraced gardens, and multiple beautiful historic building, Oatlands is a must-see in the area.

Admiral Black, last owner of Rippon Lodge, was a WWII veteran and survivor of Pearl Harbor. Learn about daily life of soldiers in the European and Pacific Theaters. WWII living historians portray Axis and Allied soldiers and discuss their equipment, armaments, and vehicles. Learn about the homefront and the ways that citizens supported the war effort. View collections of original WWII artifacts. 

The Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial is a monument honoring sailors of the United States Navy and the United States Merchant Marine who died at sea during World War I. It was designed in 1922 by Harvey Wiley Corbett and sculpted by Ernesto Begni del Piatta. It was dedicated on October 18, 1934. Nicknamed "Waves and Gulls," the memorial depicts seven seagulls above the crest of a wave.

The Marshall House is an educational center in the restored home and gardens of General George C. Marshall, Architect of Allied Victory for WWII, Special Ambassador to China, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Nobel Peace Laureate. Located in historic Leesburg, the house was George and Kathrine Marshall's residence from 1941 until the General's death in 1959.

The official museum for the history of the United States Army is located just outside Washington, DC. The objectives of the museum are to honor America's soldiers, preserve US Army history, and educate the public about the Army's role in American history. Located on 84 acres at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, 20 miles south of Washington, D.C, the main building is approximately 185,000 square feet and displays selections from the United States Army Center of Military History spanning the formation of the Army to the present day. Outside this facility is a park with gardens and parade ground. Space is also planned to accommodate ceremonies, reenactments, lectures, educational programs, and reunions.

The Pentagon Tours program hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually. The tour lasts for approximately 60 minutes and follows a route that is approximately 1 ½ miles in length. Each tour includes the mission of the Department of Defense and each of its branches of service, and visits numerous displays that highlight and depict significant moments in military history. 

Inspired by the Pulitzer Prize-winning photo of five Marines and one Navy corpsman who raised the U.S. flag over Iwo Jima during the Battle for the Pacific, the memorial stands as a symbol of the nation's esteem for the honored dead of the U.S. Marine Corps. The memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in the defense of the United States since 1775. 

Originally founded as militia in 1741, the 116th Infantry Regiment distinguished itself as the Stonewall Brigade during the Civil War, fought in WWI, landed in the first waves on Omaha Beach and most recently deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. It is the 7th oldest military organization in America. The foundation provides a museum for artifacts and objects of historical significance from the regiment; provides educational activities, and much more.

Retrace the journey of our 28th president at The Woodrow Wilson Museum as you tour through 7 galleries which explore Wilson's early years, presidency, suffrage, prohibition and WWI. The President's restored 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine is a museum highlight. Immerse yourself in the state-of–the-art WWI trench exhibit to experience what life was like for soldiers engaged in battle. See authentic weapons and uniforms as you discover the unforgettable story of the doughboys.

The Marshall Museum tells the remarkable story of five-star General George C. Marshall, US Army Chief of Staff during WWII and “organizer of victory.” Visitors are free to conduct a self-guided tour of three main spaces. The Organizer of Victory exhibit in the west wing focuses on General Marshall’s leadership in WWII. The Nobel Peace Prize he received in 1953 is also on display.

Originally built in 1795, the Shenandoah Co. Historic Courthouse is the oldest courthouse west of the Blue Ridge in continuous use. Now serving as a museum, it features a special exhibit highlighting the role of locals in WWI and WWII. Visitors can learn more about Shenandoah's wartime connections: Shenvalee Resort’s role as a detention center for Italian diplomats, Woodstock Brewhouse’s origins as a Navy uniform maker, the former parachute factory at Strasburg Emporium, and more.

Several memorials in Dickenson County honor the soldiers who have died in combat, including a Vietnam memorial, Korean War memorial, and memorials for World War I and World War II located on the Dickenson County Courthouse Grounds. Also on site is a memorial for the county's only Revolutionary War soldier John Mullins, while another honors soldiers who fought in the Civil War at Cranesnet Battlefield.

Virginia Tech has a chapel dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives. The Memorial Court contains eight pylons which are dedicated to Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty, Duty, and Ut Prosim (the university motto which translates "That I may Serve"). A cenotaph below the court contains the names of seven alumni who were awarded the Medal of Honor.

History, Heritage, and Romance—these three words describe the story of the collection of artifacts, photographs, china, and furniture on display at the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum. The Museum includes themes, such as support and care-giving to the first family during WWI, and Mrs. Wilson as a role model for current and future generations. The museum is located on the first level of the Bolling Home.

Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. This former courthouse was built in 1799 by Henry Dickenson and underwent restoration in 1976. The building is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a Virginia Landmark. Many antiques are displayed in the building, including an ever-growing WWI and WWII artifact collection. Self-guided tours of the facility are encouraged.