Our Mission

Carolina Museum of the Marine

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

Our Mission

Honor, preserve, and teach the legacy of Carolina Marines and Sailors. Showcase the Marine example to inspire future generations.

Our Vision

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.

Our 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.

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
…Marines and Sailors are your brother, your daughter, your father, your mother, and your friend. Do not let the stories of these men and women disappear over time. It is up to you to help build this Museum to preserve the history of the Carolina Marines and Sailors for future generations. The target is in sight, but the Carolina Museum of the Marine needs all hands on deck to complete the mission….
Mark Faulkner
LtGen USMC (Ret), Chair of the Board of Directors
The Carolina Museum of the Marine will enable all to learn how Carolina Marines and Sailors are an integral part of American history and American humanity. The Museum will be a sought-after destination for visitors to eastern North Carolina and will offer inspirational moments and educational opportunities to all who enter. Help tell the stories before they disappear. Support the Carolina Museum of the Marine today.
Kevin Stewart
Brigadier General, USMC (Ret)
“Carolina Museum of the Marine will allow future generations an opportunity to truly appreciate the rich culture of our Corps and the distinctive contributions of the Carolina Marines.”
Lieutenant General Gary S. McKissock, USMC (Ret)
Former Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps for Installations and Logistics
“This project deserves the support of every Marine. Camp Lejeune is the birthplace of the amphibious roots from which our predecessors distinguished themselves in World War II. Please join me in a commitment to help to bring this magnificent museum to fruition.”
Colonel Adele Hodges, USMC (Ret)
First woman to command Camp Lejeune

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Al Gray Institute

Top: James Danielson, PhD teaches “Critical Thinking” to young Marines.

Bottom: High School Students pose with teachers Dr. James Danielson and Mr. Erik Matticola.

Inspiring Future Leaders: Cultivating Values

The museum is committed to developing future leaders by providing a platform for character development and civic education. The Al Gray Marine Leadership Forum, an integral part of the museum experience, offers a robust online learning platform, including:

  • Civic Development Classes: Exploring the founding principles of our country.
  • Character Development Essays: Examining the traits that define strong leadership.
  • Historians’ Corner: Dedicated to the heroic deeds of Marines and Sailors.
  • “Values and Valor” Video Interviews: Sharing insights and experiences from veterans.

Through these resources, the museum seeks to cultivate the values of honor, courage, and commitment in the next generation.

A Community Hub: Connecting and Celebrating

The museum will highlight the many accomplishments and innovations of Carolina Marines and Sailors and the enduring contributions of their host communities. It will also provide a unique and inspiring new venue for public and private events.

Beyond its educational mission, the Carolina Museum of the Marine will serve as a dynamic community hub. The museum’s versatile spaces will be available for public and private events, including military balls, promotion and retirement ceremonies, weddings, and civic gatherings. It will be a place where the community can connect, celebrate, and honor the service of our Marines and Sailors.

CMoTM-Great-Hall-2

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.

Support Our Mission
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