Imagine standing beside a roaring WWII Sherman tank or holding your breath as a Vietnam-era Ontos comes to life. At the Museum of the American G.I. in College Station, Texas—home to Texas A&M University and the George Bush Presidential Library—history isn’t just preserved, it rumbles to life.

Step into history at the Museum of the American G.I., where America’s military past doesn’t just sit behind glass— our artifacts bring our nation’s veterans’ stories to life. The museum is a destination for families, students, veterans, and tour groups who want to experience history in a powerful and unforgettable way.

Living History in Motion

The museum is home to one of the finest collections of restored, fully operational military vehicles in the nation. From a WWI Nash Quad to WWII Sherman tanks, M18 Hellcats, and a Vietnam-era Patrol Boat, visitors can stand beside machines that once shaped the battlefield. Rare vehicles like the WWII M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage, M3 Gun Motor Carriage, Vietnam-era Ontos, and a WWI French Renault tank make this collection truly exceptional!

What sets the museum apart is its ability to bring these machines to life. During the annual “History in Motion” (fall) and “Living History Weekend” (spring) events, engines roar, tanks fire, and artillery blasts echo across the field—offering a heart-pounding, sensory-rich connection to the past that few museums can match.

Artifacts That Tell a Story

Together, these artifacts don’t just tell history—they make it personal. While often called the “tank museum,” the collection goes far beyond vehicles. Visitors can explore:

• Rare and historically significant uniforms worn by men, women, and even animals who served alongside soldiers
• Collections of authentic weapons—from rifles to sidearms—each carrying its own history
• Original WWI and WWII propaganda posters that reveal the power of words and images in wartime
• The original Hỏa Lò Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”) door, a haunting reminder of the American POWs held during the Vietnam War
• The original USS Iwo Jima door and its crucial role in the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing

Each piece is more than an artifact—it’s a doorway into the lives, sacrifices, and experiences of those who served.

Honoring Heroes

One of the museum’s most moving exhibits is the Texas Vietnam Heroes Exhibit, featuring 3,417 personalized dog tags honoring Texans killed or missing in the Vietnam War. The quiet clinking of the tags creates a powerful reminder that no one is forgotten.

The museum also highlights the stories of individual heroes:

• Aggie J.V. “Pinky” Wilson, author of the “Aggie War Hymn.”
• James E. Rudder, hero of Pointe du Hoc
• Catherine Parker Chatham, a WASP pilot from Texas
• Marine Ed Eyre, who fought on Iwo Jima
• Aggies Alton Meyer and Neal Ward, whose Vietnam stories reflect both sacrifice and survival
• …and many more inspiring stories of service and heroism!

Through these voices, the museum preserves the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of America’s service members.

A Living Classroom

The Museum of the American G.I. is more than a collection—it’s a community resource and a living classroom. Teachers bring students of all ages for field trips that combine history, storytelling, and discovery. Texas A&M students use the museum for coursework in history, military studies, and museum education, while veterans and seniors reconnect with stories that mirror their own experiences.

Guided tours spark conversation, inspire reflection, and bring history alive for everyone who steps through the doors. Whether you’re visiting on your own or with a group, the museum makes history accessible to everyone.

Group Visits Made Memorable and Accessible

With ample bus parking, accessible facilities, and welcoming staff, the museum is a perfect stop for group travel. We take group interests into consideration, developing personalized tours and offering behind-the-scenes insights that ensure students, veterans, history buffs, and casual travelers alike walk away with not just knowledge—but a lasting impression.

And of course, no visit is complete without meeting Annie, the museum’s beloved four-legged greeter and tour guide. Always eager to meet guests, Annie adds a touch of warmth and fun that makes the experience especially memorable for families and groups.

Always Growing, Always Inspiring

The Museum of the American G.I. is constantly expanding and developing new exhibits, ensuring that every visit offers something new to discover. Whether it’s a recently restored vehicle, a new display of uniforms, military payment currency and weapons, or an updated interactive experience, the collection continues to grow and evolve.

Experience History Up Close

Whether you come for the roar of a Sherman tank, the silence of the dog tags, or the stories of heroes, the Museum of the American G.I. offers a powerful connection to America’s past. More than a collection of artifacts, it is an experience—one that brings history to life through vintage vehicles, moving memorials, and unforgettable personal stories. It combines the thrill of live history with the weight of remembrance and the warmth of community, making it a destination that inspires, educates, and moves visitors of all ages.

For anyone who loves history, honors service, or simply seeks an experience unlike any other, the Museum of the American G.I. is not just worth a visit—it’s a must-see, bucket-list destination.

For more information, visit www.americangimuseum.org or email
info@americangimuseum.org.