george c. marshall museum

We found this gem by chance as we were driving south on 81. So glad we decided to stop. The museum is on the beautiful campus of VMI. While it is small, it is loaded with information and the tour guide was outstanding. While I thought I knew a bit about Marshall , I learned so much more. The exhibits are easy to read, the movie is brief, but informative and the fee is very reasonable. We spent two hours here and just wish we had more time to explore the campus and town as well.

Most people probably don't remember today how important Marshall was as coordinator of WWII and author of the Marshall Plan which arguably saved Western Europe from communist domination. The film on his life is 15 minutes and the quality is great. There is a full wall map of the world which is at least 30X10 feet and it is lighted and narrates the the battles on WWII from 1939 through 1945. This is nearly a 30 minute presentation which is activated by the individual watching it. The exhibits in the rest of the museum are mostly pictures and not terribly exciting, but it is well worth seeing.

One of my favorite stop since I was young, I probably developed my love of American history here. The WWII map is great, they've added a lot of exhibits over the years and the library is awesome. Nobel Prize is on display, not often you see one in person.

Today the memory of one of our great leaders, George C. Marshall has faded. The museum covers his life from VMI graduate to 5-star general, secretary of state and secretary of defense. Is located on the historic VMI campus. Also has a research library dedicated to research on Marshall's career. Worth a visit for all but importantly for those to young to remember him.

Upon entering the museum, you are greeted by a professional and courteous staff member. They recommend you watch the short, 15-minute film, which is adjacent to the entrance, with highlights of the life and career of George Marshall, and it was a nice summary of the man. There are a handful of exhibits, two worth note including the talking World War II map, which by highlighting important battlefields and places of the war, provides a good global perspective of what General Marshall had to deal with as Chief of Staff. The other noteworthy exhibit is the Nobel Peace Prize that Marshal won for the Marshall Plan, which helped rebuild Europe after the war. The small bookstore is worth a look, with a number of books including the whole set of the Forest Pogue biography and the Papers of Marshall available. There is a children's section as well. There is also a research library, which has both an online component and an onground component, in the Robert Lovett reading room. Named for Marshall's deputy in Marshall's post military career at both the State and Defense Department, it is big and open with places to sit and read. On the lower floor, there is another room for gatherings and the Pogue Auditorium. Overall, a very nice and modest library, befitting the man it is named after.Finding the library: Signs near VMI's entrance do a good job getting you up to the sister campus, Washing and Lee University, but after that, you seem to be on your own. Follow the road into VMI and then take the first left, which is on the edge of the parade field. Drive past the first building, which is currently having work done, and then past Smith Hall, which has a statute of General Smith standing in front. The building after Smith Hall is the Museum. Parking can be a challenge but there are visitor spots for 2 hours around the museum and others, unmarked, in which you can park too.Cost; Adults $5, but active duty military are free.

This museum is on the campus of Virginia Military Institute. You need at least an hour to really "take it all in". A large wall map with audio explanations of the war is excellent. Don't miss it!

My husband and I went in here before we dropped our son off at VMI. It was incredibly informative. An excellent representation of George C. Marshall's incredible life!

Somehow our history lessons did not tell very much about General Marshall. This is a wonderful place on the bueatiful campus of VMI set in the mountains of Western VA. What a man. This museum did a fantastic job of making him come alive. Even though he was a 5 Star General he was also very much a Peacemaker. Our world as we know it today can give much thanks to General Marshall. The movies and displays give an accurate and thourough understanding to the part General Marshall played in the 2nd World War. We are thankful that there were men like him.A great place to visit and learn some history that has shaped our modern world today.

Really informative museum and amazing library with military history. Definitely stop by during your VMI visit.

It gave a good look at the type of man that Gen. Marshall was. A stark contrast to the egos of the time period. However, there was minimal artifacts but a great film and good reads all through.

George C Marshall was a graduate of VMI. A fascinating man. The museum gives a great insight into his character and contributions to our country.

This is a great museum that should not be missed by anyone who is interested in US history.Sec. Marshall was one of the great leaders and far sided visionaries for the United States and rebuilding of Europe after the war. I had no idea that he had all the accomplishments as a soldier statesman and leader of Nations. Winning the Nobel Peace Prize was exactly the right thing for this leader who accomplished so much and bringing the Europe together following World War II. It's a must see

This museum was a delight to visit with a small footprint but a huge impact. General GC Marshall committed his life to public service and made an impact on the world. Start with the 15 minute video and the remainder of the museum will fill in the gaps. I enjoyed the timeline, displays and level of detail. Go and learn how this man was one of our premier Statesman.

The museum on the VMI campus is unassuming from the outside. The cost is a little high given the size of the museum, but the introductory video and wall-sized map detailing the events of WWII are very educational and helpful in understanding Gen. Marshall's life and contributions. Also, being able to see a Nobel Peace Prize up close is really cool. Definitely worth a visit if you are into WWII history.

General Marshall is mostly forgotten by upcoming generations. This museum brings to light the contributions and major changes to history that George C. Marshall helped to bring about during his long career.