History

The Douglas Visitors’ Center is named in honor of Paul H. Douglas, who, in 1942 at the age of 50, was the oldest Marine recruit to have completed recruit training.

After attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1946, he left the Marine Corps and went on to become a U.S. Senator in Illinois. 

activities

The Museum hosts professional military educational opportunities for base personnel, as well as partners with other on-base programs and services to provide tours and information about the Museum.

Parris Island Museum may provide outreach, educational talks, and partnerships off base. To inquire about these opportunities, contact us!

Iron Mike Driving Tour

This self-guided digital driving tour will take you on a 15-mile loop with more than 20 stops highlighting the significant places and events of Parris Island history.

Operation Discovery

This scavenger hunt activity is available for children of all ages, including topics related to recruit training and military and local history. Stop by the front desk to pick up an activity sheet.

Research Resources

Parris Island Museum holds a vast archival collection as well as a reference library related to Parris Island, the Marine Corps, and Beaufort County. Staff can assist with small research requests with specific goals but recommend physical visits for larger projects. Contact us to make an appointment.

Unfortunately, Parris Island does not have rosters containing the names of those who have attended Marine Corps Recruit Training here. If seeking information about a specific individual, staff recommend using genealogy sites such as Ancestry.com or Fold3.com. If you are a DoD servicemember, dependent, military retiree, or DoD civilian, you can access these databases through dodmwrlibraries.org. If you are a family member or veteran looking for a DD Form 214, go to www.archives.gov and click on the “Veterans’ Service Records” tab.

Additional Resources

National Museum of the Marine Corps

MCRD San Diego Museum

Marine Corps University Press

platoon books and photos

Parris Island Museum has a small collection of donated platoon books dating back to 1950. If you are looking for a platoon book, please contact us with the date of graduation and platoon number. This information helps determine whether the requested book is in the collection;
there are no lists or rosters that correlate names with platoon numbers and years. If the book you are seeking is available, staff will send you scans of the book via email.

To check availability or request platoon/recruit photos, contact the Recruit Photo office. Be sure to have the specific platoon number and year on hand.

The Museum Building

The Parris Island Museum is housed in the War Memorial Building. Dedicated on Armistice Day, November 11, 1951, to "stand as a magnificent monument to Marines of the past as well as a source of inspiration and opportunity for Marines of the future." Inscribed in cast stone around the building are the names of major battles and conflicts in which the Marine Corps was involved since its founding in 1776 through Vietnam.

The Rotunda

The first Marines landed on Parris Island in 1891 when a small portion of the island held the Port Royal Naval Station. After the base was relocated to Charleston in 1903, Marines remained to operate a Naval Brig. Over the course of 10 years, the former machine shops of the Naval Station hosted training schools for enlisted and officers before officially establishing a training depot in 1915. Explore each display in the Rotunda to learn how training evolved to meet the needs of America’s finest.

Local History Exhibit

Before it was home to the training camp of Marine Corps, Parris Island witnessed several significant historical events. Discover the breadth of Parris Island’s history, from the indigenous tribes to the Spanish and French settlements, to English and then American occupation and the important role the Sea Islands played in the Civil War and Reconstruction.

World War II Exhibit

Our World War II Exhibit contains many artifacts brought home by the Marines who fought in the Pacific Theater. Keep your eyes out for a cigarette case that never reached its intended recipient, a medal poking fun at a grim situation, and countless other stories told by the items from our unique collection.

Vietnam Era Marines Exhibit

The Vietnam Exhibit contains many different artifacts from Marines who served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1973. Look out for the different uniforms and gear used by the Marines who braved the climate and topography in the jungles of Southeast Asia. Also note enemy equipment and booby traps.

The Recruit Training Gallery

In order to fight America’s enemies, Marine Corps recruits must endure a thirteen-week program of physically and psychologically demanding training. Learn what it takes to become a United States Marine in our Recruit Training Gallery, and don’t miss the movie either!

The Modern Marine Exhibit

The Marines who trained at Parris Island have fought in every clime and place. Our Modern Marine Wing highlights the many conflicts and wars from 1900 to the present day. Explore the stories of Marines who braved the poppy fields of France, the beaches of the Pacific, the jungles of Vietnam. We have artifacts and stories from every conflict through to the most recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.