Joint Base Lewis-McChord Museums

Heritage Center, McChord Field
The mission of the Heritage Center is to portray the history of McChord Field, the aircraft woven through that history and the people who made that history part of our heritage. That mission is accomplished by the exhibit of aircraft, and scaled models, unit exhibits, extensive collection of armament, instruments, paintings and art from the U.S. Air Force art collection, photographs, vintage uniforms and other memorabilia.

The museum is located on McChord Field. Visitors must obtain a pass at the main gate.

Admission to the museum is free and the facility is open Wednesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. it is closed all other days of the week, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

Lewis Army Museum
The mission of the Lewis Army Museum, Building 4320, is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret the history of JBLM, the units which served here and the story of the United States Army in the Pacific Northwest.

Five major galleries depict the colorful history of JBLM. The museum, housed in the old Fort Lewis Inn, was originally constructed in 1919 by the Salvation Army and named the Red Shield Inn. It was used as a lodge and social center for Soldiers and visitors to Camp Lewis. Situated in an area known as Greene Park, it was named after the first commanding general of the 91st Infantry Division and Camp Lewis, Maj. Gen. Henry A. Greene.

In July 1921, the Army purchased the Inn on a quit claim deed for $1 and renamed it The Camp Lewis Inn. In 1927, the camp was designated a fort, and the inn acquired the title it was to keep for 46 years, The Fort Lewis Inn.

In 1973 the structure became the home of the Fort Lewis Military Museum, and today serves as a distinguished reminder of JBLMs' historic past. During 2010-12, the museum underwent a major renovation, to include a new elevator, infrastructure improvements, security and landscaping. The museum's collection of military artifacts is rich and varied, with weapons, uniforms, vehicles and thousands of other items pertinent to the history of Fort Lewis. In 1979, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, therefore preserving a historically significant post landmark. The museum has many exhibits covering the history of military activities in the Northwest. Exhibits are arranged chronologically, highlighting the divisions that have trained at JBLM and their overseas duty, including I Corps.

Special exhibits are devoted to early military presence in the Puget Sound; WWI and WWII in Europe and the South Pacific; and combat art from Vietnam. Uniforms, equipment and weapons represent all eras. The museum's holdings also include weapons, vehicles and uniforms from the Persian Gulf War and current operations exhibits. Outside the museum is a 2.5-acre park containing military vehicles, artillery pieces, tanks and missiles.  read more...

---