National Museum of the Marine Corps — Attraction in Dumfries

Exhibits: 5 stars. Docents: 5 stars Tun Tavern: 5 stars Security: 1 star

I can’t say enough about the amazing docents. Specifically, the lady (USAF veteran) who spoke with me at length about the Joe Rosenthal Mt. Suribachi flags on display. She was fantastic, as were the other docents I had the pleasure to meet.

The exhibits were world class. The care by which they were administered and organized, along with life size dioramas to bring various combat zones to life (LZ in Vietnam, Boxer Rebellion wall and huts in Vietnam section), were extremely realistic and immersive.

Tun Tavern had great selections, excellent quality and fun staff! Highly recommended.

Security….ugh. The only downside, but by their procedures and their policies. Our family visited on February 16th from Pennsylvania. (Including disabled daughter). I’m an Army veteran. Wife is a Marine Bratt. We ate at Tun Tavern at the conclusion of our visit, then wanted to stop by the gift shop on the way out. We had a bag with leftovers. The security guard followed us from the bottom of the staircase to the entrance of the gift shop, then stopped us saying that we cannot bring leftovers into the gift shop. We also could not leave them outside the gift shop. We were required to walk all the way out to our car to take the leftovers, then walk all the way back, go back through security, all to visit the gift shop.

It was a perfect example of absurdity. Guys, either rescind the dumb policy, post signs or have Tun staff warn you that you can’t do anything with leftovers unless you go back to cars and drop them off. I understand in exhibits, but the gift shop? Even the gift shop staff admitted they find the policy ridiculous. I’m sure that Chesty Puller would have some thoughts on that level of stupid policy...

I was promoted and did my pinning ceremony here, and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation people were awesome! They helped me reserve the place to do my promotion and oath of office in the lobby in front of the helicopter. But the museum staff seemed discontent with me for some reason. One even joked about my promotion when I was trying to make conversation, and was being kind and asked them if they wanted to see my promotion.

One staff member replied, "Oh, you're trying to scout for an audience, I see." Another was trying to be kind back and asked if I needed anything else, and that same staff member replied, "No, he only needs the flags [the US and Army flags], and they're out, don't need to help him anymore."

I never felt more embarrassed while I was in uniform. I'm glad my fellow officers and family came with me. Otherwise, I would have confronted the staff member about his actions, saying that his veteran status doesn't give him the right to treat a current service member poorly. All I wanted to do was show our international partners the importance of service promotions and that our promotions mean a lot because we have to retake the oath. What made it worse was that the same staff member was from the same branch as me (US Army); I guess "Brothers in Arms" is only a quote for the movies.

Furthermore, I was generally curious one day about some history and asked some Docents questions about General Lejune and his time commanding the US Army 2ID and Marine Divisions during WW1. But they didn't know the answer. I get it; they're volunteers, but what's the point of having them if they're only there to stand there or walk around? I guess expectations when I grew up changed; when museums had staff members who knew history and would tour...

To start; this museum for all its exhibits, is absolutely amazing. The draw back and reason we will NOT be returning is for how the staff (Civilian and Marine) treated my kids on HOMESCHOOL DAY. If you would prefer to not have children in your exhibits, sitting on the floor as they quietly, actively listen to the movies playing (because you have no seating for them), waiting quietly with their group by the bathroom for their parent,or basically breathing in your space. Then don’t host these events. My children are very respectful and honor the men and women who have served and who are still serving this country. They came today to listen and learn. They were so excited upon entering the museum but were literally yelled almost the entire time and left in tears. We did NOT deserve the disrespect and disregard that was shown to us. I asked my children to sit on the wall so that I could look at the map to find where to go next and from across the building I have 3 grown men yelling at us to get off the floor. I understand the no running or horseplay, they were not doing that like some of the other children; who mind you, were not reprimanded by the staff of the museum.They were sitting quietly, respectfully, waiting for instructions. We were so upset that we left. It was the last straw. I kid you not, we were snapped at, yelled at and degraded no less then 8 times in a 3hr period. Shameful. Either have better signage, a rules and expectations sheet for guests when they enter the building or just stop inviting children to your museum. They are certainly not wanted there....