Navajo Code Talkers Museum — Attraction in Gallup

The museum leads visitors through the incredible history of how the Code Talkers idea first sparked in the mind of a bilingual, son-of-a-missionary, turned Marine. It was February 1942, two years into the war, and the U.S. Military was in need desperate need of a combat code that couldn’t be cracked. Philip Johnston, who had learned to speak Navajo growing up, pitched the unwritten language as a solution. By April 1942, 29 young Dine were enlisted for their native language skills and went through basic. By June they had created an initial code for every letter of the alphabet, plus 211 words, that would go on to be used in every major operation in the Pacific Theater, until wars end. These 29 young men became the 382nd out of San Diego, the FIRST all Dine Platoon. By 1943, there were 191 Dine in three separate Marine Divisions and fourth was formed in 1944. Often assigned in pairs, they were quote, “among the first units to hit the bloody beaches of Saipan, Guam, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa in order to set up functional command posts.”

“It felt good to know that we were the only ones who could do this useful thing. We swore that we would protect the code with our lives, and we kept our word.”

There’s an incredible collection here that tell just as much about our discovery of the Code Talkers, as the American Public, as it does their service. From military and tribal council documents to art to memorabilia to books to cultural pieces that honor these warriors and more. I feel like this single room museum fills an expansive space for anyone who bothers to stop...

Locally, this is referred to as the Navajo Code Talkers Museum, but in truth it is more accurately a Navajo Code Talkers "Exhibit". I gave it 3 stars because of its WW2 Historical value. The men who participated contributed greatly to the War Effort and some laid down their lives doing so. This exhibit is housed in the same building as the Gallup Chamber of commerce. It is free to the public, but is set up in a room which is also rented out for events, so it is advisable to call ahead and make sure it is open to the public on the day you plan to visit. This building is 1 block from the Gallup Cultural Museum and 2 blocks from the Rex Museum. If you are already hitting those, then this is a natural addition to your visit (it is located between...

We came to see this at 9:30 am today but it was closed according to the security guard. He told us we had to go through the restaurant that is open 11-4 today. So we left & came back at 2:30. Closed again. We tried to call the local visitor center. Had to leave a message. Yep they were closed too. I understand that covid has changed many tourist attractions but it would be very helpful if they updated their hours here or at least stuck a note on the door what there hours really are. We owe these code talkers a huge debt of gratitude. It’s sad the town of Gallup doesn’t seem to feel the same. Thank you for...