Museums California
Military

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Aerospace Museum of California
McClellan, California

History, Library, Military, Science, Specialized

Since we opened the new Museum pavilion and air park in February 2007, over 250,000 visitors have come to view our unique collection of 40 military and civilian aircraft, the 15 restored engines on display, use the educational programs, and enjoy the Coast Guard art collection. Visitors see aircraft from a fully restored 1932 Curtiss-Wright "speed wing" biplane to an A-10 Warthog and engines including models from pre-World War I, the first jet engine, and a J-58 jet engine that powered the SR-71 Blackbird to 3 times the speed of sound. Our Aerospace Learning Center allows visitors to fly non-motion flight simulators or ride in a motion ride simulator.

American Society of Military History (ASMH)
South El Monte, California

History, Library, Military, Specialized

Located just 12 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, and you’ll find the American Society of Military History (ASMH). Our non-profit military history Museum is home to over 175 military vehicles & outdoor exhibits dating from 1933 to the present.

Since 1962 we have been dedicated to preserving our nation's military history. We recognize the immeasurable contributions of those in previous generations who have dedicated their lives to defend our nation. Our Museum is a tribute designed to honor our veterans and active military personnel

Our large outdoor display complex takes the Museum visitor through time, and traces the development of military equipment, which has helped change the world.

California State Military Museum - Closed
Sacramento, California

Military

Please see the article at the URL. This museum is closed until the State and the Foundation resolve ownership questions.

Chico Air Museum
Chico, California

Culture, History, Military, Specialized

Located in an original 1941 Army Air Corps Hangar in Chico Municipal Airport, the Chico Air Museum a great way to learn about the incredible Aviation History in the Northern Sacramento Valley. Dating back to 1911 with the incredible Thaddeus Kerns, the history spans early airliners, development of air tankers, military flight training, record setting high altitude balloon research and even a Titan I atomic missile base.

Estrella Warbird Museum
Paso Robles, California

History, Military, Specialized

Adopting a name to memorialize the World War II Estrella Army Air Force Base that is now Paso Robles Municipal Airport, the Museum was chartered as a not-for-profit California corporation in 1995, and 501(c.3) accreditation soon followed to establish us with the US Departments of Navy and Air Force, as well as the state of California, as an organization approved to receive surplus aircraft and other government properties.

Located on the airport proper, the Museum is one of the few "fly-in or drive-in" facilities in the nation, and has over 200 members who rub elbows and enjoy the camaraderie at our monthly dinner meetings. Presently, hours are limited to Friday through Monday, and there is a minimal charge for admission to the Museum or its grounds.

March Field Air Museum
Riverside, California

General, History, Military, Science, Specialized

Our most important assets are our experienced volunteers who are more than willing to share historical facts, technical data, flight information and little known truths about the past. World WarII vets are dying off at the rate of 1,500 per week so it's important that we let them tell their stories. We are fortunate enough to have over 100 volunteers who are willing to share the past with our guests.By gearing our educational tours to enhance the criteria that educators must use as guide lines,(The California State Educational Standards), we are able to put the knowledge of our volunteers to good use.
Our future plans will include more "hands on" exhibits and we have a new building in the works.

National Liberty Ship Memorial/S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien
San Francisco, California

History, Military

The SS Jeremiah O'Brien is one of two remaining fully functional Liberty ships of the 2,710 built and launched during World War II. The O'Brien has the distinction of being the last unaltered Liberty ship and remains historically accurate. Moored at Pier 45, Fisherman's Wharf, she is a premier San Francisco attraction.

Northern California Veterans Museum & Heritage Center
Redding, California

History, Library, Military, Park

We rotate out of our permanent collection and highlight special exhibits brought in by other organizations or private collectors

Planes of Fame Air Museum
Chino, California

History, Military, Science, Specialized

The journey from 10 original aircraft to over 150 has been a long one, the mission has never changed. Planes of Fame Air Museum remains dedicated to collecting, restoring, preserving and displaying aircraft and memorabilia for the educational benefit of current and future generations. And although the Museum spans the history of manned flight from the Chanute Hang Glider of 1896 to the Space Age of Apollo, many more chapters remain to be written and many more stories told before the vision of a young Ed Maloney is finally fulfilled.

San Diego Air and Space Musuem
San Diego, California

General, History, Library, Military, Science, Specialized

The San Diego Aerospace Museum was the first aviation museum to be accredited by the American Association of Museums and is considered one of the top five aviation and space museums in the nation.
Its mission - celebrate, educate, and inspire - guides the Museum in its goal to encourage involvement in aerospace by discovering the history of achievements in this field. The Museum's 100+ aircraft and spacecraft, thousands of artifacts, world-class archives, and nationaly-acclaimed education programs

Air Force Flight Test Center Museum
Edwards Air Force Base, California

History, Military, Science, Specialized

The Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) Museum is an Air Force Field Museum operating within the guidelines of the USAF Heritage Program. Its mission is to collect, interpret, preserve, and display the material history of the AFFTC, Edwards AFB and its antecedents, and the history of USAF flight testing. There are currently 80 aircraft in the museum’s collection, with 32 on display (29 at Edwards and three at the AFFTC-managed Blackbird Airpark in Palmdale) and the remainder in storage or restoration. Other artifacts in the collection include aircraft propulsion systems, missiles, hardware, life support equipment, technical drawings, test reports, personal memorabilia, photographs, and wind tunnel models.

C.A.F. Southern California Wing - World War II Aviation Museum
Camarillo, California

History, Military, Specialized

C.A.F. Southern California Wing - World War II Aviation Museum in Camarillo, CA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Camp San Luis Obispo Museum
San Luis Obispo, California

Military

The Camp San Luis Obispo museum is a tribute to the Soldier and Airman who have passed through our Gates from 1928 to present.

Diego Sepulveda Adobe Estancia of Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa, California

History, Historic House, Historical Society, Military

Our Society has two facilities, the Diego Sepulveda Adobe (California Historical Landmark #227), and our headquarters/museum/research facility at 1870 Anaheim Street in Costa Mesa. A part of our group, the Santa Ana Army Air Base Wing, covers the Santa Ana Army Air Base which was a pre-flight school for pilots, navigators and bombardiers from 1942-1946. We have collections covering both Costa Mesa and the SAAAB, as well as exhibits for both. When corresponding, please use our P.O. Box 1764, CM, 92628 address.

Fresno Historical Society
Fresno, California

Anthropology, Archaeology, Art, Cemetery, Culture, General, History, Historical Society, Library, Military

The Fresno Historical Society Archives welcomes the use of its collections. The mission of an Archives includes two equally important components. In addition to providing access to primary source material for study and research, an Archives is a repository that is charged with the preservation of primary source materials of all kinds.

Modoc County Historical Museum
Alturas, California

Anthropology, Archaeology, Art, Culture, General, History, Historical Society, Library, Military, Natural History

Located in Alturas, it contains several exhibits pertaining to the culture and history of Modoc County in California. Exhibits range from prehistoric cultures to modern residents of the surrounding region. Natural history including mammoth bone, and a taxidermist collection of several local species. A gun collection of over 200 firearms all used and collected by local people.

National Training Center & 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Museum
Fort Irwin, California

General, History, Military, Specialized

The museum houses two storylines under one roof--the history of military presence since 1844 on what is present day Fort Irwin and the history of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment from 1901-Present.

Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship USS Iowa
San Pedro, California

History, Military, Science

Battleship USS Iowa Museum - Adventure Through History. We invite you to discover the Battleship of Presidents and the West Coast's only battleship museum. A unique experience on board takes you on a memorable family journey through World War II, Korean War, and Cold War; following in footsteps of sailors that lived on the most powerful warship built to date. Visitors tour six decks of wood & steel and numerous exhibits on the Battleship that hosted three U.S. Presidents during her service as a symbol of democracy. The USS Iowa is located at the L.A. Waterfront, former home to the US Navy Battleship fleet and an area rich in maritime history.

S.S. Lane Victory Memorial Museum
San Pedro, California

History, Military

The SS Lane Victory was built during WWII to transport cargo. There were 534 Victory ships built, and this is the only one on display in the world.

Stockton Field Aviation Museum
Stockton, California

General, History, Military, Specialized

The Stockton Field Aviation Museum is a nonprofit all volunteer organization that is dedicated to the preservation of our countries rich aviation history.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

February 2 - 6, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025

Westgate Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

Hosted by: Public Lands Alliance

The Public Lands Alliance Convention and Trade Show brings together nonprofits, land management agencies and companies to learn, network and engage on public lands issues. The 2025 Convention and Trade Show will take place Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV

Connect with peers, explore the latest in public lands products, and return inspired with new strategies and resources for success in conservation and visitor engagement

Our annual Convention and Trade Show (PLA) is the premier gathering for leaders in the public lands sector to network, gain essential tools, and explore products that enhance the visitor experience and support conservation, preservation, and enrichment efforts.

For more information, please call 301-946-9475.

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

Milledgeville, Georgia

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

Wednesday, February 5 - Friday, February 7, 2025

Ina Dillard Russell Library Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia

Hosted by: Georgia Association of Museums

The Whole Story Is The Meanin

“For the fiction writer himself the whole story is the meaning, because it is an experience, not an abstraction.”― Flannery O'Connor, Mystery and Manners: Occasional Pros

Join us in Milledgeville, Georgia, for the annual Georgia Association of Museums conference as we explore the profound wisdom of Milledgeville author Flannery O'Connor’s words. In a world where narratives intersect and perspectives diverge, this theme invites proposals that delve into the essence of storytelling within museums and cultural institutions. Our work in the museum field requires us to look at stories from as many angles and perspectives as possible so that we might do our best to tell the “whole story.

Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and engaging presentations, we will uncover the layers of meaning embedded within every artifact, exhibition, and historical account. Just as O’Connor masterfully crafted narratives that resonate with universal truths, museums hold the power to illuminate the whole story behind many objects, artworks, and cultural phenomena

We will examine how museums can embrace inclusivity, diversity, and authenticity in their storytelling practices. By acknowledging multiple perspectives and amplifying marginalized voices, we can enrich our understanding of the past and present, fostering empathy and connection within our communities.

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

Monday, February 17 - Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hosted by: Small Museum Association

The annual SMA conference attracts more than 300 museum professionals, board members, and volunteers from a wide variety of small museums. They attend sessions on topics ranging from collections and education to staffing and board issues.

We offer a large Museum Resource Hall and plenty of informal networking opportunities for you to talk with (and get ideas from!) other small museum professionals and volunteers

Theme for 2025: Make It Happen!!!

Is there an exhibit, program, or fundraiser that you've been talking about doing for years? Do you feel stuck because of procrastination, lack of board support, or insufficient funds? It's time to take action

At SMA 2025, small museum professionals will share their tips and tricks of how they made it happen!

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

Tuesday, February 18 - Saturday, February 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

Hosted by: California Association of Museums

CAM is hard at work planning for the 2025 conference, set to take place from February 18–22, 2025 in San Francisco. We look forward to highlighting best practices and innovative ideas from California's museum community

The California Association of Museums is excited to continue offering in-person programming for 2025. We will not be requiring proof of COVID vaccination/s, but highly encourage vaccination and boosters. For the health and safety of our colleagues, masks are also encouraged (but not required). Capacity and spaces will be thoughtfully considered in the planning of this event.

For more information, please email programs@calmuseums.org.

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

Tuesday, March 11 - Friday, March 14, 2025

Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hosted by: Tennessee Association of Museums

Tennessee museums are full of hope. But how are they turning hope into reality

With the Semiquincentennial quickly approaching in 2026, the state's museum community if approaching a turning point, and is now a great time to take stock and develop a vision for the future

The Tennessee Association of Museums' 64th Annual Conference in Knoxville will challenge the state's museums to think ahead and share their hopes, the best practices and strategies for turning those hoes into realities, and the rewards that come from aspirational thinking

The 2025 TAM Annual Conference will take place at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN.

For more information, please call 615-495-3354 or email hawkins@aaslh.org.

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