Exhibit commemorates Marine Corps’ 250 years of service
From staff reports
Before there was a United States Marine Corps, there were the Continental Marines.
On Friday, Dec. 5 2025, the Parris Island Historical Foundation will hold a grand opening of a new exhibit, “Origin of the Corps: The Continental Marines 1775-1783,” which is dedicated to the nation’s first Marines. The Marine Corps recently celebrated its 250th birthday.
The new display, located on the second deck of the Parris Island Museum, commemorates this event with the creation of an immersive experience highlighting the formation of the Continental Marines and their service during the American Revolution.
The experience includes backlit, nearly life-size exhibit panels of Charles Waterhouse paintings, interactive digital displays, artifacts and uniforms.
Visitors are taken into the display by a drummer boy who is leading potential recruits to taverns for enlistment. Exhibits explain the history of Marines from the Greeks and Romans to the 18th Century and the formation of the Continental Marines.
Displays highlight the life and service of the Continental Marines throughout the revolution. Of
special note are interactive screens that allow visitors to learn about weapons, accoutrements, uniforms and observe the loading and firing of a musket.
Also, there are screens that tell the story of particular units, European involvement in the conflict and a naval battle. The exhibit features many AI-generated scenes that bring to life paintings, weapon use and an engagement between warships.
With content created by the museum staff and brought to life by the exhibit design company Virtual Grounds, the exhibition is educational, entertaining and a delight for visitors.
Funded by the Marine Corps and the Parris Island Heritage Foundation, it is a must see for anyone wanting to understand and view the experiences of the first United States Marines.
This exhibit comes at a great time in history, not only to commemorate the beginnings of our armed forces, but also to celebrate the upcoming 250th birth of our great nation. As the museum is also working on updating and enhancing its Revolutionary War exhibit.
For those coming to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, the requirements to enter the base are a real ID, a car registration and proof of car insurance. Let the gate guard know that you wish to visit the museum. For more information on visiting the Parris Island Museum, please go to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot website at mcrdpi.marines/visitors/Things-to-see/Parris-Island-Museum.
