NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS 877-635-1775
Address: 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle, VA 22172
www.usmcmuseum.org
DIRECTIONS: Located just off I-95, 36 mi. South of Washington, DC, and 76 mi. North of Richmond. From I-95, take exit 150A southbound or exit 150 northbound to US Route 1 (Jefferson Davis Hwy.), turn South (right) onto US Route 1; travel approximately ¼ mile, the Museum’s entrance is on the right.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Museum’s signature 210-ft. stainless steel spire soars over the tree line and is clearly visible, day or night, from I-95 and the surrounding area. The Museum celebrates more than 230 years of United States Marine Corps history. You are invited to follow in the footsteps of Marines from young recruits in boot camp to the many places that the Marines have fought from World War II to present day. The Museum contains 4 immersive galleries, as well as temporary exhibitions. Visitors see aircraft, tanks, weaponry, uniforms and life-like cast figures.
PARKING: There are designated accessible parking spaces. Accessible parking space are 9 ft. wide with accessible aisle width at 5-ft. 7-in. Nearby ramps are well-marked and placed so that they cannot be blocked by another vehicle. RV and bus parking is also available.
TYPES OF PATHS TO OR AROUND ATTRACTION: Concrete. Playground area, decomposed granite. Paths are easily accessible to persons with mobility disabilities.
ENTRANCE: Located at the front/plaza; no exterior steps. Ramps are provided; automatic doors along with doors that open easily (2 entry doors, 70-in. wide, open out with bar handle with handicap button available). Glass doors have handles clearly marked in contrasting color. Steps inside the facility are located in the Leatherneck Gallery Superstructure leading to the 2d deck; each step is 6 in. high and marked with rubberized diamond plate, with handrails.
PUBLIC REST ROOMS: Located on 1st and 2nd floor. Available without steps. Doors 33 in. wide, open out. Turns to enter. Wheelchair accessible stalls: 34-in. wide doors opening out and handrails. 19-in. toilet seat height, 12 in. between commode and wall. Sink height 34 in. Wrapped pipes. Accessible stall checked regularly for obstructions. Rest rooms identified by raised figures with pants or skirt on the door to designate men or women.
ELEVATOR: Located in Leatherneck Gallery. Serves all levels. Door width 48 in. Control buttons 41 in. high. Elevator car interior is 93 in. by 67 in. Buttons in Braille, raised. Doors stays open 7 seconds. Audible floor change signal.
PUBLIC TELEPHONE: Accessible phone located on 1st level near the information desk. Lowered phone. Numbers recessed. Amplified headsets.
SPECIAL SERVICES:
The Museum is in the process of developing and incorporating additional programs and methods to assist persons with disabilities.
For guests with hearing disabilities: Amplified audio units are available for the Audio Tour; check in at the information desk for this free program. Tours in American Sign Language are currently in development. Signing interpreters available with 2 weeks advance notice for group tours. Written scripts available. Infrared Assistive Listening System available.
For guests with visual disabilities: Audio cassettes and portable tape recorders. There are a limited number of hands-on exhibits, such as military hand guns, which have been made safe and are mounted securely in the galleries. Additional tours for guests with visual disabilities are in development. Signs in large print, with contrasting background, printed on non-glossy surfaces. Foreign language translations are available in Spanish and French with advanced notice.
For guests with mobility disabilities: Written material to assist wheelchair guests to find fastest and easiest routes. Wheelchairs available free of charge, first come, first served. Other special services include personal assistance from security, docents and Marines, who are available to assist anyone in any endeavor.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES: Located on the 2nd floor. All facilities are accessible to wheelchairs. Most tables are accessible for guests in wheelchairs. Tables are located throughout Mess Hall and Tun Tavern. Table height 29 in.; they are not fixed to the floor; booths in Tun Tavern are 29 in. high. Aisles between tables 29 in. wide. Special procedures for food locations with railings for crowd control: Mess Hall food line railings are stainless steel and 33 in. high.
GIFT SHOP: Aisles vary throughout the facility, but are accessible to wheelchairs. Aisles clear of temporary displays.
STAFF TRAINING: Personnel have been trained to serve guests using wheelchairs, guests with mobility, visual, or hearing disabilities. All staff, i.e. government, food service, store staff, are all familiar with Federal ADA laws. NMMC provides initial and ongoing docent training, focusing on accessibility and assistance to guests with disabilities; docent receive a 4-hr. refresher with updates and identify new issues quarterly.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: All major credit cards accepted in Museum, Store and at food service locations. Admission and parking are free. Facility is open every day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., except December 25.
