History In Motion
2021-11-13 10:00 - 2021-12-14 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Texas
November 13 & 14, 2021
Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM

$10 Adults, $5 Kids (5-11), Under 5 free (Cash Price )

Credit cards accepted (with convenience fee)
History in Motion is a ‘Special Event day’
regular admission prices are not valid

Ride in a WWII Tank or WWII Half-Track: Information
EVENT MAP: MAP
Interested in Volunteering? Signup
Tanks, Tanks, Tanks! Hear the rumble of historic tanks, vehicles, and boom of artillery at the Museum of the American G.I.’s “History in Motion”. Feel the ground shake as the tanks, vehicles, and artillery take to the arena in a fantastic display of historic military might! At the Museum of the American G.I., you will see one of the finest collections of pristinely restored vehicles in the South!
This action-packed weekend has fun activities for the entire family! There will be vehicle and weapon demonstrations throughout the day. In between the demonstrations, you can see historic military vehicles up close or take a ride in a WWII tank or Half-Track!
Gates open at 9:30 AM on both days. Saturday hours will be 10 AM – 4 PM and Sunday hours will be 10 AM to 2 PM. Come early and stay all day! You will not want to miss anything. Food vendors will be on-site to make sure no one goes hungry! Free Parking on-site! Upon entering the museum property, you will ride in a WWII 2 1/2 ton CCKW or modern HUMVEE to the demonstration fields where all of the activities will take place. Make sure you make plans to attend Santa’s Wonderland after History in Motion – the Museum of the American G.I. is the designated charity and all hot chocolate sales are donated to the museum!
Shoot a Machine Gun (paintball)
Visit the artillery range to fire a machine gun (paintball) for only a $10 (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection).
Shoot a Howitzer
Visit the artillery range for the opportunity to pull the lanyard on a historic 75 mm Howitzer! Participants will get to shoot off one blank, experiencing the force of this amazing piece of artillery.
*$40/round (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
Take a ride in a WWII tank**!
Visit the transportation station for the opportunity to ride in a WWII tank for one loop around the arena! For more information click here!
*$125/person. (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
Take a ride in a WWII half-track**!
Visit the transportation station for the opportunity to ride in a WWII half-track for one loop around the arena! For more information click here!
*$20/person. (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
For more information on riding in a WWII tank or WWII half-track click on the links above or click here!
**Health & Safety Regulations for ride participants: Safety is our number one priority for anyone who rides in our vehicles. Tank Ride participants must be at least 7 years or older, with a minimum height of 52 in, and the ability to climb on and off the vehicle and in and out of the hatches unassisted. Tank Ride participants must have no underlying health conditions that would preclude riding in “off-road” conditions. All Tank Ride participants (or their legal guardian) must sign a hold-harmless agreement. The Museum of the American G.I. and its crew reserve the right to refuse any participant (tank ride or half-track ride) who they deem unfit or unsafe to themselves, other participants, or the crew. The ticket price will be refunded if the ride is canceled for safety reasons.
TENTATIVE Schedule of Events (times are subject to change)
Saturday – 10 AM – 4 PM
9:30 AM- Gates Open
10:00 AM – Opening Ceremony in Arena 1 with Light Vehicle Demonstration featuring our
M8 Greyhound, M5A1 Stuart, M8 Motor Gun Carriage, M24 Chaffee
11:00 AM – Weapons Demonstration in Arena 2 featuring a flame thrower*
12:00 PM – Vehicle Demonstration in Arena 1 featuring our Vietnam Era Vehicles – USMC Ontos, M113 APC
1:00 PM – Weapons Demonstration in Arena 2 featuring a flame thrower*
2:00 PM – Tank Destroyers and Medium Tank Demonstration featuring our Sherman Tanks
3:00 PM- Weapons Demonstration in Arena 2 featuring a flame thrower*
4:00 PM- Event Over
Sunday – 10 AM – 2 PM
9:30 AM- Gates Open
10:00 AM – Opening Ceremony in Arena 1 with Light Vehicle Demonstration featuring our
M8 Greyhound, M5A1 Stuart, M24 Chaffee
11:00 AM – Weapons Demonstration in Arena 2 featuring a flame thrower *
12:00 PM – Vehicle Demonstration in Arena 1 featuring our Vietnam Era Vehicles – USMC Ontos, M113 APC
1:00 PM – Weapons Demonstration in Arena 2 featuring a flame thrower *
2:00 PM – Medium Tank Demonstration featuring our Sherman Tanks
Event Over
*Flame Thrower Demonstration is strictly weather-dependent. It will be canceled under windy conditions.
The History in Motion program and vehicles listed to take part are subject to health and safety, operational, weather, and mechanical considerations. The Museum of the American G.I. reserves the right to amend or modify the program or withdraw vehicles, at any time without notification when reasonably required in accordance with its own best-practice procedures or those of exhibit owners. As with all historic machines, the appearance of any vehicle or tank in the arena display is subject to its mechanical reliability on the day.
Event Map

Volunteering
Interesting in volunteering? Volunteers are needed and appreciated! To sign up either click here or click the button!

First time to visit?

Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you plan for an amazing day:

Will this be your first time attending an event at the museum? If so, you might have a lot of questions about what is allowed at our events. Never fear! We want to ensure that our event is safe and fun for the whole family, so we answered some common questions here:

Where do I park?
Parking for History in Motion is on-site. If you are attending Sant’s Wonderland, make sure you park in their lot next to the museum. From there you can walk to the Museum’s gate.

May I bring in outside food or drink?
Yes! We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated, but please leave the alcohol at home. We do not recommend bringing large coolers, so make sure everything can fit in a purse, bag, or backpack. If you don’t want to carry around lots of items, we will be selling food and water at various locations all day.

Is everything handicap or wheelchair accessible?
We do our best to make our events as wheelchair-friendly as possible. History in Motion will be all outside on potentially uneven or muddy terrain (depending on the weather). All activities will be on a hill a short distance from the parking area, but we provide rides to and from this location to seniors, expectant or new mothers, and those with disabilities.

What should I bring or wear?
All of the History in Motion activities will be outside, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are suitable for walking on dirt and grass. We recommend a hat and sunscreen, and potentially a rain jacket or umbrella if rain is in the forecast. Don’t forget your camera for pictures and extra spending money!

Can I pay in credit?
You may purchase tickets at the gate with a credit card. Our gift shop and select stations also accept cards. Credit card purchases will have a small processing fee added. Cash, of course, is always welcome especially in the exact amount for the gate entry and special activities!

Will there be seating at the arena?
Yes! We will have bleachers, though seating is very limited. You may bring a chair if you want, but be prepared to have to carry it for long walks.

Will the demonstrations be loud?
Yes, we simulate real gunfire and explosions, so there will be quite a bit of noise. We will have earplugs available for purchase at the site, but you may also wish to bring your own. Be especially aware that the noise may upset infants and young children.

Are pets allowed at the event?
Yes, if they remain on a leash and are well behaved. We also ask that you clean up after their potty breaks, as no one likes tracking poop!

May I climb on the vehicles?
No, unless you are at a photo station or a vehicle ride, otherwise you may not climb on or into any vehicles.

May I touch the display?
Please do not touch any displays unless you have the express permission of the living historian running the display. Much of the equipment our living historians use is original, and thus easily 70 years old or more. Please respect the equipment and leave it available for future generations.

May I photograph events and displays?
Yes! We love seeing your photographs of our events, and don’t forget to tag us on Facebook!
May I bring a drone?
No. Only drones used for the exclusive purpose of the museum are allowed.

Christmas Truce
2021-12-11 10:00 - 2021-12-12 14:00 | Texas
Watch history come alive!
Come experience the time WWI paused for Christmas bringing mortal enemies together as friends
December 11 & 12, 2021
Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM
$10 Adults, $5 Kids (5-11), Under 5 free (Cash Price )
Price Includes admission to the museum
Credit cards accepted (with convenience fee)
Free Parking on-site!
Christmas Truce is a ‘Special Event day’ regular admission prices are not valid
What is the Christmas Truce?
The countries of Europe went to war in the summer of 1914 with enthusiasm and the belief that the conflict would be over by Christmas (December 25) of that year. Within months, however, hundreds of thousands of soldiers had been killed in heavy fighting. In September, the German advance into France had been halted at the Marne and the “Race to the Sea” between Germany and the Allies culminated at the First Battle of Ypres in October. The result was a bloody stalemate, where both sides had built continuous lines of trenches from the North Sea to the Swiss border.
By December 1914 the reality of trench warfare quickly settled in. Heavy rain soaked both the trenches and the No Man’s Land that separated them. For those on the Western Front, daily life was miserable, but it was a misery that was shared by enemies who were, in some places, separated by 50 yards. By Christmas Eve, a tenuous truce slowly started to take hold. The Germans placed Christmas trees and candles on their trenches and began singing Christmas carols. The British responded by singing carols of their own. As morning broke on Christmas Day, both German and British soldiers slowly emerged from their trenches meeting in No Man’s Land to socialize, exchange gifts, and in some places play games.
After Christmas, violence returned to the Western Front. While there were punishments linked to the events of the Christmas Truce, British and German generals quickly took steps to prevent any further episodes of fraternization between their men. There were no subsequent widespread cease-fires on the Western Front until the armistice of November 1918.
How do you get tickets and how do you do to enter the event
1) Upon arrival, you will first enter the museum to purchase your tickets for the Christmas Truce.
2) Next, you will proceed to the vehicle departure point where you will ride a military vehicle to the WWI Demonstration field where all of the Christmas Truce activities will take place.
3) The Gate will open at 10 AM on both days. Come early and stay all day! You will not want to miss anything.
4) Food vendors will be on-site to make sure no one goes hungry!
5) It is that simple!
TENTATIVE Schedule of Events (times are subject to change)
Saturday – 10 AM – 4 PM
10:00 AM- Gates Open
11:00 AM – Christmas Truce Presentation
12:00 PM – Trench Tours
3:00 PM – Christmas Truce Presentation
4:00 PM- Event Over
Sunday – 10 AM – 2 PM
10:00 AM- Gates Open
10:00 AM – Trench Tours
12:00 PM – Christmas Truce Presentation
1:00 PM – Trench Tours
2:00 PM – Event Over

Living History School Day
2022-03-25 08:30 | Texas
REGISTRATION FOR THE SCHOOL DAY IS WILL OPEN IN JANUARY
In conjunction with the Living History Weekend, The Museum of the America G.I. hosts a Living History School Day for regional home and private school students. This is an opportunity for students to view history in a new way! The purpose is to educate students about US military history from the Civil War to the present. The program has many demonstrations and displays that will excite and engage students while honoring our veterans and the sacrifices they made.
This year to accommodate more displays and to encourage social distancing due to COVID-19, the Living History School Day will feature an updated format with two sessions (one morning and one afternoon) and 3 Camps to choose from! The full program will run from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM with event check-in starting at 8:30 AM. Each session will last two hours with a lunch break in between. You may register for both sessions or only one session. If you register for only one session, we ask that you be flexible as to the morning or afternoon session so that we may safely spread students out to accommodate COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Preference will be given to full day participants if required for scheduling purposes. We will do our best to accommodate as many people as possible.
This year students will have three Camps to choose from – you will rank your preference when you register
Camp Hood*:

WWII Living History Display (US and British Airborne Encampment), Tanks and Historic Vehicles (WWI – Vietnam), and US Small Arms

Small Arms*:

WWII Living History Displays – US Signal Corps, General Patton Van and Headquarters, US Navy Seabees and German Encampment

Camp Travis*:

Civil War Hospital, WWI Living History Displays (Salvation Army Donut Dollies, Allied and Axis Camps) and tour of WWI Trench

* – the final stations in each camp may vary slightly in response to the final event layout to allow for optimal flow of students and for social distancing (e.g., the German Camp and the Airborne camp might switch places).
Each of the three Camp will have 4 -5 stations to allow time for interaction between the students and the presenters. Students will rotate through the stations in a particular camp as squads (e.g., Camp Hood Squad A, B, C or D). Students in each camp will be assigned to squads based on grade as much as possible (e.g., Camp Travis Squad A might be composed of 2-4th, Camp Travis Squad B might be composed of 5-8th, and Camp Travis Squad C and D might be composed of 9-12th). The presentations are best suited for 2nd – 12th grades. Kindergarten and 1st grade students can register (as a convenience for parents with older children), but beware that each station will be last approximately 25 minutes with the entire session lasting 2 hours. Please take into account your child’s attention span and ability to focus when registering Kindergarten and 1st grade students.
The safety of the students and our Living Historians is our highest priority. No Camp will have more than 100 participants (probably less) per session so that everyone may maintain COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. For this reason, we cannot guarantee you will get your top Camp choice. However, if you stay all day you will be guaranteed to attend two different Camps. All school day participants will be required to wear a mask and adhere to general social distancing guidelines. Gloves will be provided when needed for any hands-on activities. Unfortunately, this year, some of the time it will be requested that students “touch with their eyes, not with their hands”. Likewise, this year we are requesting parents of all but K-1st grade children stay back away from the stations or stay or in a designated central area where you can still watch, but not crowd, to help with social distancing.
Registration will close on March 4 or when a maximum of 300 students have registered. Camp and squad assignments will be made as soon as registration closes and will be emailed to participants at least 1 week before the event.
The cost is $5 per student and $5 for each parent and extended family member. For private schools, 2 teachers/chaperones are free for every 10 students. The cost is the same whether you attend one or two sessions. Homeschool reservations will not be finalized until the registration payment is received (invoices will be emailed every Friday and you can pay via check or credit card (2.5% convenience fee added). Life can disrupt the best-made plans, so we will refund registrations when the cancellation request is received prior to 10 AM March 5. After March 5 we will be unable to provide any refunds.
Participants may bring a lunch or pre-order a Chick-fil-A lunch ($6.00). You will be given the opportunity to place a lunch order during the registration process. You can also come back at a later day and add lunches to your registration. The last day to add lunch registrations will be Monday, March 7 at noon.
A tentative schedule is shown below:

8:30 AM – 9:15 Check-In ( near main museum building)
9:30 AM – Noon – Morning Session with Camp Starts/Endings Staggered
11:45 AM to 1 PM – Lunch (Staggered Start)
1:15 – 3:15 – Afternoon Session with Camp Starts/Endings Staggered

General Information: Everyone will park at Santa’s Wonderland and enter the museum grounds from that parking lot. Morning Check-in and pre-event staging will be near the main museum building. All Camps and lunch will be at the museum demonstration ground (at the “top of the hill). All activities be outside. In the case of inclement weather (rain (except light or drizzle) or lightning), students will relocate to the main museum building to shelter in place.
Here is a small sample of what the students have experienced in the past:
The Museum of the American G.I. has one of the largest collections of restored, functioning historic military vehicles in the United States. Vehicles and equipment used in WWII to the Viet Nam conflict will be on display at the school day. Students will not only be able to view the vehicles and equipment, they will also learn how they were utilized by the military.
History will come alive for your students as they interact with our living history displays!
WWII United States Army Signal Corps encampment: Students will learn about the US Army Signal Corps as they view Camp Lili representing an encampment in a forward position in southern France. The unit is based on a signal company attached to the 441st Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion, a part of “Camel Force” which invaded southern France between Cannes and St. Raphael in August of 1944 as part of Operation Dragoon. This area was spearheaded by the Texas 36th Infantry Division to which the 441st was attached. In addition to static displays, the following items are demonstrated at Camp Lili, many of which visitors may participate in: carrier pigeons and signal flags, field phone EE-8, switchboard BD-71, telegraph TG-5A, signal lamp SE-11, aldis lamp, Chaplin’s field organ, and field phonograph.
Camp Lili is a private collection dedicated to preserving the history of WWII and honoring those who did their part. Please follow Camp Lili on Facebook for pictures, updates, and more.
WWII German Field Encampment: View a field representation of what a German Soldier’s “home” would look like including a small tent portion and small burner stove for warming rations and cooking coffee. Everything on display would have been carried on the back of the soldier, or thrown in a truck, car or tied to the side of an armored vehicle. The display represents a Waffen-SS field/maneuver unit that operated alongside the regular army and often served as shock troops as part of an initial attack. Waffen-SS troops served widely at the front lines in action along-side HEER (Regular Army) units and were often commanded by an overall General or Field Marshall who was “regular army”. Please note: While it is a historical fact that a small number of SS became notorious for their atrocities and crimes against humanity, the entire Waffen-SS was not an organization of hate. The vast majority of Waffen-SS soldiers were simply Axis combatants. This display represents these troops that served their country with honor and distinction.

Living History Weekend
2022-03-26 - 2022-03-27 | Texas
March 26 & 27, 2022
One Day Tickets (Cash price)
$15 Adults, $5 Kids (5-11), Under 5 free
Two Day Tickets
$22 Adults, $12 Kids, Under 5 free (Cash price)
(purchase upgrade at Information tent before you leave)
Credit cards accepted (with convenience fee)

Living History Weekend is a ‘Special Event day’
regular admission prices are not valid

EVENT PARKING MAP:
The Museum of the American G.I.’s Living History Weekend is the largest event of its kind in Texas, with visitors from across the nation coming to view Living History Displays, shop in the Military Swap Meet, witness the roar of tanks in our WWII Battle reenactments, and watch on “Over the Top” WWI Trench battle! This family-friendly event is sure to have something for everyone!
There will be more battles, tank rides, and living history displays! Everyone will enjoy the free parking at Santa’s Wonderland’s new Blitzen Lot (no parking on site). Upon entering the museum property, you will ride in a WWII 2 1/2 ton CCKW or modern HUMVEE to the reenactment fields where all of the activities will take place. You can start or end your day by browsing through the militaria vendors to take home a small piece of history!
Come early and stay all day! You will not want to miss anything. Chick-fil-A, Kona Ice, and other food vendors will be on-site to make sure no one goes hungry!

WWII Battle Skirmishes – Sat 11:30 AM & 4 PM, Sunday 2 PM
Experience battle up-close! See an infantry advance and retreat. Hear the rumbles of engines, feel the vibrations of cannon fire, smell the smoke, and witness the power of these historic pieces of equipment! Sure to entertain and enrapture visitors of all ages!

WWI Battle Skirmish — Sat 10:30 AM & 2:30 PM, Sunday 11 AM
On April 6 1917, the US entered WWI. We will take you back in time as you watch a WWI trench battle between the American Expeditionary Force and the Imperial German Army
Narrated WWII Living History Displays
Take a stroll through the living history camps, and learn about the daily lives of both Axis and Allied servicemen and women. See original or carefully reproduced equipment and uniforms. Our living historians are passionate about their roles, to the point that most camp out in the very tents you see! Displays include WWI Salvation Army, General Patton’s Command Tent, Camp Lili (American Signal Corps Unit), US Infantry and Airborne Paratroopers camps, as well as German Infantry Camps.
History in Action – Saturday & Sunday 12:30 PM
Feel the heat of a flame thrower and the boom of artillery as our Living Historians demonstrate explain and demonstrate the power of these weapons.
Take a ride in a WWII tank**!
Visit the transportation station for an opportunity to ride in a WWII tank for one loop around the arena!
*$125 /person (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
Take a ride in a WWII Half-Track**!
Visit the transportation station for an opportunity to ride in a WWII half-track for one loop around the arena!
*$20 /person (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
Shoot a Howitzer
Feel the power of the museum’s 75mm Pack Howitzer! Visit the artillery range to shoot off one blank, experiencing the force of this amazing piece of artillery.
*$40/round (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
Shoot a Machine Gun (Paintball that is!)
Visit the artillery range to fire a paintball-adapted machine gun for only a $10 cash donation!

Military Vehicle Rally
Military history buffs and gamers alike will marvel at the award-winning display of fully restored and operational military vehicles and artillery. The museum’s own impressive collection of WWII- Vietnam era vehicles will be out for full display with living historians available to talk about the vehicles, their operation, and their upkeep. Restoration enthusiasts from across the US will also be present to proudly display their own military vehicles!

Military Swap Meet
Have an itch to bring home some history? Over 30 vendors will be present selling items ranging from patches, medals, toys, uniforms, vehicle parts to vehicles. The fun is in the hunt!
**Health & Safety Regulations for ride participants: Safety is our number one priority for anyone who rides in our vehicles. Tank Ride participants must be at least 7 years or older, with a minimum height of 52 in, and the ability to climb on and off the vehicle and in and out of the hatches unassisted. Tank Ride participants must have no underlying health conditions that would preclude riding in “off-road” conditions. All Tank Ride participants (or their legal guardian) must sign a hold-harmless agreement. The Museum of the American G.I. and its crew reserve the right to refuse any participant (tank ride or half-track ride) who they deem unfit or unsafe to themselves, other participants, or the crew. The ticket price will be refunded if the ride is canceled for safety reasons.
Schedule of Events (times are subject to change)

SATURDAY – 10 AM to 5 PM
Reenactments and Special Demonstration
9:30 AM – Gates Open
10:30 AM – WWI Skirmish (WWI Arena)
11:30 AM – WWII Skirmish (WWII Arena)
12:30 PM – History in Action (WWII Arena)
2:30 PM – WWI Skirmish (WWI Arena)
4:00 PM – WWII Skirmish (WWII Arena)
Vehicle Rides and Trench Tours
10:00 – 11:15 AM – Tank and Half-Track Rides (WWII Arena)
11:30 – 1:30 PM – Trench Tours (WWI Arena)
1:30 – 3:15 PM – Tank and Half-Track Rides (WWII Arena)
3:30 – 5:00 PM – Trench Tours

SUNDAY – 10 AM to 3 PM
Reenactments and Special Demonstration
9:30 AM – Gates Open
11:00 AM – WWI Skirmish (WWI Arena)
12:30 PM – History in Action (WWII Arena)
2:00 PM – WWII Skirmish (WWII Arena)
Vehicle Rides and Trench Tours
10:00 – 12:15 PM – Tank and Half-Track Rides (WWII Arena)
11:30 – 1:30 PM – Trench Tours (WWI Arena)
2:45 – 3:15 PM – Tank and Half-Track Rides (WWII Arena)

The Living History program and vehicles listed to take part are subject to health and safety, operational, weather and mechanical considerations. The Museum of the American G.I. reserves the right to amend or modify the program or withdraw vehicles, at any time without notification when reasonably required in accordance with its own best-practice procedures or those of exhibit owners. As with all historic machines, the appearance of any vehicle or tank in the arena display is subject to its mechanical reliability on the day.

First Time to Visit?
Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you plan for an amazing day:
Will this be your first time attending Living History Weekend? If so, you might have a lot of questions about what is allowed at our event. Never fear! We want to ensure that our event is safe and fun for the whole family, so we answered some common questions here:
Are Masks required?
Even though the event is all outdoors, masks will be required in areas where it is not possible to social distance like vehicle rides and some displays. There will be plenty of space for you to social distance without the mask but in someplace that is not possible so don’t forget the mask!
Where do I park?
Parking is FREE at Santa’s Wonderland’s Blitzen Lot. From there you simply enter in the museum grounds. Please note, there will be NO parking on the museum grounds. There will be handicap spaces in the Blitzen lot.
May I bring in outside food or drink?
Yes! We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated, but please leave the alcohol at home. We do not recommend bringing large coolers, so make sure everything can fit in a purse, bag, or backpack. If you don’t want to carry around lots of items, we will be selling food and water at various locations all day. But remember, our food vendors will have all of your needs covered! Stop by and grab a sandwich from Chick-fil-A, a hot dog from Grill Sergeants, or a fabulous taco from Raging Bull Street Tacos. And of course, who can resist a Snowcone from Kona Ice!
Is everything handicap or wheelchair accessible?
We do our best to make our event as wheelchair-friendly as possible. Our indoor facility is 100% wheelchair accessible, though be aware that our living history camps and displays are outside on potentially uneven or muddy terrain (depending on the weather). All activities will be on a hill at a distance from the museum building, but we provide rides to and from this location to seniors, expectant or new mothers, and those with disabilities as well as to the general public.
What should I bring or wear?
Most of our activities are outside, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are suitable for walking on dirt and grass. We recommend a hat and sunscreen, and potentially a rain jacket or umbrella if rain is in the forecast. Don’t forget your camera for pictures and extra spending money!
Can I pay with credit?
You may purchase tickets at the gate with a credit card. Our gift shop and select stations also accept cards. A small cc convenience fee will be added to all credit card purchases. We highly recommend cash to shop at our vendors’ booths as well as for some activities.
Will there be seating at the reenactment?
Yes! We will have bleachers, though seating is very limited. You may bring a chair if you want, but be prepared to have to carry it for long walks.
Will the reenactment be loud?
Yes, we simulate real gunfire and explosions, so there will be quite a bit of noise. We will have earplugs available for purchase at the site, but you may also wish to bring your own. Be especially aware that the noise may upset infants and young children.
Are pets allowed at the event?
Yes, if they remain on a leash and are well behaved. We also ask that you clean up after their potty breaks, as no one likes tracking poop!
May I climb on the vehicles?
No, unless you are at a photo station or a vehicle ride, and have express permission from the reenactors in charge of that station, you may not climb on or into any vehicles.
May I touch the display?
Please do not touch any displays unless you have the express permission of the living historian running the display. Much of the equipment our living historians use is original, and thus easily 70 years old or more. Please respect the equipment and leave it available for future generations.
May I photograph events and displays?
Yes! We love seeing your photographs of our events, and don’t forget to tag us on Facebook!

Remembering the Fallen
2022-05-25 10:00 - 2022-05-29 17:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
May 25 – 29, 2022
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them. “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon
Memorial Day is the time we, as a Nation, set aside to remember those who have fallen in service to our country. On May 25-29, the Museum of the American G.I. will be “Remembering the Fallen” with special exhibits and displays. Visit the Vietnam Heroes Exhibit to see the 3, 417 dog tags honoring all Texas Veterans who died or were missing in action in Vietnam. Learn about the Gold Star Aggies from WWI to Desert Storm. Walkthrough the Remembrance Crosses dedicated to the Gold Stars from the Brazos Valley.
Join us on Sunday, May 29 at 3 PM as our Armored Support Group performs a 21-gun salute with 105 Howitzers. This program will cap our week-long commemoration of those who sacrificed all for our Nation. Even though the 21 gun salute is outdoors, we ask that everyone maintain social distancing during the ceremony.
We hope you can join us during our week of “Remembering the Fallen”.

WWII Tank Experience
2022-10-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
DISCOVER! Our experts will guide you as you explore all of the crew positions in US WWII light and medium tanks and tank destroyers.
RIDE! You will experience what it was like to operate these tanks in WWII! Before the day is over, you will have ridden in both a light and a medium tank as well as a tank destroyer!
SHOOT! You will be up close and personal as the tank’s main gun fires, and you will experience the thrill of firing a machine gun.
ENJOY! The WWII Tank Experience includes lunch and refreshments. Pictures and videos from your Experience will be posted online for you to download, and each participant will receive a WWII Tank Experience T-Shirt.
THE TANKS!
M24 Chaffee and M5 Stuart Light Tanks
M4A1 Sherman and M4A3 Sherman Medium Tanks
M18 Tank Destroyer
You will spend 1 hour exploring and riding in each type for a total of 3 hours in WWII tanks!
You will be in one tank as the main gun fires!
Date
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Session 1: 9am– 2pm (9 to 18 participants)
Session 2: noon – 5pm (9 to 18) participants)
Price: $750 per participant (+ $5 processing fee)
Must be pre-booked.
***Health & Safety Regulations: Participants must be at least 14 years of age, a minimum height of 52 inches, and be fit and able to climb on and off the vehicles unaided. Must be able to enter and exit the hatch of the vehicle easily and must have no underlying health condition that would preclude riding in “off-road” conditions. All participants must sign a hold-harmless agreement. The Museum of the American G.I. and its crew reserve the right to refuse any participant (tank ride or half-track ride) who they deem unfit or unsafe to themselves, other participants, or the crew.
THE WWII TANK EXPERIENCE REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF 9 PARTICIPANTS WITH A MAXIMUM OF 36
The first 18 participants will automatically be enrolled in Session 1. Session 2 will begin automatic enrollment once Session 1 is full. Session 2 will only be held if there are 9 participants enrolled in that session or a total of 27 participants (18 in Session 1 and 9 in Session 2). In case a session does not make, participants assigned that session will be refunded the registration fee minus the CC processing fee.
To book your place:

For more questions or more information
Call: (979)446-6888
Email: info@americangimuseum.org
PARTICIPANTS‘ FAMILIES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AS SPECTATORS (ONLY IN DESIGNATED LOCATIONS) FOR THE COST OF REGULAR ADMISSION. SADLY, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE THEM IN ANY OF THE ACTIVITIES NOR PROVIDE ANY AMENITIES INCLUDED IN THE WWII EXPERIENCE PACKAGE.
Please note that to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators (family only), the museum will be closed to the general public on this day.
All proceeds from this event will go towards installing High-Speed Internet in the museum building.

History In Motion 2022
2022-11-12 - 2022-11-13 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
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Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM
Tickets (Cash price)
$15 Adults, $10 Kids (5-17), Under 5 free
Credit cards accepted (with convenience fee)
Speed through the line by purchasing admission tickets online!

Early-Bird Promotion for First 500 online tickets
Buy an early bird ticket and be entered for a chance for a FREE Tank Ride, Fire a 75mm Howitzer or fire a Paintball Machine Gun!

History in Motion is a ‘Special Event day’
regular admission prices are not valid
Ride in a WWII Tank or WWII Half-Track: Information
EVENT MAP: MAP
Interested in Volunteering? Signup
Tanks, Tanks, Tanks! Hear the rumble of historic tanks, vehicles, and boom of artillery at the Museum of the American G.I.’s “History in Motion”. Feel the ground shake as the tanks, vehicles, and artillery take to the arena in a fantastic display of historic military might! At the Museum of the American G.I., you will see one of the finest collections of pristinely restored vehicles in the South!
This action-packed weekend has fun activities for the entire family! There will be vehicle and weapon demonstrations throughout the day. In between the demonstrations, you can see historic military vehicles up close or take a ride in a WWII tank or Half-Track!
Gates open at 9:00 AM on both days. Saturday hours will be 10 AM – 4 PM and Sunday hours will be 10 AM to 2 PM. Free Parking on-site! Upon entering the museum property, you will ride in a WWII 2 1/2 ton CCKW or modern HUMVEE to the demonstration fields where all of the activities will take place.
Come early and stay all day! You will not want to miss anything. Food vendors will be on-site to make sure no one goes hungry! On Saturday, you can eat your fill of Chick-fil-A. Then on Sunday, everyone’s favorite Big Dawg Barbecue will be on-site so you can get your BBQ fill. Of course, you will want to quench your thirst and cool off with Kona Ice!

Make sure you make plans to attend Santa’s Wonderland after History in Motion – the Museum of the American G.I. is the designated charity and all hot chocolate sales are donated to the museum!

Shoot a Machine Gun (paintball)
Visit the artillery range to fire a machine gun (paintball) for only $10 (cash price). (Tax deductible donation with proceeds to maintain the museum’s collection).
Shoot a Howitzer
Visit the artillery range for the opportunity to pull the lanyard on a historic 75 mm Howitzer! Participants will get to shoot off one blank, experiencing this amazing artillery piece’s force.
*$40/round (cash price). (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
Take a ride in a WWII tank**! Ride Information
Visit the transportation station for the opportunity to ride in a WWII tank for one loop around the arena!
*$160/person (cash price). (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
Pre-purchase for the first four ride times on Saturday and Sunday will be available from 8 AM Oct 19 through midnight Nov 9.
Take a ride in a WWII half-track**! Ride Information
Visit the transportation station for the opportunity to ride in a WWII half-track for one loop around the arena!
*$25/person (cash price). (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
Pre-purchase for the first four rides times on Saturday and Sunday will be available from 8 AM Oct 19 through midnight Nov 9.

**Health & Safety Regulations for ride participants: Safety is our number one priority for anyone who rides in our vehicles. Tank Ride participants must be at least 7 years or older, with a minimum height of 52 in, and able to climb on and off the vehicle and in and out of the hatches unassisted. Tank Ride participants must have no underlying health conditions that would preclude riding in “off-road” conditions. All Tank Ride participants (or their legal guardians) must sign a hold-harmless agreement. The Museum of the American G.I. and its crew reserve the right to refuse any participant (tank ride or half-track ride) who they deem unfit or unsafe to themselves, other participants, or the crew. The ticket price will be refunded if the ride is canceled for safety reasons.
TENTATIVE Schedule of Events (times are subject to change)
Saturday – 10 AM – 4 PM
9:00 AM- Gates Open
10:00 AM – Opening Ceremony in Arena 1 with Light Vehicle Demonstration featuring our
M8 Greyhound, M5A1 Stuart, M8 Motor Gun Carriage, M24 Chaffee
11:00 AM – Weapons Demonstration in Arena 2 featuring a flame thrower*
12:00 PM – Vehicle Demonstration in Arena 1 featuring our Vietnam Era Vehicles – USMC Ontos, M113 APC
1:00 PM – Weapons Demonstration in Arena 2 featuring a flame thrower*
2:00 PM – Tank Destroyers and Medium Tank Demonstration featuring our Sherman Tanks
3:00 PM- Weapons Demonstration in Arena 2 featuring a flame thrower*
4:00 PM- Event Over
Sunday – 10 AM – 2 PM
9:00 AM- Gates Open
10:00 AM – Opening Ceremony in Arena 1 with Light Vehicle Demonstration featuring our
M8 Greyhound, M5A1 Stuart, M24 Chaffee
11:00 AM – Weapons Demonstration in Arena 2 featuring a flame thrower *
12:00 PM – Vehicle Demonstration in Arena 1 featuring our Vietnam Era Vehicles – USMC Ontos, M113 APC
1:00 PM – Weapons Demonstration in Arena 2 featuring a flame thrower *
2:00 PM – Medium Tank Demonstration featuring our Sherman Tanks
Event Over

*Flame Thrower Demonstration is strictly weather-dependent. It will be canceled under windy conditions.
The History in Motion program and vehicles listed to take part are subject to health and safety, operational, weather, and mechanical considerations. The Museum of the American G.I. reserves the right to amend or modify the program or withdraw vehicles at any time without notification when reasonably required in accordance with its own best-practice procedures or those of exhibit owners. As with all historic machines, the appearance of any vehicle or tank in the arena display is subject to its mechanical reliability on the day.
Event Map

Volunteering
Interesting in volunteering? Volunteers are needed and appreciated! Signup

First time visiting?
Will this be your first time attending an event at the museum? If so, you might have a lot of questions about what is allowed at our events. Never fear! We want to ensure that our event is safe and fun for the whole family, so we answered some common questions here:

History AAR with Stephen Moore
2022-11-19 14:30 - 17:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
History AAR
Tour Guide Annie invites you to join us Saturday, 19 November 2022, at 2:30 PM* to hear an After Action Review by Stephen L. Moore, author of Blood and Fury. Moore will discuss the American hero Sergeant Lafayette Pool, America’s top tanker ace of WWII, and his crew as they fight through France, Belgium and Germany in 1944 behind the guns of a Sherman tank.
Following the AAR Hors D’oeuvres will be served and books by Stephen L. Moore will be available for sale.
All attendees will be entered into a raffle to receive a signed copy of Stephen Moore’s Patton Payback and a bottle of Patton Armored Diesel (must be 21 to win).
Cost: $20 (includes museum admission)

* Start time will be adjusted +/- 1 hour depending on the start time of the Texas A&M Game to avoid game day traffic. Game time should be announced by November 7.
About the Book
Blood and Fury: The World War II Story of Tank Sergeant Lafayette “War Daddy” Pool
For Dutton Caliber’s American War Heroes series, the gripping and action-packed combat story of America’s most celebrated tank commander, Staff Sergeant Lafayette “War Daddy” Pool.
Lafayette Pool provided inspiration for Brad Pitt’s character “War Daddy” Collier in the movie Fury, but his true story is less known. Here, acclaimed author Stephen L. Moore writes the first full-length narrative to honor the valiant Texan tanker. A champion Golden Gloves boxer turned U.S. Army legend, Pool was known as the “ace of tankers” for destroying more than five enemy tanks in head-to-head combat. Sporting a pair of cowboy boots and a confident smile, Pool and his tank, In the Mood, fearlessly led the charge into at least twenty-one different engagements across France, Belgium, and Germany in World War II. His 3rd Armored superiors credit Pool’s crew with destroying at least 275 enemy vehicles, capturing 250 or more enemy soldiers, and killing or wounding more than a thousand opponents. In one three-day period alone, they knocked out four German tanks, three anti-tank guns, and fifty armored vehicles, creating an overwhelming number of enemy casualties.
Drawing on official military documents, the memoirs of Pool’s crewmen, and personal interviews with the family of Pool and his comrades, Blood and Fury is full of heated battles, suspenseful near-death experiences, and indomitable bravery. At the heart of it all is an undeniable American hero: Lafayette Pool.
About the Author
Stephen L. Moore is a sixth-generation Texan who graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University, where he studied advertising, marketing, and journalism. He is the author of multiple books on World War II and Texas History. Moore has given lectures for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas at the Alamo, in the San Jacinto Museum of History, at the Pritzker Military Library, for various historical organizations and at World War II military assemblies, including the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. His most recent Texas book is the nonfiction companion to the History Channel’s Texas Rising, a 2015 10-hour mini-series drama about the Texas Revolution and the early Texas Rangers. Moore has twice been a featured author at the Texas Book Festival in Austin, is a contributing writer for various historical journals, and has been a contributing book reviewer for the Dallas Morning News. Parents of three children, Steve and his wife Cindy live north of Dallas in Lantana, Texas.

Additional Books by Stephen Moore

Patton Armored Deisel from Boundary Oak Distillery, LLC

History AAR with Nicholas Moran
2022-12-03 14:30 - 17:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
History AAR
Tour Guide Annie invites you to join us Saturday, 3 December 2022, at 2:30 PM to hear an After Action Review by Nicholas Moran, military vehicle expert and historian for Wargaming America, the creators of the award-winning online tank game – World of Tanks. With his wicked sense of humor, The Chieftain will keep you entertained while you learn unique and fascinating facts about historic military vehicles!
Hors D’oeuvres will be served. All attendees will be entered into a raffle to receive a bottle of Horse Soldier Bourbon (must be 21 to win).
Cost: $25 (includes museum admission)

About
Nicholas Moran is Wargaming America’s resident tanker and amateur historian. In addition to doing research for the tanks in the game World of Tanks, he also makes informational videos, The Chieftain (YouTube), and, on a more frequent basis, creates written articles on his column, “Inside the Chieftain’s Hatch” (WorldofTanks.com).
The Chieftain is also Lieutenant Colonel Moran. Moran first joined the Irish Defense Forces Reserve in September 1997 followed by the US Army National Guard in November 2000. As a U.S. Army National Guard member, he was deployed in Iraq between 2004 and 2005, and Afghanistan between 2009 and 2010. During his military career, Moran received a Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and Meritorious Service Medal. LTC Moran is still serving today as a cavalry officer.
From World of Tanks:
“The Army is fantastic for experiences, many of which fall into the “I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it for myself” category. This varies from the radio call where I stated “I am in high-speed pursuit of a blue Opel Kadett Wagon, Northbound on Rte. Nissan” as I was weaving through traffic in my tank, through the fun of going through an airport security checkpoint, and putting 300 rounds of ammunition and my rifle through the metal detector while my knife had to go in checked baggage.”
Horse Soldier Bourbon
Horse Soldier Bourbon was founded by retired members of the U.S. Special Forces in 2014. The founding members were the first to enter Afghanistan, on horseback, following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The Special Forces team, ODA- 595, hit the ground in Afghanistan on October 19th of 2001. They were given horses by the Northern Alliance and rode into multiple battles. That team later became known as The Horse Soldiers and has been featured in the movie “12 Strong”, the documentary “Legion of Brothers” and the book “Swords of Lightning”.

Winterblitz 2023
2023-01-21 09:00 - 16:30 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
Presented by Texas Independent Military Modelers
January 21, 2023
A fun, laid-back show for armor and figure enthusiasts set amongst REAL historic artifacts!
All show, registration, and contact information can be found on the official event website – WINTERBLITZ 2023

General Information
THEME AWARD FOR WINTERBLITZ 2023:
The Theme Award for Winterblitz 2023 will is 1943 – The Turning Point – The 80th Anniversary of the beginning of the end of the Axis
BEST OF AWARDS:
Theme Award – 1943 – The Turning Point. Anything depicting a vehicle, figure or diorama from the year 1943.
Best of Show – The best of the best. Who will climb to the top of the styrene mountain and win the Golden Xacto? Sponsored by Lionheart Hobbies
Museum of the American G.I. Award – In tribute to the Museum, an award will be given to the entry that best salutes the spirit of the American G.I. We will invite the Museum to help the judges pick this one! Sponsored by Capt Andrew Allman and presented by SFC De Haven
Best Fully Tracked – Best fully tracked vehicle of the show. Sponsored by SFC De Haven
Best NOT Fully Tracked – Best vehicle that is not fully tracked. This includes half-tracks.
MAIN CATEGORIES FOR 2023
100 – Youth (all scales all eras)
200 – Classic Kits – (kits before 1979) basic build – Keith Middleton
300 – Artillery (all scales and all eras)
400 – 1/48 scale (all eras)
500 – 1/72 and smaller (all eras)
600 – Fully Tracked Origins to 1934 – (all scales)
700 – Fully Tracked Self-Propelled Vehicles 1/32 and 1/35 (Open Top) (all eras)
800 – Fully Tracked WWII Axis 1/32 and 1/35 (Closed top)
900 – Fully Tracked WWII Allied 1/32 and 1/35 (Closed top)
1000 – Fully Tracked Post WWII Thru 1990 (Korea, Vietnam, Cold War) 1/32 and 1/35 (Closed Top)
1100 – Fully Tracked Desert Shield to Present. (1991 – 2022) 1/32 and 1/35 (Closed Top) – Dave Poyner
1200 – Paper Panzer/Fictional (all scales)
1300 – Halftracks (all scales and all eras) – George Karker
1400 – Armored Cars (wheeled) (all scales and all eras)
1500 – Soft-skins (all scales and all eras) – George Karker
1600 – Motorcycles with or w/o Sidecars (all scales and all eras)
1700 – Misc. Military Vehicles and Support Vehicles (all scales and all eras) – No airplanes and no ships.
2000 – Fully Tracked Full Interior (all scales and all eras)
3000 – Larger than 1/32 (all eras)
4000 – Friend or Foe (all scales and all eras) – Keith Middleton
5000 – Military figures (all scale scales and all eras)
6000 – Dioramas (all scales) – Keith Middleton

SPLITS – We are fully prepared to split ALL categories. Splits will occur depending on the number of entrants per category.
SCHEDULE:
7:00 am – Setup and vendors access
9:00 am – Museum opens to contest participants only
10:00 am – Museum opens to non-participants and the general public – yes, the Museum is 100% open to the general public on January 21st and we are excited about that. The entry fee for non-participants and the general public is the standard daily entry fee.
11:30 am – Contest registration closes – earlier than many shows, but we want to get on with the judging. We understand participants may be coming from afar and we are prepared to be flexible on cut-off for our out-of-town friends.
12:00 pm – Judging begins – Once judging for a category begins, there will be no more entries. The model room will be open during judging. Please respect judges.
3:00 pm – Judging ends (we mean it!).
3:10 pm – Door prize and raffle – as judges wrap up the tally.
3:30 pm – Awards – we have not finalized the plans for the awards presentation, but we intend to keep it under one hour.

DON’T DRIVE HOME TIRED – STAY IN COLLEGE STATION! Stay at Best Western Plus College Station Inn & Suites (950 Arrington Road). Minutes from the event!! The hotel will provide a special rate with the code “MAGI” or “Museum of the American G.I.” for this event. Their number is 979-704-6444.

Living History School Day 2023
2023-03-24 08:30 | Texas
March 24, 2023
$10 per student
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Event Checkin 8:30 AM
Living History Schoolday is a ‘Special Event day’
the museum will not be open for regular visitation
REGISTRATION FOR THE SCHOOL DAY IS OPEN

Along with the Living History Weekend, The Museum of the American G.I. hosts a Living History School Day for regional home and private school students. This is an opportunity for students to view history in a new way! The purpose is to educate students about US military history from the Civil War to the present. The program has many demonstrations and displays that will excite and engage students while honoring our veterans and their sacrifices.
The Living History School Day is an all-day program with two sessions (one morning and one afternoon) with a lunch break in between! To accommodate more students and displays, we will debut a new format – students will be free to visit the stations of their choice but on a fixed rotation schedule. A list of stations and a general station location map will be emailed to all registered participants approx. 1 week prior to the event.
Camp Hood*:

WWII Living History Display (US and British Airborne Encampment), Tanks and Historic Vehicles (WWI – Vietnam), and US Small Arms

Camp Swift*:

WWII Living History Displays – US Signal Corps, General Patton Van and Headquarters, US Navy Seabees and German Encampment

Camp Travis*:

Civil War camps, WWI Living History Displays (Allied and Axis Camps) and tour from above of WWI Trench

* – the final stations in each camp may vary slightly in response to the final event layout to allow for optimal flow of students and for social distancing (e.g., the German Camp and the Airborne camp might switch places).
Each of the three Camp will have 4 -5 stations to allow time for interaction between the students and the presenters. Students will rotate through the stations at fixed intervals. The presentations are best suited for 2nd – 12th grades. Kindergarten and 1st grade students can register (as a convenience for parents with older children), but beware that each station will be last approximately 20 minutes with each session lasting 2.5 hours. Please take into account your child’s attention span and ability to focus when registering Kindergarten and 1st grade students.
Registration will close on March 10 or when a maximum of 300 students have registered.
The cost is $10 per student and $7 for each parent and extended family member. For private schools, 2 teachers/chaperones are free for every 10 students. The cost is the same whether you attend one or two sessions. Life can disrupt the best-made plans, so we will refund registrations (minus the processing fee) when the cancellation request is received prior to 10 AM March 10. After March 10 we will be unable to provide any refunds.
Participants may bring a lunch or pre-order a Chick-fil-A lunch ($7.00). You will be given the opportunity to place a lunch order during the registration process. You can also come back on a later day and add lunches to your registration. The last day to add lunch registrations will be Friday, March 10 at noon.
A tentative schedule is shown below:

8:30 AM – 9:15 Check-In ( near main museum building)
9:30 AM – Noon – Morning Session
Noon to 1 PM – Lunch (Staggered Start)
1:00– 3:30 – Afternoon Session

General Information: Everyone will park at Santa’s Wonderland and enter the museum grounds from that parking lot. Morning Check-in and pre-event staging will be near the main museum building. All Camps and lunch will be at the museum demonstration ground (at the “top of the hill). All activities be outside. In the case of inclement weather (rain (except light or drizzle) or lightning), students will relocate to the main museum building to shelter in place.
Here is a small sample of what the students have experienced in the past:
The Museum of the American G.I. has one of the largest collections of restored, functioning historic military vehicles in the United States. Vehicles and equipment used in WWII to the Viet Nam conflict will be on display at the school day. Students will not only be able to view the vehicles and equipment, they will also learn how they were utilized by the military.
History will come alive for your students as they interact with our living history displays!
WWII United States Army Signal Corps encampment: Students will learn about the US Army Signal Corps as they view Camp Lili representing an encampment in a forward position in southern France. The unit is based on a signal company attached to the 441st Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion, a part of “Camel Force” which invaded southern France between Cannes and St. Raphael in August of 1944 as part of Operation Dragoon. This area was spearheaded by the Texas 36th Infantry Division to which the 441st was attached. In addition to static displays, the following items are demonstrated at Camp Lili, many of which visitors may participate in: carrier pigeons and signal flags, field phone EE-8, switchboard BD-71, telegraph TG-5A, signal lamp SE-11, aldis lamp, Chaplin’s field organ, and field phonograph.
Camp Lili is a private collection dedicated to preserving the history of WWII and honoring those who did their part. Please follow Camp Lili on Facebook for pictures, updates, and more.
WWII German Field Encampment: View a field representation of what a German Soldier’s “home” would look like including a small tent portion and small burner stove for warming rations and cooking coffee. Everything on display would have been carried on the back of the soldier, or thrown in a truck, car or tied to the side of an armored vehicle. The display represents a Waffen-SS field/maneuver unit that operated alongside the regular army and often served as shock troops as part of an initial attack. Waffen-SS troops served widely at the front lines in action along-side HEER (Regular Army) units and were often commanded by an overall General or Field Marshall who was “regular army”. Please note: While it is a historical fact that a small number of SS became notorious for their atrocities and crimes against humanity, the entire Waffen-SS was not an organization of hate. The vast majority of Waffen-SS soldiers were simply Axis combatants. This display represents these troops that served their country with honor and distinction.
First time visiting?
Will this be your first time attending an event at the museum? If so, you might have a lot of questions about what is allowed at our events. Never fear! We want to ensure that our event is safe and fun for the whole family, so we answered some common questions here:

Living History Weekend 2023
2023-03-25 - 2023-03-26 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
March 25 & 26, 2023
One Day Tickets (Cash price)
$25 Adults, $10 Kids (5-17), Under 5 free
Two Day Tickets
$40 Adults, $17.50 Kids, Under 5 free (Cash price)

Speed through the line by purchasing admission tickets online!
Tickets will be available to purchase in February

Early-Bird Promotion for First 500 online tickets
Buy an early bird ticket and be entered for a chance for a FREE Tank Ride, Fire a 75mm Howitzer or fire a Paintball Machine Gun!
If you do not want to rely on Lady Luck, the first four Tank ride times on both Saturday and Sunday are available for pre-purchase beginning March 1, 2023. All remaining ride times will be sold first come the day of the event!
Living History Weekend is a ‘Special Event day’
regular admission prices are not valid
Vendor Registration Information – Click Here

General Information
The Museum of the American G.I.’s Living History Weekend is the largest event of its kind in Texas, with visitors from across the nation coming to view Living History Displays, shop in the Military Swap Meet, witness the roar of tanks in our WWII Battle reenactments, and watch on “Over the Top” WWI Trench battle! This family-friendly event is sure to have something for everyone!
There will be more battles, tank rides, and living history displays! Everyone will enjoy the free parking at Santa’s Wonderland’s new Blitzen Lot (no parking on site). Upon entering the museum property, you will ride in a WWII 2 1/2 ton CCKW or modern HUMVEE to the reenactment fields where all of the activities will take place. You can start or end your day by browsing through the militaria vendors to take home a small piece of history!
Come early and stay all day! You will not want to miss anything. Food vendors will be on-site to make sure no one goes hungry! On Saturday, you can eat your fill of Chick-fil-A. Then on Sunday, everyone’s favorite Big Dawg Barbecue will be on-site, so you can get your BBQ fill. Of course, you will want to quench your thirst and cool off with Kona Ice!

WWI – Vietnam Era Battle Skirmishes and Vehicle and Living History Displays!
WWII Battle Skirmishes – Sat 11:30 AM & 4 PM, Sunday 2 PM
Experience battle up-close! See an infantry advance and retreat. Hear the rumbles of engines, feel the vibrations of cannon fire, smell the smoke, and witness the power of these historic pieces of equipment! Sure to entertain and enrapture visitors of all ages!
WWI Battle Skirmish — Sat 10:30 AM & 2:30 PM, Sunday 11 AM
On April 6 1917, the US entered WWI. We will take you back in time as you watch a WWI trench battle between the American Expeditionary Force and the Imperial German Army
Narrated WWII Living History Displays
Take a stroll through the living history camps, and learn about the daily lives of both Axis and Allied servicemen and women. See original or carefully reproduced equipment and uniforms. Our living historians are passionate about their roles, so most camp out in the tents you see! Displays include WWI Salvation Army, General Patton’s Command Tent, Camp Lili (American Signal Corps Unit), US Infantry and Airborne Paratroopers camps, as well as German Infantry Camps.
History in Action – Saturday & Sunday 12:30 PM
Feel the heat of a flame thrower and the boom of artillery as our Living Historians explain and demonstrate these weapons’ power.
Military Vehicle Rally
Military history buffs and gamers alike will marvel at the award-winning display of fully restored and operational military vehicles and artillery. The museum’s own impressive collection of WWII- Vietnam era vehicles will be out for full display, with living historians available to talk about the vehicles, their operation, and their upkeep. Restoration enthusiasts from across the US will also be present to proudly display their own military vehicles!
Ride in a WWII Tank or WWII Half Track**!
Experience history from the turret of a WWII Tank or a historic Half-Track Personnel Carrier! Whether you’re a World of Tanks fan, a history buff, a military geek, or anything in between, this is definitely one to mark off your bucket list
You can ride in a WWII Half-Track or a WWII tank – either a Sherman tank, M18 tank destroyer, Stuart tank, Chaffee tank or an M8 HMC (cannot guarantee a ride in a specific tank). Each ride consists of one loop around the arena!
There are 12 ride times on Saturday and 9 times on Sunday with 2 tanks and 1 half-track running during each ride time! Each tank will hold three riders, and the half-track between 8-10 (depending on the composition of the group). Tank and half-track rides in the first 4 ride times are available for pre-purchase. All other Tank rides are sold on the day of the event at the information tent.
Tank Ride: $160 per person for a tank ride (Cash price listed – CC accepted with a convenience fee)
Half-Track Ride: $25 per person for a Half-Track Ride (Cash price listed – CC accepted with a convenience fee)
(Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
The Ride Price does NOT include the Living History Weekend entrance fee of $25 Adults, $10 Kids (5-17), payable at the gate or by pre-purchase.

All ride participants will be assigned a ride time slot at the time of the ticket purchase. All riders must purchase or pick up pre-purchased tickets at the information tent prior to going to the tank ride area. Riders should plan on arriving at the ride wait area 15 minutes before their ride for instructions.
Slots 1-4 will be available for purchase prior to the event. Pre-Purchased Tickets will be available for pickup at the Information Tent WILL CALL on the day of the event. All other slots will be available on a first-come basis during the event. Reservations for Slots 1-4 for both Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26 will be open March 1 at 8 AM!
**Health & Safety Regulations for ride participants: Safety is our number one priority for anyone who rides in our vehicles. Tank Ride participants must be at least 7 years or older, with a minimum height of 52 in, and the ability to climb on and off the vehicle and in and out of the hatches unassisted. Tank Ride participants must have no underlying health conditions that would preclude riding in “off-road” conditions. All Tank Ride participants (or their legal guardian) must sign a hold-harmless agreement. The Museum of the American G.I. and its crew reserve the right to refuse any participant (tank ride or half-track ride) who they deem unfit or unsafe to themselves, other participants, or the crew. The ticket price will be refunded if the ride is canceled for safety reasons.
Artillery Range!
Shoot a Cannon
Feel the power of the museum’s WWI French 75mm Cannon! Visit the artillery range to shoot off one blank, experiencing the force of this amazing piece of artillery.
*$40/round (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
Shoot a Machine Gun (Paintball that is!)
Visit the artillery range to fire a paintball-adapted machine gun for only $10 (cash)!

Schedule of Events (times are subject to change)

SATURDAY – 10 AM to 5 PM
Reenactments and Special Demonstration
9:00 AM – Gates Open
10:30 AM – WWI Skirmish (WWI Arena)
11:30 AM – WWII Skirmish (WWII Arena)
12:30 PM – History in Action (WWII Arena)
2:30 PM – WWI Skirmish (WWI Arena)
4:00 PM – WWII Skirmish (WWII Arena)
Vehicle Rides and Trench Tours
10:00 – 11:15 AM – Tank and Half-Track Rides (WWII Arena)
11:30 – 1:30 PM – Trench Tours (WWI Arena)
1:15 – 2:45 PM – Tank and Half-Track Rides (WWII Arena)
3:30 – 5:00 PM – Trench Tours
4:45 PM – Tank Ride for Raffle Winners
SUNDAY – 10 AM to 3 PM
Reenactments and Special Demonstration
9:00 AM – Gates Open
11:00 AM – WWI Skirmish (WWI Arena)
12:30 PM – History in Action (WWII Arena)
2:00 PM – WWII Skirmish (WWII Arena)
Vehicle Rides and Trench Tours
10:00 – 12:15 PM – Tank and Half-Track Rides (WWII Arena)
11:30 – 1:30 PM – Trench Tours (WWI Arena)
3:00 PM – Tank Ride for Raffle Winners

The Living History program and vehicles listed to take part are subject to health and safety, operational, weather and mechanical considerations. The Museum of the American G.I. reserves the right to amend or modify the program or withdraw vehicles at any time without notification when reasonably required in accordance with its own best-practice procedures or those of exhibit owners. As with all historic machines, the appearance of any vehicle or tank in the arena display is subject to its mechanical reliability on the day.

First time visiting?
Will this be your first time attending an event at the museum? If so, you might have a lot of questions about what is allowed at our events. Never fear! We want to ensure that our event is safe and fun for the whole family, so we answered some common questions here:

US Army Camel Experiment 2023
2023-04-28 08:00 - 2023-04-29 17:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
Hold your Horses…. the Camels are Coming on April 28 & 29, 2023!
Join us as we learn about the US Army’s experiment to settle, supply, and defend the American West with its unique Camel Corps. On both days, formal demonstrations will be held at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:30 PM, with an informal meet and greet with the U.S. Camel Corps between the formal presentation.
We have designated Friday, April 28, as a special school day for students to visit the Camel Corps. This special school day costs $6 for students and $6 for parents. Space is limited, so reserve your place today!
Camel Corps School Day Tickets
Everyone is invited to visit the Camel Corps on Saturday, April 29 (the cost is the regular museum admission).
The museum will be open 10 AM – 5 PM on both days to the general public. So make plans to visit the museum exhibits before or after your visit with the Camel Corps.
Bring your family and friends to learn about this little known chapter of American history!

We Served Too
2023-05-03 10:00 - 2023-08-20 17:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
Join us as we explore the various duties animals have performed throughout military history. From World War I to the present day, animals have served as protectors, mascots, and companions. Come discover how these animals earned their place as American Heroes!

Pigeon Day
2023-05-20 10:00 - 17:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
Do not just read about history – experience it! Join us for a special Hands-on History event as we explore the important contribution homing pigeons made from WWI to Korea. Our friends, “Camp Lili”, will be displaying their very special collection of US Signal Corps Pigeon equipment. You will learn how these silent-winged warriors delivered messages for all branches of the US military. You will discover what it took to train and care for these special heroes. And best of all, you will see the special equipment that was used to take the pigeons to the front lines to support both infantry and airborne troops!

Remembering the Fallen 2023
2023-05-28 15:00 - 15:30 | Texas
May 28, 2023
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them. “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon
Memorial Day is the time we, as a Nation, set aside to remember those who have fallen in service to our country.
Join us on Sunday, May 28 at 3 PM as we Remember the Fallen on Memorial Day Weekend. Our Armored Support Group will perform a 21-gun salute featuring three different cannons – the French 75 mm field gun representing WWI, the 75 mm pack Howitzer representing WWII, and the 105 mm Howitzer representing the Vietnam War.

The 21-gun salute is a free outdoor event.

First time visiting?
Will this be your first time attending an event at the museum? If so, you might have a lot of questions about what is allowed at our events. Never fear! We want to ensure that our event is safe and fun for the whole family, so we answered some common questions here:

Explore the Museum Trail
2023-06-01 10:00 - 2023-09-04 17:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
Hop on the Brazos Valley Museum trail! Are you looking for something fun to do with your friends and family? Come and explore the museums, art galleries, and libraries of the Brazos Valley!
On the trail, you will discover the birthplace of the Republic of Texas, the first county seat in Brazos County, a Presidential Museum & Library, and numerous art galleries at Texas A&M.
From cotton gins to tanks to educational hands-on learning for children to the African American history of the Brazos Valley to the heritage of Brenham and Chappell Hill. The Museum Trail has it all! Great for a weekend trip or a staycation.
Summer Giveaway!
When you visit six (6) participating museums this summer, between Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th, 2023, and Labor Day, Monday, September 4th, 2023, you will become eligible to win a special gift basket that includes items from local museums, and galleries!
To participate, simply pick up a Museum Trail map and complete the online survey at each participating location you visit. At each location, you will only need to complete the survey once per family. We will take care of the rest!
For more information visit: Brazos Valley Museum Trail
Participating Locations
Brazos Valley Museums
Museum of the American G.I.
Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History
Brenham Heritage Museum
Texas Cotton Gin Museum
Brazos Valley African American Museum
The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley
Cushing Memorial Library and Archives
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Brazos Valley Art Galleries
The Arts Council of the Brazos Valley
Forsyth Galleries
J. Wayne Stark Galleries
James R. Reynolds Gallery
Brazos Valley Historical Sites
Boonville Heritage Park
Camp Hearne
Chappell Hill Historical Society
Washington on the Brazos State Historical Site

Sponsors:

Hands-on History: Remembering D-Day
2023-06-10 10:00 - 17:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
Join the Museum of the American G.I., on June 10th as we commemorate the 79th Anniversary of D-Day! Come learn what our soldiers faced during this historic event while exploring the uniforms, weapons, and equipment used during the battle of Normandy. This family-friendly event will have enjoyable hands-on activities for children of all ages.

First time visiting?
Will this be your first time attending an event at the museum? If so, you might have a lot of questions about what is allowed at our events. Never fear! We want to ensure that our event is safe and fun for the whole family, so we answered some common questions here:

Military Working Dogs Day
2023-08-19 10:00 - 17:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
Do not just read about history – experience it! Join us for a special Hands-on-History as we explore the important contributions Military Working Dogs have made in United States military history. You will have the opportunity to talk with a former Vietnam War Military Working Dog Handler and meet a retired Military Working Dog. You will discover what it took to train, work with, and care for these special heroes. A representative from Mission K-9 Rescue will also be present to show you what you can do to provide assistance and support to retired working dogs.

History AAR with Tara Ross
2023-10-10 11:30 - 13:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
POSTPONED! Unfortunately, we must postpone Tara Ross’s presentation on the electoral college due to unexpected circumstances. We will post the new date as soon as we have it!

Have you wondered if we still need the Electoral College? Join us on Oct 10 at 11:30 AM for a History AAR (After Action Review) with Tara Ross to learn why the Electoral College is still important and relevant today!
The day will start with a sandwich-style lunch followed by Tara Ross’s Presentation with a Q & A. All attendees are welcome to tour the museum after the History AAR.
Price: Adult $20, Children (age 5-17) $12
(includes lunch, the presentation and admission to the museum)
Tara Ross is nationally recognized for her expertise on the Electoral College. She is the author of Why We Need the Electoral College (2019) and multiple other books about the Electoral College.
Tara often appears as a guest on various talk shows nationwide and regularly addresses civic, university, and legal audiences. She’s contributed to many prominent law reviews and newspapers and has addressed audiences at institutions such as the Cooper Union, Brown University, the Dole Institute of Politics, and Mount Vernon.
Tara is a retired lawyer and a former Editor-in-Chief of the Texas Review of Law & Politics. She obtained her B.A. from Rice University and her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.

WWII Tank Experience 2023
2023-10-21 09:00 - 14:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
DISCOVER! Our experts will guide you as you explore all of the crew positions in US WWII light and medium tanks and tank destroyers.
RIDE! You will experience what it was like to operate these tanks in WWII! Before the day is over, you will have ridden in both a light and a medium tank as well as a tank destroyer!
SHOOT! You will be up close and personal as the tank’s main gun fires, and you will experience the thrill of firing a machine gun.
ENJOY! The WWII Tank Experience includes lunch and refreshments. Pictures and videos from your Experience will be posted online for you to download, and each participant will receive a WWII Tank Experience T-Shirt.
THE TANKS!
M24 Chaffee Light Tank
M4A3 Sherman Medium Tank
M18 Tank Destroyer
You will spend 1 hour exploring and riding in each type for a total of 3 hours in WWII tanks!
You will be in one tank as the main gun fires!

Date
Saturday, October 21, 2023
9am– 2pm (12 participants)
Price: $750 per participant (+ $5 processing fee)
Must be pre-booked.
All proceeds will help the museum with the installation of outdoor displays!
***Health & Safety Regulations: Participants must be at least 14 years of age, a minimum height of 52 inches, and be fit and able to climb on and off the vehicles unaided. Must be able to enter and exit the hatch of the vehicle easily and must have no underlying health condition that would preclude riding in “off-road” conditions. All participants must sign a hold-harmless agreement. The Museum of the American G.I. and its crew reserve the right to refuse any participant (tank ride or half-track ride) who they deem unfit or unsafe to themselves, other participants, or the crew.
THE WWII TANK EXPERIENCE REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF 6 PARTICIPANTS WITH A MAXIMUM OF 12
If the event does not make, participants will be refunded the registration fee minus the CC processing fee.
To book your place:

For more questions or more information
Call: (979)446-6888
Email: info@americangimuseum.org
PARTICIPANTS‘ FAMILIES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AS SPECTATORS (ONLY IN DESIGNATED LOCATIONS) FOR THE COST OF REGULAR ADMISSION. SADLY, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE THEM IN ANY OF THE ACTIVITIES NOR PROVIDE ANY AMENITIES INCLUDED IN THE WWII EXPERIENCE PACKAGE.

School of the Soldier
2023-11-04 10:00 - 2023-11-05 15:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
NEW DATE!!!
School of the Soldier has been combined with History in Motion! Two Great events for the price of one!
Tickets (Cash price)
$25 Adults, $10 Kids (5-17), Under 5 free
(includes admission to History in Motion and School of the Soldier)
Credit cards accepted (with convenience fee)
School of the Soldier is a ‘Special Event day’ – Regular admission prices are not valid

Only a small fraction of a Civil War soldier’s time was spent in combat. Most of the soldier’s existence revolved around the routines of camp life. From tent layout to daily activities, everything in camp was regulated.
Drilling was part of the daily routine for the Civil War soldier. Soldiers became accustomed to orders, battle formations, rifle positions, and loading procedures through repetition and practice. All were essential to surviving on the battlefield. If the soldiers were not drilling, they would attend camp chores. During their little free time, the soldiers would play games, sing songs or write letters home.
We invite you to interact with and observe the Civil War Soldier as he goes about his daily routine.
Camps will be opened:
10 AM – 5 PM Saturday, Nov 4
10 AM – 3 PM Sunday, Nov 5
School of Soldier Drills – Manual of Arms, Stack Arms, Formations and Loading in 9s demonstrations
11 AM- Noon on both Saturday, Nov 4, and Sunday, Nov 5
3 PM – 4 PM on Saturday, Nov 4
Camp Lunch demonstrations
Noon – 1:30 on both Saturday, Nov 4, and Sunday, Nov 5
Kona Ice, Big Dawg BBQ, and Chick-fil-A will be on-site for the public to enjoy!
The ticket includes admission to the History in Motion and the School of the Soldier.

History in Motion 2023
2023-11-04 10:00 - 2023-11-05 15:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
School of the Soldier has been combined with History in Motion! Two Great events for the price of one!
Parking for both events will be at Santa’s Wonderland! Best Part – It’s Free!
Coming November 4 & 5, 2023
Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 3 PM
Tickets (Cash price)
$25 Adults, $10 Kids (5-17), Under 5 free
(includes admission to History in Motion and School of the Soldier)
Credit cards accepted (with convenience fee)
Speed through the line by purchasing admission tickets online!
Early-Bird Promotion for First 500 Online Tickets
Buy an early bird ticket and be entered for a chance for a FREE Tank Ride, Fire a 75mm Howitzer or fire a Paintball Machine Gun!

History in Motion is a ‘Special Event day’
regular admission prices are not valid
Ride in a WWII Tank or WWII Half-Track: Information
Tanks, Tanks, Tanks! Hear the rumble of historic tanks, vehicles, and boom of artillery at the Museum of the American G.I.’s “History in Motion”. Feel the ground shake as the tanks, vehicles, and artillery take to the arena in a fantastic display of historic military might! At the Museum of the American G.I., you will see one of the finest collections of pristinely restored vehicles in the South!
This action-packed weekend has fun activities for the entire family! The tanks will be running all day with special demonstrations scheduled throughout the day. In between the demonstration, you can see historic military vehicles up close or take a ride in a WWII tank or Half-Track!
NEW THIS YEAR! You will not want to miss the BIG Vehicle Demonstration starting at 12:30 PM! Rumor has it that Santa will be making a special trip from the North Pole just to see this fantastic demonstration of historic vehicles.
Gates open at 9:00 AM on both days. Saturday hours will be 10 AM – 4 PM and Sunday hours will be 10 AM to 3 PM.
Parking is FREE at Santa’s Wonderland’s Blitzen Lot. From there, you simply enter the museum grounds through the admission tent. Upon entering the museum property, you will ride in a WWII 2 1/2 ton CCKW or modern HUMVEE to the reenactment fields where all the activities will occur.
Please note there will be NO parking on the museum grounds. There will be handicapped spaces in the Blitzen lot.

Come early and stay all day! You will not want to miss anything. Food vendors will be on-site to make sure no one goes hungry! On Saturday, you can eat your fill of Chick-fil-A. Then on Sunday, everyone’s favorite Big Dawg Barbecue will be on-site so you can get your BBQ fill. Of course, you will want to quench your thirst and cool off with Kona Ice!

Shoot a Machine Gun (paintball)
Visit the artillery range to fire a machine gun (paintball) for only $10 (cash price). (Tax deductible donation with proceeds to maintain the museum’s collection).
Shoot a Howitzer
Visit the artillery range for the opportunity to pull the lanyard on a historic 75 mm Howitzer! Participants will get to shoot off one blank, experiencing this amazing artillery piece’s force.
*$40/round (cash price). (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
Take a ride in a WWII tank**! Ride Information
Visit the transportation station for the opportunity to ride in a WWII tank for one loop around the arena!
*$160/person (cash price). (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
Pre-purchase for the first four ride times on Saturday and Sunday will be available from 8 AM Oct 19 through midnight Nov 9.
Take a ride in a WWII half-track**! Ride Information
Visit the transportation station for the opportunity to ride in a WWII half-track for one loop around the arena!
*$25/person (cash price). (Tax deductible donation with proceeds going to maintaining the museum’s collection)
Pre-purchase for the first four rides times on Saturday and Sunday will be available from 8 AM Oct 19 through midnight Nov 9.

**Health & Safety Regulations for ride participants: Safety is our number one priority for anyone who rides in our vehicles. Tank Ride participants must be at least 7 years or older, with a minimum height of 52 in, and able to climb on and off the vehicle and in and out of the hatches unassisted. Tank Ride participants must have no underlying health conditions that would preclude riding in “off-road” conditions. All Tank Ride participants (or their legal guardians) must sign a hold-harmless agreement. The Museum of the American G.I. and its crew reserve the right to refuse any participant (tank ride or half-track ride) who they deem unfit or unsafe to themselves, other participants, or the crew. The ticket price will be refunded if the ride is canceled for safety reasons.

*Flame Thrower Demonstration is strictly weather-dependent. It will be canceled under windy conditions.
The History in Motion program and vehicles listed to take part are subject to health and safety, operational, weather, and mechanical considerations. The Museum of the American G.I. reserves the right to amend or modify the program or withdraw vehicles at any time without notification when reasonably required in accordance with its own best-practice procedures or those of exhibit owners. As with all historic machines, the appearance of any vehicle or tank in the arena display is subject to its mechanical reliability on the day.

Cocoa for a Cause
2023-11-11 15:00 - 23:59 | Santa’s Wonderland, 18898 Hwy 6, College Station, 77845, United States
Christmas in November!
We invite you to join us at Santa’s Wonderland on November 11 for Military Appreciation Weekend! Veterans and Active Duty Military are free*. So grab your family and friends and join us as we honor and salute the men and women who served!
Your Texas Christmas Experience will not be complete without a cup of World Famous Hot Cocoa!
On Veterans Day, 100% of all Hot Cocoa Sales will go directly to the Museum of the American G.I.! So why not treat yourself to a delicious cup of cocoa and help support a good cause all at once?!
Thank you, Santa’s Wonderland, for helping us “Make the World a Better Place”!
We will have staff at the Trading Post to meet you and answer any questions you may have about our museum and our mission!
*This free offer does not include family members, but you can purchase tickets online for a savings on general admission tickets that family and friends may use during Military Appreciation Weekend.

Sabaton: The War to End All Wars Movie Premier
2023-11-17 11:00 - 2023-11-19 15:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
Tickets (Cash price)
$20 Adults(18-64), $12 Kids, $18 Seniors(65+), $18 Veterans
(Ticket includes full admission to the Museum and movie premiere)
Credit cards accepted (with convenience fee)

The Museum of the American G.I. is a participating museum in the release of Sabaton’s The War to End All Wars Movie Premier! The movie will be shown at the following times:
November 17th, 7:00 PM
November 18th, 11:AM
November 18th, 2:00 PM
November 19th, 2:00PM
Swedish heavy metal band, Sabaton, has launched a worldwide museum project entitled “History Rocks”. At the centre of this project stands the band’s new animated film, “The War To End All Wars – The Movie”, which is to be screened by participating museums spanning the globe around Armistice Day on November 11, 2023.
“History Rocks” is a charity initiative that aims to raise awareness on the importance of history and encourage more people to visit their local museums. Sabaton is inviting museums both big and small to be part of this world premiere of “The War To End All Wars – The Movie”.
Commenting on the project was Sabaton’s manager and bass player, Pär Sundström: “We are excited to launch this project! We believe that by screening “The War To End All Wars – The Movie” in museums around the world, we can inspire people to appreciate the importance of preserving and learning about our history. And what better way is there to do this than by infusing history education with an entertaining, adrenaline-fuelled animated movie?”
Pär added: “It’s also a fantastic way to persuade a brand new audience to visit their local museums. Museums are really important to us as a band, especially military and history-focused museums – we have learned so much from them. We want the world to be curious and would love for people to genuinely want to learn about the past. The only way we grow as human beings is by learning about days gone by and appreciating the sacrifices that have been made for us to live the way we do.”
Developed in partnership with Yarnhub Animation Studios, “The War To End All Wars – The Movie” features songs from Sabaton’s 10th studio album, “The War To End All Wars”, which was released on March 4, 2022. The film tells the stories of World War I, granting viewers a better understanding of what the songs on the album are about. It is a musical and historical adventure covering a number of topics and telling the epic tales of various heroes.

Watch the trailer for “The War To End All Wars – The Movie”

For more information about “History Rocks” please visit: https://movie.sabaton.net
ABOUT SABATON
In the more than two decades since their launch, Swedish metallers Sabaton have achieved quadruple-platinum sales, headlined major festivals and sold-out arena concerts across the globe, and earned a legion of loyal fans by carving out a reputation as one of the hardest working bands in rock. Sabaton combines standout stage design and production with epic concept albums, linking real-life historical war events with classic kick-ass metal. To date, the band has released ten studio albums, amassed six GOLD, two PLATINUM, and one four-times-PLATINUM awards, seen eight of its albums score Top 10 international chart status, and six claim the Top 5. Sabaton has also accumulated more than two billion streams across all streaming platforms.

Winter on the Front 1914 -1918
2023-12-09 11:00 - 16:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
Watch history come alive!
Join us for Winter on the Front 1914 -1918. Learn what the soldiers experienced as they fought not only the enemy but also the brutal elements during the Winters of the Great War. But the Winter of 1914 differed because the war paused for Christmas. You will watch enemies come together as friends during our Christmas Truce presentation in the morning, followed by the realities of a world at war in the afternoon.

December 9, 2023
Saturday 11 AM – 4 PM

$20 Adults, $12 Kids (5-17)
Price Includes admission to the museum
Credit cards accepted (with convenience fee)

Free Parking on-site!
What is the Christmas Truce?
The countries of Europe went to war in the summer of 1914 with enthusiasm and the belief that the conflict would be over by Christmas (December 25) of that year. Within months, however, hundreds of thousands of soldiers had been killed in heavy fighting. In September, the German advance into France had been halted at the Marne and the “Race to the Sea” between Germany and the Allies culminated at the First Battle of Ypres in October. The result was a bloody stalemate, where both sides had built continuous lines of trenches from the North Sea to the Swiss border.
By December 1914, the reality of trench warfare quickly settled in. Heavy rain soaked both the trenches and the No Man’s Land that separated them. For those on the Western Front, daily life was miserable, but it was a misery that was shared by enemies who were, in some places, separated by 50 yards. By Christmas Eve, a tenuous truce slowly started to take hold. The Germans placed Christmas trees and candles in their trenches and began singing Christmas carols. The British responded by singing carols of their own. As morning broke on Christmas Day, both German and British soldiers slowly emerged from their trenches, meeting in No Man’s Land to socialize, exchange gifts, and in some places play games.
After Christmas, violence returned to the Western Front. While there were punishments linked to the events of the Christmas Truce, British and German generals quickly took steps to prevent any further episodes of fraternization between their men. There were no subsequent widespread cease-fires on the Western Front until the armistice of November 1918.
How do you get tickets, and how do you enter the event
1) Upon arrival, you will first enter the museum to purchase your tickets for the Christmas Truce.
2) Next, you will proceed to the vehicle departure point, where you will ride a military vehicle to the WWI Demonstration field, where all of the Winter on the Front activities will take place.
3) The Gate will open at 10 AM on both days. Come early and stay all day! You will not want to miss anything.
4) It is that simple!
TENTATIVE Schedule of Events (times are subject to change)
Saturday – 10 AM – 4 PM
10:00 AM- Gates Open
11:00 AM – Christmas Truce Presentation
12:00 PM – Visit with Living Historians to learn about Winter on the Front
3:00 PM – Late War WWI Battle Skirmish
4:00 PM- Event Over

Winterblitz 2024
2024-01-20 10:00 - 17:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
Presented by Texas Independent Military Modelers
January 20, 2022
A fun, laid-back show for armor and figure enthusiasts set amongst REAL historic artifacts!
All show, registration, and contact information can be found on the official event website – WINTERBLITZ 2024

General Information
THEME AWARD FOR WINTERBLITZ 2024:
The Theme Award for Winterblitz 2024 is The Battle of the Bulge– The 80th Anniversary
BEST OF AWARDS:
Theme Award – The Battle of the Bulge – the 80th Anniversary Sponsored by G&G Hobbies
Tank of the Year – The Sherman Tank – The M4 Sherman Sponsored by Houston Armor Club
Best of Show – The best of the best. Who will climb to the top of the styrene mountain and win the Golden Xacto? Sponsored by Lionheart Hobbies
Museum of the American G.I. Award – In tribute to the Museum, an award will be given to the entry that best salutes the spirit of the American G.I. We will invite the Museum to help the judges pick this one! Sponsored by Capt Andrew Allman and presented by SFC De Haven
Best Fully Tracked – Best fully tracked vehicle of the show.
Best NOT Fully Tracked – Best vehicle that is not fully tracked.
Best Camouflage/Creative Paint -let’s recognize that one modeler who demonstrates amazing camouflage or some other form of creative painting on a vehicle or figure.
Best Tamiya – Yup, Tamiya is still the go-to model manufacturer, and we would like to celebrate that by recognizing the BEST Tamiya build at the show. Sponsored by Tamiya.
Head Judge Award – Our head judge DOES NOT judge. He manages the process by mustering, corralling, motivating, and sometimes threatening (LOL) all the generous judges who volunteer for Winterblitz. We felt it was appropriate to give the Head Judge the chance to recognize a winner.
Crowd Pleaser Award – Whose build best catches the eye of YOU… the crowd! To figure this one out, we will let YOU decide. One vote per person. Your peers and friends determine the winner of this award.
Her Majesty’s Service Award – The BEST model in service to Queen Elizabeth II (1952 – 2022). Something for the folks who like to dabble in British Armor! – Sponsored by Eric Choy
MAIN CATEGORIES FOR 2024

100 – Youth (younger than 18) (all scales all eras) – Vince Barrale
200 – Classic Kits – (kits before 1979) basic build
300 – Artillery (all scales and all eras) – Tom Moon
350 – All Things Towed (all scales, all eras) – must have BOTH “tractor and trailer” – Don Schulte
400 – 1/48 scale (allied) – Tom Moon
450 – 1/48 scale (axis) – Tom Moon
500 – 1/72 and smaller (all eras) – Ken Burke
600 – Fully Tracked Origins to 1934 – (all scales) – Rick Cotton
700 – Fully Tracked Self-Propelled Vehicles 1/32 and 1/35 (Open Top) (all eras) – Tyler Moore
800 – Fully Tracked WWII Axis 1/32 and 1/35 (Closed top) – Tom Moon
900 – Fully Tracked WWII Allied 1/32 and 1/35 (Closed top)
1000 – Fully Tracked Post WWII Thru 1990 (Korea, Vietnam, Cold War) 1/32 and 1/35 (Closed Top) –
1100 – Fully Tracked Desert Shield to Present. (1991 – 2022) 1/32 and 1/35 (Closed Top) – Fred Keal
1200 – Paper Panzer/Fictional (all scales) – Drew Matalamaki
1300 – Halftracks (all scales and all eras) – Jason Cameron
1400 – Armored Cars (wheeled) (all scales and all eras) – Lionheart Hobbies
1500 – Soft-skins (all scales and all eras)
1600 – Motorcycles with or w/o Sidecars (all scales and all eras)
1700 – Misc. Military Vehicles and Support Vehicles (all scales and all eras) – No airplanes and no ships. – Brandon Jacob
2000 – Fully Tracked Full Interior (all scales and all eras)
3000 – Larger than 1/32 (all eras) – Lionheart Hobbies
4000 – Friend and Foe (all scales and all eras) – Keith Middleton
5000 – Military figures (all scale scales and all eras) – Mike Stucker
6000 – Dioramas (all scales) – Keith Middleton

SPLITS – We are fully prepared to split ALL categories. Splits will occur depending on the number of entrants per category.
SCHEDULE:
7:00 am – Setup and vendor access
9:00 am – Museum opens to contest participants only
10:00 am – Museum opens to non-participants and the general public – yes, the Museum is 100% open to the general public on January 20, and we are excited about that. The entry fee for non-participants and the general public is the standard daily entry fee.
11:30 am – Contest registration closes – earlier than many shows, but we want to get on with the judging. We understand participants may be coming from afar, and we are prepared to be flexible on the cut-off for our out-of-town friends.
12:00 pm – Judging begins – There will be no more entries once judging for a category begins. The model room will be open during judging. Please respect judges.
3:00 pm – Judging ends (we mean it!).
3:10 pm – Door prize and raffle – as judges wrap up the tally.
3:30 pm – Awards – we have not finalized the plans for the awards presentation, but we intend to keep it under one hour.

DON’T DRIVE HOME TIRED – STAY IN COLLEGE STATION! Stay at Best Western Plus College Station Inn & Suites (950 Arrington Road). Minutes from the event!! The hotel will provide a special rate with the code “MAGI” or “Museum of the American G.I.” for this event. Their number is 979-704-6444.

History Adventures Storytime with Tara Ross
2024-02-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! The Museum of the American G.I. invites you to HISTORY ADVENTURES: Children’s Storytime fun! on February 10 from 1 – 2 PM. This fun adventure features children’s author Tara Ross. She will be reading one of her books chosen by the children present! Which one do you want Tara to read?
“We Elect a President: The Story of Our Electoral College” gives a fun and educational way to learn more about America’s too-often misunderstood presidential election system. Why was it created in the first place? Does it still work today? Written in straightforward language and complemented with playful illustrations, “We Elect a President” explains how the Electoral College works and why it is still needed in a great, diverse country such as our own. As the Founders intended, the system continues to protect our republic and promote our liberty. (Reading level 8 -12 years / Grade level 3-7)
“We Fought for Freedom: The Story of Our American Revolution” tackles the challenge of teaching young children about America’s fight for independence by dividing the Revolutionary War into 16 topics, each presented in chronological order and each as its own double-page spread. Presenting the Revolution in bite-size portions will help children remember the general Revolutionary War timeline and what its highlights were―and they can do it without memorizing a list of names and dates. (Reading age 7-10 years / Grade level Preschool and up)
“She Fought, Too: Stories of Revolutionary War Heroines” tells age-appropriate stories of sixteen women and girls who contributed to the American war effort behind the scenes. An index contains more information on each of the girls for parents and teachers who would like more information. Meet the 15- and 16-year-old girls who made brave dashes in the middle of the night, carrying warnings of British activity. Or meet the slave who was also a poet: She earned George Washington’s respect at a critical moment during the war. Other women were spies, fundraisers, or simply brave in the face of adversity. “She Fought, Too” reflects a fundamental truth: Every person, every effort, always makes a difference, especially when you are fighting for liberty. (Reading age 7-10 years / Grade level 2-3)
Copies of the books will be available for you to purchase so that you can share the lessons taught with your family and friends.
Price: The event is included in your regular museum admission ticket. No additional ticket is required.

History AAR with Tara Ross
2024-02-10 15:00 - 16:30 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
Have you wondered if we still need the Electoral College? Join us on Feb 10 at 3 PM for a History AAR (After Action Review) with Tara Ross to learn why the Electoral College is still important and relevant today!
Tara Ross is nationally recognized for her expertise on the Electoral College. She is the author of Why We Need the Electoral College (2019) and multiple other books about the Electoral College.
Tara often appears as a guest on various talk shows nationwide and regularly addresses civic, university, and legal audiences. She’s contributed to many prominent law reviews and newspapers and has addressed audiences at the Cooper Union, Brown University, the Dole Institute of Politics, and Mount Vernon.
Tara is a retired lawyer and a former Editor-in-Chief of the Texas Review of Law & Politics. She obtained her B.A. from Rice University and her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.
Price: The event is included in your regular museum admission ticket. No additional ticket is required.

Living History School Day 2024
2024-03-22 09:30 - 15:30 | Museum of the American GI, 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas, 77845
March 22, 2024
$10 per student
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Event Checkin 8:30 AM
Living History Schoolday is a ‘Special Event Day’
the museum will not be open for regular visitation
REGISTRATION FOR THE SCHOOL DAY IS OPEN – Click here to register
Along with the Living History Weekend, The Museum of the American G.I. hosts a Living History School Day for regional home and private school students. This is an opportunity for students to view history in a new way! The purpose is to educate students about US military history from the Civil War to the present. The program has many demonstrations and displays that will excite and engage students while honoring our veterans and their sacrifices.
The Living History School Day is an all-day program with two sessions (one morning and one afternoon) with a lunch break in between! To accommodate more students and displays, students will be free to visit the stations of their choice but on a fixed rotation schedule. A list of stations and a general station location map will be emailed to all registered participants approx. 1 week before the event.
Camp Hood*:

WWII Living History Display (US and British Airborne Encampment), Tanks and Historic Vehicles (WWI – Vietnam), and US Small Arms

Camp Swift*:

WWII Living History Displays – US Signal Corps, General Patton Van, and Headquarters, US Navy Seabees, and German Encampment

Camp Travis*:

Civil War camps, WWI Living History Displays (Allied and Axis Camps) and tour from above of WWI Trench

* – the final stations in each camp may vary in response to the final event layout to allow for optimal flow of students (e.g., the German Camp and the Airborne camp might switch places).
Each of the three camps will have 4 to 5 stations to allow time for interaction between the students and the presenters. Students will rotate through the stations at fixed intervals. The presentations are best suited for 2nd – 12th grades. Kindergarten and 1st-grade students can register (as a convenience for parents with older children), but beware that each station will last approximately 20 minutes, with each session lasting 2.5 hours. Please consider your child’s attention span and ability to focus when registering Kindergarten and 1st-grade students.
Registration will close on March 10, or when a maximum of 300 students have registered.
The cost is $10 per student and $7 for each parent and extended family member. For private schools, 2 teachers/chaperones are free for every 10 students. The cost is the same whether you attend one or two sessions. Life can disrupt the best-made plans, so we will refund registrations (minus the processing fee) when the cancellation request is received before 10 AM on March 8. After March 8 we will be unable to provide any refunds.
Participants may bring a lunch or pre-order a Chick-fil-A lunch (price TBD). You will be allowed to place a lunch order during the registration process. You can also come back on a later day and add lunches to your registration. The last day to add lunch registrations will be Friday, March 8 at noon.
A tentative schedule is shown below:

8:30 AM – 9:15 Check-In ( near main museum building)
9:30 AM – Noon – Morning Session
Noon to 1 PM – Lunch (Staggered Start)
1:00– 3:30 – Afternoon Session

General Information: Everyone will park at Santa’s Wonderland and enter the museum grounds from that parking lot. Morning Check-in and pre-event staging will be near the main museum building. All Camps and lunch will be at the museum demonstration ground (at the “top of the hill). All activities will be outside. In the case of inclement weather (rain (except light or drizzle) or lightning), students will relocate to the main museum building to shelter in place.
Here is a small sample of what the students have experienced in the past:
The Museum of the American G.I. has one of the largest collections of restored, functioning historic military vehicles in the United States. Vehicles and equipment used in WWII to the Viet Nam conflict will be on display at the school day. Students will not only be able to view the vehicles and equipment, they will also learn how the military utilized them.
History will come alive for your students as they interact with our living history displays!
WWII United States Army Signal Corps encampment: Students will learn about the US Army Signal Corps as they view Camp Lili representing an encampment in a forward position in southern France. The unit is based on a signal company attached to the 441st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, a part of “Camel Force,” which invaded southern France between Cannes and St. Raphael in August of 1944 as part of Operation Dragoon. This area was spearheaded by the Texas 36th Infantry Division, to which the 441st was attached. In addition to static displays, the following items are demonstrated at Camp Lili, many of which visitors may participate in carrier pigeons and signal flags, field phone EE-8, switchboard BD-71, telegraph TG-5A, signal lamp SE-11, aldis lamp, Chaplin’s field organ, and field phonograph.
Camp Lili is a private collection dedicated to preserving the history of WWII and honoring those who did their part. Please follow Camp Lili on Facebook for pictures, updates, and more.
WWII German Field Encampment: View a field representation of what a German Soldier’s “home” would look like, including a small tent portion and a small burner stove for warming rations and cooking coffee. Everything on display would have been carried on the back of the soldier, thrown in a truck car, or tied to the side of an armored vehicle. The display represents a Waffen-SS field/maneuver unit that operated alongside the regular army and often served as shock troops as part of an initial attack. Waffen-SS troops served widely at the front lines in action alongside HEER (Regular Army) units and were often commanded by an overall General or Field Marshall who was “regular army”. Please note: While it is a historical fact that a small number of SS became notorious for their atrocities and crimes against humanity, the entire Waffen-SS was not an organization of hate. The vast majority of Waffen-SS soldiers were simply Axis combatants. This display represents these troops who served their country with honor and distinction.
