The American Military Museum in downtown Charleston, S.C., honors all branches of our military: the American soldier, sailor, airman, Marine and Coast guardsman.

The Museum, established in 1987 by noted preservationist George Meagher, seeks to educate, preserve and entertain. The Museum's vast collection of uniforms and artifacts is presented in reverse chronological sequence to illustrate the development of personal uniforms (male and female).

Thousands of artifacts

The Museum includes headgear, edged weapons, guns, rifles, patches, insignia, personal equipment, medals, decorations, belts, flags and many other items from the recent Iraq war, Afghanistan, Desert Storm, the 1990's, the 1980's, Vietnam War, Korean War, World War II, World War I, Spanish-American War, Indian Wars, Civil War, Mexican War, War of 1812 and the Revolutionary War.

Among the items from and prior to the Civil War are very rare military artifacts including uniforms, headgear, swords and epaulets. Many of the period uniforms are very colorful and generally unknown.

Another unique feature of the Museum is the interpretive collection of military miniatures used throughout the exhibits. Many of these figures are one-of-a-kind and only on display at the Museum.

The Museum is dedicated to the men and women who have served, are serving or will serve the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

Museum Board

The Museum, established in 1987, is overseen by an all-veteran board that includes five recipients of the Medal of Honor. It is an important tool to teach our nation's military history to school children and the public at large.