Carolina Museum of the Marine and Civic Institute

Carolina Museum of the Marine and Civic Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Jacksonville, NC.  We are building a 40,000 square foot museum and civic institute at Lejeune Memorial Gardens.  Our mission is: 

to create and sustain an historical and educational complex showcasing the selfless sacrifice, extraordinary achievements and steadfast service of Carolina Marines and Sailors and their host communities while promoting the core values of American citizenship through our newly launched Civic Institute founded by General Al Gray, USMC (Ret)

The Museum will highlight the many accomplishments and innovations of Carolina Marines and Sailors and the enduring contributions of their host communities.  The facility will also provide an exciting new multipurpose venue for public and private events including military balls, promotion and retirement ceremonies, weddings, and civic events.  Phase I of the project was completed in May 2016.  Reflection and Celebration Park, located at Lejeune Memorial Gardens, will serve as the entrance to the Museum and Institute.  It is already the most Instagrammed site in Onslow County, featuring the world's largest Eagle, Globe and Anchor statue and reflecting pool.  Tribute benches and memorial bricks line Patriots Walkway (sponsored by Byrd Family Foundation).

Phase II of the Museum and Institute is in progress.  Award-winning architectural and engineering plans are in place.  The site stands ready for construction with in-ground infrastructure also in place.  Currently, the NC General Assembly - both the House and the Senate - has filed bills authorizing the appropriation of $26M to build the Museum and Institute here in Onslow County.  With approval of the upcoming biennium budget, construction can begin in earnest.

The Civic Institute is already underway, with a beta test of Critical Thinking for Civic Engagement and Leadership successfully introduced at Swansboro High School in 2019.  The course has been approved by the School Board  for civics education credits and is being adapted for online as well as in-person delivery.  The Civic Institute is the brainchild of General Al Gray, USMC (Ret) - our 29th Commandant - and represents his long held belief that young and old alike must have deep understanding of our nation's form of government, their rights and responsibilities as citizens and the ability to think critically, make decisions under pressure, and contribute to our families, neighborhoods, communities, and nation.  

The Civic Institute will offer an array of courses and resources that equip citizens to:

understand the concepts and ideals upon which our nation was founded,

appreciate the history of our nation empowered by private energies and public responsibilities,

develop critical thinking skills that support civil discourse and effective civic participation,

recognize and respect our differences while valuing what we all have in common as Americans,

celebrate our enduring form of government and the individual freedoms that make it possible.