Last updated: 3/13/2011
South El Monte, California
Address
1918 N. Rosemead BlvdSouth El Monte, CA 91733
phone: 626-442-1776
e-mail: tankland@aol.com
web: www.tankland.com

Hours

CLOSED ON RAINY DAYS
Sunday, Friday - Saturday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday - Thursday
closed

Admissions

Adults: $5.00
Veterans & Seniors: $4.00
Juniors (Age 10-16): $3.00
Children (Age 5-9): $1.00
Children under 5: FREE
Parking: FREE

Staff

Donald Michelson
phone: 626-442-1776
e-mail:
Craig Michelson
phone: 626-442-1776
e-mail:
John Elliott
phone: 626-442-1776
Description

Located just 12 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, and you’ll find the American Society of Military History (ASMH). Our non-profit military history Museum is home to over 175 military vehicles & outdoor exhibits dating from 1933 to the present.

Since 1962 we have been dedicated to preserving our nation's military history. We recognize the immeasurable contributions of those in previous generations who have dedicated their lives to defend our nation. Our Museum is a tribute designed to honor our veterans and active military personnel

Our large outdoor display complex takes the Museum visitor through time, and traces the development of military equipment, which has helped change the world. Our exhibits serve as a fun interactive environment allowing visitors a unique opportunity to get an up-close look at some of the world's most impressive pieces of history.

Each year our Museum participates in many community events including: Memorial Day & Armed Forces Day (Arcadia); 4th of July Parade (Sierra Madre); Veterans Day Programs (Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills & the City of Artesia); and Toys for Tots.

We also support other non-profit organizations such as the Leukemia Society, Race L.A., and the USMC Toys for Tots annual toy drive.

The museum receives no government funds or corporate sponsorship, and we are always looking for volunteers who can assist with the preservation, upkeep and restoration of these larger than life battlefield heroes.

History

The Museum is the brainchild of Donald Michelson. During World War II, Michelson was a Quartermaster Officer (Contract & procurement officer). For 22 years following WWII, Michelson ran the PX System for the National Guard PX. In September 1962 he opened his first military museum at the Exposition Park Armory across from the University of Southern California (USC). He began working on the museum full time in 1970. Later the museum moved to the Reserve Center in Bell, CA. And in 1978 the museum moved to its current 7.5-acre site in the Los Angeles County Whittier Narrows Recreation Area complex.

Artifact Collections

Our Museum is the largest Military History Museum & Restoration Center in the Western United States with over 175 military vehicles & outdoor exhibits dating from 1933 to the present. Our outdoor display complex takes the museum visitor through time and traces the development of military equipment, which has affected world history. Among the display pieces are 25 tanks; including WWII Sherman tanks, M-60 tanks, and mobile anti-aircraft guns. There are also WWII Half-tracks, troop transports, jeeps, and field ambulances. And you’ll find cannons, 8” Howitzers (both self propelled & towed), bombs, missiles, Humvee’s, fixed naval guns, naval landing craft and assorted other heavy equipment from different periods. There is also an original anti-aircraft gun emplacement from the USS Missouri battleship, and a Huey helicopter gunship from the Vietnam War. Most of the equipment is from the U.S. military. The exhibits serve as a fun environment allowing visitors a unique opportunity to get an up-close look at some of the world's most impressive pieces of history.

Research Collections

10,000 - Books 5700 - Periodicals 7000 - Technical Manuals & Field Manuals from WWII to present day.

Educational Programs

We are inviting History teachers from local high schools to visit our Museum as part of our Partnership in Education Program.

Our Museum is available for high school tours. Students can visit our Museum, write an essay, and bring back photographs to show their instructors of their participation. The Museum can also serve as a site for student Community Service Volunteer requirements.
Goals
- Reach out to our local community
- Introduce these pieces of history to the next generation
- Educate today’s students about America’s Military History
- Increase awareness of our Museum
- Increase Museum Membership
- Increase our Volunteer Base

Our Museum is a great local resource. I’m sure your students will enjoy seeing these historical artifacts up close and in person.

Additionally, each summer we have Job Training with Los Angeles County for ages 14-21. We provide training in body-shop & painting.

Governance

IRS 501 © 3 since January 1965 and a California Non-Profit Educational Organization.

Library
Access: Scholars
Appointment required: Yes
Services
Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

RECENT UPDATES

Museums

03/07 The Mariners' Museum and Park

Newport News, Virginia

Museum Vendors

02/18 Tessellate

New York City, New York

10/30 Museum Fabrication Group, LLC

Denton, Texas

03/07 ConservArt Inc.

Boca Raton, Florida