Military Heritage Museum

09/02/2026

The war ended on paper. Its stories still live on.

On September 2, 1945, Japan formally surrendered, bringing World War II to an end. Behind that historic moment were millions of service members, families and communities whose lives had been forever changed.

Inside the Military Heritage Museum’s 20th Century Gallery, history becomes personal. Authentic artifacts, powerful imagery, videos and detailed displays connect the events that shaped the world with the experiences of the men and women who lived through them.

Visit the gallery. Discover their stories. Help keep their history alive.
Plan your visit at MilitaryHeritageMuseum.org.

09/01/2026

🌟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡, 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬!

As a Gallery Guide, Andrea brings a positive attitude, genuine care and a willingness to go above and beyond for our visitors and fellow volunteers. Since beginning her service in June 2024, she has contributed more than 300 volunteer hours and continues to make a meaningful difference at the Museum.

Andrea’s welcoming personality helps visitors feel at ease as they explore the galleries, and her commitment to creating a memorable experience reflects what our volunteer team is all about.

Please join us in thanking Andrea for her time, dedication and service to the Military Heritage Museum! 🇺🇸

08/31/2026

This week in the Military Heritage Museum Documentary Series:
VJ Day: The Day That Ended World War II

From September 1 through 5, learn more about the day Imperial Japan officially surrendered to the Allies, bringing the most destructive conflict in modern history to an end.

This powerful 46-minute documentary explores the events surrounding VJ Day and the historic conclusion of World War II.

Visit the Military Heritage Museum and experience the story.

08/31/2026

Keep the spirit of discovery alive all year long with a Military Heritage Museum membership!

Annual memberships are available for adults, veterans and active-duty military members, and youth ages 5–14, with sustaining membership options also available.
Every membership helps preserve our nation’s military heritage while making a meaningful gift for a veteran, history enthusiast or family.

Learn more at militaryheritagemuseum.org.

08/29/2026

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps Reserve!

Since 1916, Reserve Marines have answered the call to serve our nation at home and around the world. Today, we honor all Reserve Marines, past and present, for their courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to our country.

Semper Fidelis.

08/28/2026

🎸 Tonight, the Gulf Theater comes alive with the legendary sound of The Rolling Stones!

American Stones takes the stage at 7:00 p.m. with the iconic riffs, timeless hits and unmistakable swagger that defined generations of rock ’n’ roll.
Close out August on a high note, gather your fellow rock fans and join us in Punta Gorda!

🎟️ Check ticket availability at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35397

08/28/2026

History surrounds you at the Military Heritage Museum.

Journey through the conflicts and defining moments that shaped our nation while discovering authentic artifacts, personal stories and interactive exhibits along the way. Each gallery offers a closer look at the experiences of the men and women who served—and the sacrifices that should never be forgotten.

Plan your visit at MilitaryHeritageMuseum.org.

08/27/2026

🏆 𝙏𝙃𝙍𝙀𝙀 𝙔𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙎 𝙄𝙉 𝘼 𝙍𝙊𝙒!

The Military Heritage Museum has once again been named a Best of Florida winner, marking our third consecutive year receiving this incredible recognition!

What makes this honor even more special? Best of Florida winners are selected through a combination of public voting and editorial review, which means this recognition reflects the support of the residents, visitors and community we serve.

To our guests, members, volunteers, veterans, donors and community supporters: thank you. Your continued support allows us to preserve military history, honor those who served and share their stories with generations to come.

Three years. One incredible community. 🇺🇸

Come experience for yourself why the Military Heritage Museum continues to be recognized among Florida’s best!

08/25/2026

🎸 Get ready for a night of legendary rock ’n’ roll!

American Stones takes the Gulf Theater stage on Friday, August 28 at 7:00 p.m., bringing the iconic hits, unforgettable riffs and undeniable swagger of The Rolling Stones to Punta Gorda.

Gather your fellow rock fans and join us for an evening celebrating the music that defined generations.

🎟️ Get your tickets at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35397

Military Heritage Museum Visitors of all ages can explore captivating exhibits, including flight simulators and a virtual reality lab, that bring military history to life. Experience the Military Heritage Museum Virtual Tour The Military Heritage Museum has been voted BEST OF FLORIDA! This incredibl...

08/25/2026

25 years later, we remember.

This September 11, we invite our community to join us at the Military Heritage Museum as we come together to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honor the first responders who answered the call and recognize the families whose lives were forever changed.

Our 9/11 25th Commemoration Ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will include local first responders, veterans and community leaders. We are especially honored to welcome Marion Kminek, mother of Mari-Rae Sopper, who was killed aboard American Airlines Flight 77 when it crashed into the Pentagon. Marion will share the story of her daughter and the life behind one of the names we remember.

Following the ceremony, guests are invited to continue the day of remembrance with our special “A Remembrance of 9/11” exhibit and a 1:00 p.m. showing of 9/11: One Day in America in the Gulf Theater.

Friday, September 11, 2026
Ceremony | 11:00 a.m.
Military Heritage Museum | Gulf Theater
900 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda

The ceremony is free and open to the public, and no tickets or reservations are required. First Responders receive complimentary Museum admission throughout the day.

Please join us as we remember, honor and ensure that we never forget.