The following letters and information bulletins will give you a basic overview of the prerequisites for becoming an active member of the United States Marine Corps Historical Company. Please read over the information carefully.

The USMCHC is a professional educational organization acting as a direct representative of the Marine Corps, and task with the development and presentation of historical outreach programming for the National Museum of the Marine Corps. As such the organization has very exacting standards. Even though membership in the USMC Historical Company is voluntary, and often the programs that we do are non-compensated, once you accept membership you accept and are subject to the discipline, standards, and responsibility associated with enlistment into military service. Our objective is to build and maintain high quality educational teams throughout the country capable of developing and presenting quality, accurate, and objective programs covering the full spectrum of Marine Corps History. The reward is the satisfaction and enjoyment gained through contributing to high quality educational programs, and the subsequent pride in the accomplishments of one's self, the organization, and the Corps.

Your entry into the USMCHC will be as a Basic Historical Interpreter. If you are interested, and qualify, you may advance to participating as living history interpretive specialist. This is the toughest level to obtain, requiring a high degree of physical capability, mental commitment, and a willingness to literally train and live the part of the Marines you are emulating. The Historical Company covers the entire history of the Marine Corps. Once you have fulfilled your initial probation requirements you may apply to become a living history interpreter in your period(s) of interest. On the other hand, if you prefer to present the Corps' history in other ways then putting on a historical uniform there is are equally important opportunities for you. As a veteran, historian, writer, or just someone interested in historical research, there are many ways for you to become involved. Historical interpretation as an educational tool can take many forms. "Living history" is only one of a variety of techniques we use, and even then we often use contemporary interpreters as liaisons with the public and narrators in the presentation of living history type programs. Often programs are exclusively conducted in contemporary clothing, using displayed artifacts as props in telling a story, or as lectures or tours telling of incidents and deeds of the past. In addition to the presentation of programs there is always a tremendous amount of "behind the scenes" work that must be accomplished. Subjects such as ongoing research, technical writing of historical and training information, and program development just to name a few. Administrative work in the development, logistics, and presentation of new programs. And the development and implementation of courses in historical knowledge, military skills (for our living history interpreters), and interpretive/educational/communication skills. As you can see, no matter what your area of interest, your dedication, skills, and experience can be of great benefit in helping us to tell the Marine Corps story.

At the end of this packet you will find an Application Form. Please complete this form and return it to the address listed at the bottom. You must also submit a brief resume' that includes a statement of why you would like to be involved with the USMCHC, and if possible, a current photograph of yourself. Marine veterans this is a place for you to tell your story and insure that it is told well. To paraphrase the slogan "We're looking for a few good men"; the USMCHC is looking for men and women who know what the Corps stands for and want to honor and preserve its history. If you think you are up to the challenge we encourage you to come join us! All applications will receive immediate attention. If you have any questions please call Gy.Sgt Williams at (301) 662-3141. or your Regional Director. The net step is up to you! We will be looking forward to hearing from you.

Public Affairs Office

3807 Baker Valley Road, Frederick, MD. 21704-7652  

Phone: (301) 662-3141