Celebrate Military History at the General Patton Memorial Museum
Welcome to the General Patton Memorial Museum, located in Chiriaco Summit, CA. Immerse yourself in our diverse range of exhibitions, each offering a unique glimpse into military history and the legacy of General George S. Patton. From educational exhibits sponsored by the Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation to hands-on experiences at the Matzner Tank Pavilion, there's something for everyone to discover at our museum.
“Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory.” – General George S. Patton
View Our Exhibits
Inside Exhibits
THE BIG MAP
One of our first exhibits was the Metropolitan Water District's Big Map. Built-in the 1920's to depict the 50,000 square miles of land surrounding the route of the proposed aqueduct, the 250,000 pieces were taken to Washington, D.C. to lobby Congress for the funds to build the aqueduct. Without the water from the aqueduct, Gen. Patton could not have located the DTC where he did.
CHANDI WEST WING: Coeta and Donald Barker Educational Exhibits
Step into the Chandi West Wing and embark on a journey through General Patton's early years, his involvement in the Great War, and his leadership during World War II. The exhibits follow the establishment of the Desert Training Center in preparation from North Africa and through the well know battles of the war. You can also watch videos of interviews with veterans of the DTC in the USO Room and see excerpts of WWII USO Shows.
Sponsored by the Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation, these educational exhibits are designed to instill pride, passion, and patriotism in our guests.
Library
The Barker Foundation Library was opened in 2020 and contains more than 5,000 books.
We have an extensive collection of personal accounts and more than 100 notebooks containing biographies of veterans as part of our Oral History Project. Please contact the museum at 760-507-4143 for additional information
ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
Share your stories and memories of World War II and the Korean War with the General Patton Memorial Museum's Oral History Project.
DESERT TRAINING CENTER
Learn about General Patton's role in advancing desert tank warfare and training U.S. soldiers for combat under harsh desert conditions at the Desert Training Center exhibit. Discover the challenges and triumphs of this pivotal moment in military history.
Outside Exhibits
MATZNER TANK PAVILION
Explore military vehicles up close at the Matzner Tank Pavilion, generously sponsored by Mr. Harold Matzner. From a 2 1/2 ton truck to a Japanese artillery gun, visitors can marvel at a diverse range of vehicles.
Don't miss the opportunity to climb inside the driver's compartment of an M-60 tank in our new hands-on exhibit.
Also check out our newly opened Communication/Radio Exhibits, that focus on the changing technology of war time communications
Ed Hastey Vehicle YARD
Step into history at the Ed Hastey Vehicle Yard, where you'll find a collection of tanks and military vehicles, including the iconic M4 Sherman Tank, the M26 Pershing "Heavy" Tank, and the DUKW known as the Duck.
Chapel
The Chapel was build in the early 1990’s as a replica of the one that was build at Camp Iron Mountain during World War II.
The chapel was built by volunteers with donated materials. Memorial benches are available for pacing bronze remembrance plaques.
Remembrance Walls, Korea, View Nam, Defenders of Freedom
Honor all branches of the United States Military and commemorate those who have protected our freedom, past and present, at the Memorial Walls. Visitors can participate in our Memorial Bricks and Remembrance Walls program to honor their loved ones.
LEONARDO DA VINCI
Delve into the innovative mind of Leonardo da Vinci as he revolutionized military weaponry with his designs. Explore Leonardo's contributions to the evolution of warfare.
M4 SHERMAN TANK
Discover the legendary M4 Sherman Tank, an iconic symbol of American military might during World War II and the Korean War. Renowned for its mechanical reliability and versatility, the Sherman played a crucial role in Allied operations across multiple theaters of war.
Historical Significance:
The M4 Sherman Tank symbolizes the resilience and determination of Allied forces during some of the most challenging conflicts in history. Its contribution to the war effort, from the beaches of Normandy to the hills of Korea, reflects the courage and sacrifice of the men who operated these formidable machines.
Plan your visit today and get directions to our museum in Chiriaco Summit, CA. Immerse yourself in the stories of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism that define our nation's heritage.