This is a direct appeal to Marines, Friends of the Corps, and Military Historians.

Guided by several recognized authorities in the subject such as Mr. Mark Hilliard of the USS Constitution 1812 Marine Guard, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Cureitan,- noted authority on uniforms of the period of interest, Mr. Ken Smith-Christmas, History and Museums Division, Quantico, VA., and members of the  Marine Corps Historical Company, Marine Corps Legacy Museum (MCLM) staff member Dan Keller embarked upon a massive self-funded research program over 6 months ago.

Our goal is to reproduce, accurately, the uniforms, both service and fatigue, of the Corps from 1775 through 1840. These have never been comprehensively done before, anywhere.

Researching subjects such as fabrics, uniform styles and construction, regulations and many primary sources, the MCLM staff is now prepared to begin the first historically accurate set of display uniforms for the USMC of this period with an accuracy confidence level approaching 96%.

As a result of the fact that many of the fabrics are not made in America any longer and must be purchased from overseas sources, and the ornateness and complexity of these uniforms, the cost for the set averages out at $18,000 for the 18 uniforms with another $4,000 for weapons and equipment to complement the displays.

The displays will be significant because they are the first ever attempt at displaying these uniforms in full head to toe displays with head gear, foot gear and weapons/equipment. Also,  these uniforms are required for the Phase Two expansion plans of the Marine Corps Legacy Museum, which is in work now.

Additionally, the MCLM is prepared to release the source and construction information to other like-minded organizations in support of our agenda of the accurate portrayal of the Corps and its history for public education.

If you would like to participate in this mission of reconstructing and preserving for view the uniform history of the USMC from a period rarely seen by the public, you may make a donation for this project at the PayPal link below. Your donation is tax deductible.

We may be contacted at the "Contact Us" button on this website for questions on this and other MCLM projects requiring funding if you represent a large company or organization which would like to assist.

Please help us continue to provide and improve the presentations of the only comprehensive, non-government funded USMC museum in the nation.

Semper Fidelis,
GySgt D.A. "Red" Millis II
Curator, Marine Corps Legacy Museum

We accept donations by credit card through PayPal for your safety and security because it's guaranteed risk-free for YOU.