The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park: A legacy of community, honor and courage
When you walk into the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, you know right away that you have stepped into a place that is special. Formerly the chapel for the Naval Hospital on Inspiration Way, the first thing one notices upon entering is the vaulted ceilings and stained glass, then our nation’s many flags, extensive war murals from World War II and Vietnam, signed by many heroes now gone. Although, the most amazing feature of this sacred site are the stories of our nation’s heroes living in our display cases and hanging on our walls. You can almost hear their voices drifting up to the rafters through their mementos.
Built in 1945, the chapel served as a hub for many veterans for decades. Built with diversity in mind, the museum’s stage houses a rotating pulpit representing Judaism, Catholicism and Christian. Many World War II veterans found redemption and peace beneath the museum’s lofty rafters. They also married their sweethearts and brought their children to attend church there.
Eventually left abandoned, the city planned to destroy the old chapel. But the veterans of the community were not going to let that happen. In 1989, The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center became a reality. Their mission was simple; to create, maintain and operate an institution to honor and perpetuate the memories of all men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and Wartime Merchant Marine. In 2015, to better align with the museum’s location and mission, the museum changed to its current name, The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park.
Today, this historical building boasts a unique collection of artifacts, memorabilia, artwork and papers, as well as a Military History Reference Library holding more than eleven thousand volumes. Dedicated to veterans of all conflicts, the Museum’s exhibits feature World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor, the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Women in the Military, and paintings by local artists of military subjects. First and foremost, the museum’s mission is to house and honor the legacy of America’s heroes.
But, you may not know the museum is more than just a beautiful old treasure chest. They are also a busy hub for the San Diego active duty and veteran community. The museum proudly serves as a meeting place for organizations such as The San Diego Vietnam Veterans of America Tuskegee Airmen and the Buffalo Soldiers. We are also proud to serve as a hub for many of our veteran-focused community events, such as the annual San Diego GI Film Festival hosted by KPBS or Operation Dress Code, hosted by the non-profit Courage to Call.
The museum also functions as a unique and beautiful San Diego events venue. VMBP caters strongly to San Diego’s active duty community, serving as a perfect location to book military promotions, retirements and memorials. It is also available for weddings, fundraisers and seminars.
“We want to be more than just a museum,” said Navy Capt. (RET) Sheldon Margolis, current President and CEO for VMBP. “We want it to be a living center, full of activity and life.”
More recently the museum has taken a deep step into the San Diego Arts community, serving as a venue for art shows, concerts and theater. The museum has partnered with many San Diego artists, arts education organizations such as La Jolla Playhouse, and The American History Theater
“Our mission to engage the arts community is simple,” said, Margolis, “It is to bring the healing world of art to our community of veterans.”
Ultimately, though, the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park is all about patriotism, honor and service, which they celebrate annually with some of the most well-known events in San Diego. Each year, on the second Sunday of August, they host a Spirit of ’45, Day, a nationally recognized day of remembrance to celebrate the end of World War II. What makes this particular event so special is that it celebrates our living World War II veterans and members of the Greatest Generation. Each year the museum proudly hosts these men and women, making sure they are well- treated while the museum provides a program, big band music from the era, WWII historical re-enactors and lunch, just to name a few of the attractions.
The museum also hosts San Diego County’s Veteran of the Year program. Annually a panel of judges pick a deserving veteran within the San Diego network who goes above and beyond in their service to the community after military service. Each year nominations are sent in from veterans across San Diego County. There are three other categories to nominate in, with all winners revealed each year at the famous Veteran of the Year Luncheon. It’s an exciting event which encourages reflection on how valuable veterans are in their service after service.
In the years to come, the museum hopes to continue to evolve in their relationship with the people of San Diego. With the end of the Iraq war, and the continuing mission in Afghanistan, the nation’s Veterans Assistance programs are overloaded with battle-weary service members. The museum seeks to be a light for these men and women, and for all veterans.
The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm and is located at 2115 Park Boulevard. For more information about the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park or to book an event, go to: www.veteranmuseum.org or call (619)239-2300.
