The DC Traveler

A exhibit running through the end of the year at the National Firearms Museum, The Arsenal of Democracy, was created to honor World War II veterans and to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the ending of war.

The exhibit includes weapons and military uniforms as well as personal equipment and photographs of the WW-II soldiers that used them. A couple notable pieces in the exhibit include a Marine uniform worn by one of four brothers who fought at Iwo Jima, Winston Churchill’s personal pistol, and a watch worn by a 101st Airborne paratrooper that ironically stopped when he landed in Normandy on June 6th, 1944, D-Day.

The title of the exhibit is based on a quote from President Roosevelt, “We must have more ships, more guns, more planes — more of everything … We must be the great arsenal of democracy.”

The National Firearms Museum, located in suburban Fairfax, VA (about 19 miles from The National Mall), has one of the most impressive and extensive collections of firearms on display in the U.S. today.

Regardless if you are a supporter of the Second Amendment; guns and firearms have truly shaped both global and America’s history. Firearms of all type and periods are represented in the museum, from the earliest weapon on display - a Spanish hand cannon dating back to the 1350s, to the latest in technological evolution of current day weapons in production today.

The museum consists of thirteen main galleries of firearms, each representing a different period of time, including The Road To American Liberty presenting early-American firearms used in the American Revolution, The American West displaying firearms from the Old West, and Ever Vigilant covering military firearms from WW-II to present.

The wide-ranging collection include all manner of firearms including types used by law enforcement, for hunting, by the military and even in Olympic competitions. There are also a broad collection of custom, hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind and commemorative firearms.

One rifle that should be recognizable to most baby-boom era boys… the famous Daisy Red Ryder Cowboy Carbine BB gun is also on display.

The self-guided museum has interactive kiosks to allow visitors to learn more about each piece and an extensive library available by advanced-appointment on weekdays.

National Firearms Museum
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Hours
Daily 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m., except major holidays.

Admission is free.

Nearest Metro station - Vienna / Fairfax / GMU - Orange Line, about 5 miles from the museum.

If taking the Metro, I’d recommend you take a cab from the Vienna station. There is usually a couple in the station’s parking lot. You can call a local cab from the museum to return you to the Metro. Cab companies usually respond quickly (10-20 minutes).

Taking a bus is an option, however may add an hour or more to your visit. The availability of buses to and from the museum can be spotty at times. Busses run as infrequently as hourly during non-rush hour periods. Check the Fairfax Connector bus schedule for bus 621, 622 or 623 or the Fairfax CUE bus Gold Route 1 scuedule. The nearest bus stop leaves you about a 4 block walk from the museum.

Photo credits: National Firearms Museum

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