Early in 1946, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen Vandegrift, decided to establish a living memorial to pay tribute to those Marines who had lost their lives during World War II in the Pacific. It was agreed that the site for such a living memorial was to be in San Francisco. A group of creative Marines advanced the concept to buy a building one block off Union Square. It took months of planning, but finally a financially sound solution was reached. On 10 November 1946, the Marine Corps Birthday, the Marines' Memorial Club opened its doors and began its illustrious history.

Marines' Memorial Mission

Maintain a Living Memorial honoring Marines and other Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, including Regular and Reserve Components, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Merchant Marine, and their reserves; to educate and perpetuate the achievements and the sacrifices of these Veterans, and to aid and assist these Veterans.

Marines' Memorial Club Lobby

A progressive exhibit of Marine Corps’ history since 1775 encloses the lobby of the Marines' Memorial Club with a rich array of donated, authentic artifacts and background information on the men and women who have contributed to the Corps’ heritage

Library/Museum

The General Ames Library/Museum, located on the 11th Floor with stunning views of San Francisco, is open seven days a week and contains a wide array of military publications, current periodicals and collected artifacts. It is a great place to retreat to and rediscover the simple pleasure of a good book and an overstuffed chair.

Books to Read

In conjunction with Stacey’s Bookstore in San Francisco, the Marines' Memorial Club offers the latest publications on military history and can back order nearly any book sought regarding our nation’s battle history.