Museum history
Located 12 miles east of downtown Los Angeles is the American Military History Museum, also known as Tankland. Our non-profit military history Museum is home to over 175 military vehicles & outdoor exhibits dating from 1933 to the present.
Since 1962 we have been dedicated to preserving our nation’s military history. We recognize the immeasurable contributions of those in previous generations who have dedicated their lives to defend our nation. Our Museum is a tribute designed to honor our veterans and active military personnel.
Our large outdoor display complex takes the Museum visitor through time, and traces the development of military equipment, which has helped change the world. Our exhibits serve as a fun interactive environment allowing visitors a unique opportunity to get an up-close look at some of the world’s most impressive pieces of history.
The Museum is the brainchild of Donald Michelson. During World War II, Michelson was a Quartermaster Officer (Contract & procurement officer). For 22 years following WWII, Michelson ran the PX System for the National Guard PX. In September 1962 he opened his first military museum at the Exposition Park Armory across from the University of Southern California (USC). He began working on the museum full time in 1970. Later the museum moved to the Reserve Center in Bell, CA. And in 1978 the museum moved to its current 7.5-acre site in the Los Angeles County Whittier Narrows Recreation Area complex.
Our Museum is the largest Military History Museum & Restoration Center in the Western United States with over 175 military vehicles & outdoor exhibits dating from 1933 to the present. Our outdoor display complex takes the museum visitor through time and traces the development of military equipment, which has affected world history. Among the display pieces are 25 tanks; including WWII Sherman tanks, M-60 tanks, and mobile anti-aircraft guns. There are also WWII Half-tracks, troop transports, jeeps, and field ambulances. And you’ll find cannons, 8” Howitzers (both self-propelled & towed), bombs, missiles, Humvee’s, fixed naval guns, naval landing craft and assorted other heavy equipment from different periods. There is also an original anti-aircraft gun emplacement from the USS Missouri battleship, and a Huey helicopter gunship from the Vietnam War. Most of the equipment is from the U.S. military. The exhibits serve as a fun environment allowing visitors a unique opportunity to get an up-close look at some of the world’s most impressive pieces of history.
The museum receives no government funds or corporate sponsorship, and we are always looking for volunteers who can assist with the preservation, upkeep and restoration of these larger than life battlefield heroes.