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Cold War Museum

Fairfax, Maryland · Fairfax County · Facility

In 1996, Francis Gary Powers, Jr. and John C. Welch founded the Cold War Museum to preserve Cold War history and honor Cold War Veterans. The museum is dedicated to education, preservation, and research on the global, ideological and political confrontations between East and West, from the end of World War II to the di…

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38.85170, -77.31890
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About Cold War Museum

In 1996, Francis Gary Powers, Jr. and John C. Welch founded the Cold War Museum to preserve Cold War history and honor Cold War Veterans. The museum is dedicated to education, preservation, and research on the global, ideological and political confrontations between East and West, from the end of World War II to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The museum?s aim is to maintain a historically accurate record of the people, places and events of the Cold War, and educate future generations about the fears, division and dangers it fostered. The museum co-sponsored a conference, "Interpreting the Physical Legacy of the Cold War" with the Cold War International History Project at the Smithsonian's Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars on October 8 and 9, 2003. In addition, a mobile exhibit of historical artifacts associated with the U-2 Incident of May 1960 is currently traveling around the world.

Plan Your Visit to Cold War Museum

Heading to Cold War Museum? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Cold War Museum?

No central reservation system listed for Cold War Museum. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/203154) for the latest entry policy and availability.