Regional Military Museum: Artifacts from all US Wars in Houma, Lousiana

Houma is a small city in Southern Louisiana, deep in the heart of Bayou Country and Cajun culture. Its Regional Military Museum is one of Houma’s treasured attractions.

US army jeep with helicopter in the background — *U.S. Army jeep with David Aksomitis & Linda Aksomitis. Photo by Donna Scheidt.*

Linda’s Pick of the Exhibits

My favorite exhibit was one of the Regional Military Museum’s showcase attractions – the 1956 Air Force One Aero Commander airplane.

This airplane used by President Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower was the first Air Force One plane to use this distinctive design and display the presidential seal. President Eisenhower introduced the unique call sign, Air Force One, in 1959. This was, of course, during the Cold War.

Air Force One plane with a framed photo of President Eisenhower — *This Air Force One plane had a wingspan of around 44 ft and was operated by two crew and could hold up to eight passengers. Photo by Linda Aksomitis.*

The plane was replaced for presidential service in 1961 by newer jets. However it continued to be used, serving the Air Force Academy in Colorado for parachute jump training at one time.

Fast Fact: This airplane, which officially served as the "Spare L-26C," is owned by the state of Louisiana. It's on a continuous loan from the Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum in Patterson, LA.

The Air Force One plane was moved from storage in Patterson, LA, where it had been from around 1984, to the Houma Regional Military Museum in 2010. Its trip included land transport as well as barge up the Intracoastal Waterway.

What’s in the Regional Military Museum?

C. J. Christ, a Korean War Air Force pilot, founded the museum in the early 2000s after collecting a large amount of memorabilia.

The Regional Military Museum in Houma has a collection of artifacts that span every war the U.S. has participated in - this museum review provides information and details on the military museum collection and how to visit when you're traveling near Houma, Louisiana | #museums #travel #Louisiana #jeeps #AirForceOne — *Pin me!*

At the time, Christ and other veterans were leading monthly discussions on military history at the Terrebonne Parish Library.

The museum’s first building (which stands 26′ tall) was acquired in 2005 and opened to the public in 2008. It was dwarfed in 2014 by the addition of a second 12,000-square-foot building.

The museum has thousands of artifacts ranging from jeeps and motorcycles to uniforms and guns.

There are seven exhibit categories that cover from WWI through Vietnam to the War on Terror.

Exhibits include a HAWK missile launcher, trench art, local war efforts, purple hearts, Charles Davidson WWII pilot, and the Air Force One Aero Commander.

Mounted display of military insignia — *Military insignia display. Photo by Linda Aksomitis.*

They also have a large print collection. With artifacts from every war in U.S. history, the museum provides a treasure trove of information.

Linda’s Road Trip Tips

There’s always something exciting for me at every stop in Louisiana. It may be a new Cajun food, or it may be a new experience. In Houma, it was several things!

Our first adventure was a fly over the Bayous with local pilot, Charlie Hammond. This amazing pilot and flight instructor was one of the 2024 Inaugural Inductees for the Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum.

Fast Fact: During WWII, a Naval Air Station was built in Houma with construction starting May 1, 1943. It was a lighter-than-air (LTA) base that housed six blimps. Their goal was to provide air protection for ships in the Gulf of Mexico.

We also visited the GreenWood Gator Farm just outside the city. While I’ve visited a few other gator farms, this one was especially interesting as it focused on how alligators are farmed. Having been involved in horse and cattle ranching, I found it fascinating to see the similarities and differences.

Alligator bites on a plate — *Alligator bites at Bayou Delight Restaurant. Photo by Linda Aksomtis.*

And if you’d like to taste some alligator, check out the Bayou Delight Restaurant in Houma. We really enjoyed it!

Who Should Visit the Regional Military Museum

The museum is a great stop whether you have a keen interest — or a general interest — in military history. The artifact collection gives a good overview of military machines, which will keep young visitors engaged.

There’s room to move around in the museum for wheelchairs and strollers. As well, there’s easy access to many artifacts so you can get up-close to examine them.

Allow about an hour to go through the museum, although enthusiasts may need longer.

How Do You Visit the Regional Military Museum?

The Regional Military Museum is near historic downtown Houma in Louisiana.

Street Address: 1154 Barrow St., Houma, LA

Parking: There's easy street parking right outside the museum.

The museum is open year-round. However, check the Regional Military Museum website for days and hours they’re open. Entrance fees are minimal.

Keep up to date with what’s happening at the museum with the Regional Military Museum Facebook page.

Take a virtual tour of the Regional Military Museum on YouTube with Explore Houma.

Plan your trip to the Regional Military Museum with Google Maps.

More Things to Do in Louisiana

Check out all of guide2museum.com’s reviews of museums in Louisiana.

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