About

Presented by Wes Barta, Christine Russ, and Task Force ONTOS of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Explore the 250 years of the United States Marine Corps, from the defense of the New Republic and birth of the USMC as a Global Expeditionary Force to the first and second World Wars, to Korea and Vietnam. For each period of history, a broad perspective will be provided to attendees to allow an understanding of the important contributions of the USMC along with focused stories on the individual actions of various Marines.

Mr. Wes Barta, the Museum’s Education Specialist, has a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the Virginia Military Institute and a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers School of Law - Camden. He has a cumulative seven years of museum education experience with a passion for history and the United States Marine Corps. Ms. Christine Russ is the Stafford County Teacher in Residence for the Museum. Ms. Russ has been teaching for twenty-three years and has a bachelor’s degree in education / history and a master’s in technology.

The ONTOS artifact presenters are USMC veterans, volunteer Docents to the museum, and educational specialists in United States Marine Corps History. ONTOS members volunteer their time and expertise in the museum galleries as well as school and public functions.