Exhibitions

operations

The Border Patrol Museum offers several exhibits pertaining to Border Patrol Operations. The Sign Cutting exhibit features a diorama explaining how sign cutting operations and tracking work to detect illegal entries into the United States.  Additionally, the exhibit displays methods used by individuals to disguise their tracks in an effort to elude detection, and offers definitions to explain terminology used in tracking operations. Tracking has been an essential tool and skill learned and used by Agents since the inception of the Border Patrol.

The Transportation Check exhibit features two dioramas showing new checkpoints in the El Centro Sector. The new design contrasts sharply with pictures of earlier checkpoints used from the beginning of Border Patrol checkpoint operations. Also highlighted briefly are depictions of train check operations, which are some of the most dangerous operations performed by the Border Patrol.

The Horse Patrol operations exhibits explains the origins of the Horse Patrol , and display a variety of saddles and equipment used by Horse Patrol from its beginnings. Its use continues today because of the ability of horses to travel in terrain that wheeled vehicles can not go.

Flight Operations is another exhibit highlighted in the museum. On display is a Piper Super Cub aircraft, and a OH-6 helicopter, both of which have been decommissioned, but have a rich history in Border Patrol Operations. Additional pictures show a wide variety of aircraft flown by Border Patrol pilots and a history into the qualification of Border Patrol pilots and the change from fixed-wing aircraft to rotary wing aircraft.

The Border Patrol Museum, the only one in the United States, receives no federal funds and relies on donations to keep our doors open. If you are able, please consider donating to help sustain your museum.