This project provides an engaging way to explore the USMC's rich history, ideal for historians, military veterans, and anyone interested in this defining moment in American history.

  • Feel free to download the PC version (Beta Ver 0.4.5) from the link below:

    Downloadable Version (Dropbox Link)

    Once downloaded, stand near the “microphone” icon to hear
    historical snippets. This version includes high-resolution textures, allowing you to read the Medal of Honor wall.

    Note: This project is in beta, unfinished, and non-profit. Updates will be made as time allows.

    Important: When downloading from Dropbox, your system may display a warning indicating a potential virus. This is a false positive and commonly happens when files are not recognized by antivirus software due to their custom or beta nature. The file is safe and virus-free, having been uploaded securely through Dropbox’s verified platform.

    If you do not want to download. You can get a tour here of an older version. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ-9-5SV5ZU

  • To view it in your web browser (PC and Mac only), click the link below: Web Version
    (Sound is only available in the downloadable version; mobile compatibility is experimental.)

    I encourage you to download and explore it yourself.

  • Tun Tavern, one of Philadelphia's oldest establishments, was constructed along the Delaware River in the late 1600s. Named after the "tun," a large cask used by master brewers, the tavern symbolized quality and tradition—a fitting legacy for what would become a historic birthplace.

    On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress approved two battalions of Marines to support the Revolutionary War, creating the "soldiers of the sea" we now know as the United States Marine Corps. This decision launched the formation of the Continental Marines, marking a pivotal moment in American military history.

    Captain Samuel Nicholas, the first Commandant of the Marine Corps, partnered with Robert Mullan, then the manager of Tun Tavern, to recruit these first Marines. Tun Tavern quickly gained renown as a gathering place for rallying men to the cause and recruiting efforts, deeply intertwining it with the Marine Corps' origin story.

    By the early 1780s, Tun Tavern had served its community for nearly a century and was eventually dismantled around 1781 to make way for a warehouse as Philadelphia grew.

    In 1989, the Marine Corps Tun Tavern Foundation was established to honor and preserve the memory of Tun Tavern as the birthplace of the Corps. Today, each November 10, Marines around the world—now more than three million strong—celebrate their birthday and pay tribute to their storied origins at Tun Tavern, where their proud tradition began.

    For further reading-

  • I created the Virtual Tun Tavern to preserve and share the rich history of the U.S. Marine Corps in an accessible, immersive way. As a Marine Corps veteran, I know firsthand the importance of honoring our roots, and I’m using my skills in high-quality 3D rendering and historical modeling to build a space where people can engage with this heritage. Through the Tun Tavern project, I want to bring significant moments and environments to life, capturing the spirit of the Corps from its earliest days in 1775.

    This project also reflects the mission of DMS Graphics, where I specialize in precise and impactful 3D visualizations, including historical reconstructions. By sponsoring this project, I am ensuring that Marines, veterans, and history enthusiasts can experience our shared legacy, driven by my commitment to quality, accuracy, and storytelling. Explore more of my work and services at DMS Graphics.

If you have any questions, please fill out the form at the bottom or email me at rzilkie@dronemadestudios.com

Below are some images showcasing the design process and development stages of the Virtual Tun Tavern in SketchUp. The video below (turn sound on) provides a closer look at the historical significance of the U.S. Marine Corps captured in this virtual experience. If you'd like to explore it yourself, click on the "Download & Explore" tab above.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I brought this project to life.

Digital 3D model of a building with two large historical paintings of houses on either side.
An outdoor scene with historical buildings and a street parade. On the left, a mural of a colonial-era town with people in period clothing. On the right, a 3D model of a colonial-style house with a person sitting on the stairs and a small dog.
A digital rendering of a multi-story building with a porch, red curtains, a person standing on the porch, and a historical mural on the adjacent wall, all under a clear blue sky.
Digital illustration of the Tun Tavern, a historic tavern with a beige upper floor, red lower facade, white columns, a porch with railings, and a saluting guard in military uniform at the entrance. Windows are visible on both floors.
Cross-section of a two-story brick house showing interior spaces with furniture, people, and lighting. The upper level has a brick wall with windows and a staircase leading down. The lower level has a bar with stools, lamps on the walls, and people i
A brick-walled room with military flags, rifles mounted on the wall, and a display of swords. There are two mannequins dressed in military uniforms behind a wooden bar, with one saluting. A table holds a sculpture of a soldier with an American flag,
A multi-story house with a porch, multiple windows, and two chimneys, set against rolling hills and a cloudy sky.
Photograph of a model house with historical paintings on display flanking it, set in an outdoor landscape with hills in the background.

Here’s a look at the project as it stands today—always evolving, with room for future improvements.

A multi-story building with a front porch, sign reading 'Tavern', and a soldier figure on the porch. Surrounding buildings are similar in style, set on a brick-paved sidewalk with a large tree and a blue sky with clouds.
Interior of a historical building with a display titled 'Medal of Honor Recipients'. The upper level has a brick wall with plaques and decor, while the lower level contains a figure in military uniform saluting, a dining table with chairs, and a bar
Interior of a coffee shop with brick walls, wooden floors, a counter with two mannequins in military uniforms, flags of the US Navy and Marine Corps, and a man behind the counter.
Interior of a room with a brick wall, wooden flooring, and a staircase. There is a bar with stools, flags, a poster, and mannequins in military uniforms.
Interior of a brick-walled hall with round wooden tables and chairs, informational posters on the wall, and a large display titled 'Medal of Honor Recipients'.
Nighttime exterior view of a building labeled 'Tun Tavem' with lit windows, a porch, and a person standing on the porch, under a starry sky with clouds.
Aerial view of a city block with labels pointing to two locations: 'New Location' and 'Historic Location.' The 'New Location' is a small building with surrounding green space, and the 'Historic Location' is a similar building also with a small green

USMC Birthday: November 10, 1775

Until Next Birthday