Museum Guide News

USS Midway Museum: An American Treasure in San Diego, CA Get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure on America’s Living Symbol of Freedom. The USS Midway Museum on San Diego Bay, is the world’s most popular and visited naval ship museum. Dedicated to providing engaging and educational experiences, a visit to Midway not only lets guests enjoy more than 80 years of naval aviation history, but discover what it’s like to be a pilot. Together, families will experience firsthand the legacy of this amazing aircraft carrier museum through Midway’s extensive collection of restored military aircraft. The museum’s flight simulators and virtual reality experience put visitors in the pilot seat, while guests will be captivated by the ship’s award-winning audio tour. Midway’s world-famous volunteers will bring the flight deck to life with gripping stories of launching and landing naval aircraft, as well as tales of high-seas adventure. The Battle of Midway Theater will transport guests back to 1942 through the eyes and voices of American heroes to relive how the Navy turned the tide to victory in the Pacific during World War II. Kids can also earn their Junior Pilot Wings and become naval aviators through fun onboard activities. The museum is rich with artifacts that tell the story of the U.S. Navy, and naval aviation in particular. Displays and exhibits have been developed with these artifacts to provide guests with a better understanding of the role Midway played during its 47-year career in not only protecting American democracy and freedom around the world, but also how the ship supported important humanitarian operations overseas. Midway is a treasured San Diego icon, and visitors to the museum will experience the significant contributions made to the nation by America’s naval service. Midway is a family-fun adventure. We looking forward to welcoming you! For more informtion:  https://www.midway.org/    

As one of the top attractions in the State of Texas, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum creates a museum experience that is both educational and entertaining for the whole family. The museum's core exhibits reveal the unique influences and challenges that shaped George Bush's life and presidency, and frequently changing temporary exhibits present visitors new and interesting perspectives on President Bush, his life and work. Through artifacts, film, photographs, documents, music, sound effects and interactive videos, this special museum experience encompasses much of U.S. history since 1941. See a World War II Avenger Torpedo Bomber, a 1947 Studebaker, a slab of the Berlin Wall, and replicas of President Bush's Camp David, Situation Room, and the Oval Office. In addition, a special section is dedicated to First Lady Barbara Bush and her efforts on behalf of literacy, AIDS awareness and prevention, and volunteerism. https://www.bush41.org/events New to the museum is, Music America: Iconic Objects from America’s Music History will open in the Ansary Gallery of American History at the Bush Library and Museum on Monday, May 5, 2025, and remain on exhibit until January 5, 2026.  With nearly 100 objects representing the best of American music, the exhibit—curated by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music (BSACAM) at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey—tells the story of how music has informed, interpreted, and inspired our national identity since it was founded nearly two-and-a-half centuries ago. The exhibit features artifacts from the permanent collection of the BSACAM alongside treasures from other institutions across the country such as the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Hard Rock International, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as well as dozens of prominent collectors of American music ephemera. This exhibit features legendary objects from artists such as Johnny Cash, Sam Cooke, Chuck D, Woody Guthrie, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Tupac Shakur, and more. The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University strives to preserve and make available the records and artifacts of George H.W. Bush. We promote civic literacy and increased historical understanding of our national experience, and foster a community of public service and volunteerism. We welcome you to come to College Station, TX and experience this truly special museum! Please visit our website to explore and learn more! https://www.bush41.org/ Museum hours: Monday - Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.        

The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History relates the military heritage of Arkansas and its citizens to a diverse and widespread audience. Located in the historic Arsenal Building in MacArthur Park--one of Central Arkansas's oldest surviving structures and the birthplace of one of this country's foremost military heroes--the museum collects, preserves, and interprets our state's rich military past from its territorial period to the present. The museum was created to interpret our state's military heritage from its territorial period to the present. The birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur--the museum preserves the contributions of Arkansas men and women who served in the armed forces. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, weapons, documents, uniforms, and other military items that vividly portray Arkansas's military history at home and abroad! The Museum’s History as a U.S. Arsenal- Shortly after Arkansas was admitted to the Union in 1836, the federal government established the Little Rock Arsenal for the storage of munitions and weapons in defense of the frontier. Eventually, more than thirty buildings were constructed on this 36-acre site, including an armory, officers' quarters, barracks for enlisted men, and a variety of other buildings necessary for the routine operation of a military post. In February 1861, armed citizens threatened to seize the arsenal in anticipation of Arkansas's secession from the Union. A confrontation was averted when authorities negotiated a peaceful compromise with the commander, Captain James Totten, and federal troops withdrew from Little Rock. After Arkansas seceded in May 1861, Confederate forces used the arsenal until September 11, 1863, when Union troops commanded by General Frederick Steele captured Little Rock. Renamed the Little Rock Barracks in 1873, the post was used to garrison troops until it closed in 1890! Admission is Free (Donations are Appreciated) - Hours of Operation: Monday – Closed Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday:  1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The museum will be closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.-  https://www.littlerock.gov/residents/parks-and-recreation/city-park-information/macarthur-museum-of-arkansas-military-history/

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center is the official start to your visit to Gettysburg. Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation are pleased to bring back sensory friendly hours again in 2025. Special opportunities and programming will be available for visitors with visual and auditory sensitivities to enjoy with their family and friends. Visitors can experience activities in a relaxed environment for a calmer and quieter visit Saturday, Jan. 11th and Feb. 8th, 2025, from 9 until 11 a.m. Complimentary tickets for the Cyclorama and Museum for the sensory friendly hours can be picked up the day of the event in the Main Lobby until 10:30 a.m. Programming with sound, light and audio-visual elements will return to operation beginning at 11 a.m., with the first regular Film and Cyclorama show time at 11:30 a.m. Choose from our exclusive selection of Gettysburg exhibits, tours and events to make your visit truly historic. Set the framework for your visit by starting with the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience. Then, venture onto the battlefield for a tour with a Licensed Battlefield Guide. Battlefield Bus Tours and Battlefield Car Tours are popular ways to tour the battlefield with an expert guide. Purchase tickets or make reservations to begin your tour from the Museum & Visitor Center. Step into history with visits to our Historic Sites. Visit the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital on weekends in summer where living historians and docents bring history alive at the best-preserved field hospital from the American Civil War. Special events take place at the historic site on select dates throughout the year. The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center is ready to welcome you to explore Gettysburg with us. Annual Holiday Closures: Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day and Early Closure at 1 p.m. Christmas Eve. Current Hours:  December - FebruaryDaily, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. March - NovemberDaily, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. https://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/    

Le Compton, KS is the political birthplace of the American Civil War – Learn more about this area through the Le Compton Historical Society by visiting our two museums, Constitution Hall, Lane University, plus other historic sites, restaurants and shops. A visit to Lecompton, KS the “Civil War Birthplace – Where Slavery Began To Die”, will take you to the roots of America’s Civil War. Lecompton, Territorial Capitol of Kansas from 1855 to 1861, is located just an hour west of Kansas City on I-70 between Lawrence and Topeka, KS.  The Lecompton area encompasses many sites that are part of the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. You can begin with a tour of Constitution Hall: a National Landmark, Kansas Historic Site, and finalist as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. This 2-story white frame building was built in 1856 and was the site of the writing of the famous Lecompton Constitution which would have admitted Kansas as a Southern state. The rejection of this document split the Democratic Party and led to the election of President Lincoln. The name “Lecompton” was used 51 times during the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. The 30 minute visit will include displays of Territorial Kansas and its impact on the history of the United States and the Civil War. Then visit the Territorial Capital Museum, a National Register Site. Construction of the building was begun with an appropriation of $50,000 from the federal government to be the capitol of Kansas and later completed as Lane University. The parents of President Eisenhower met and were married here while students in 1884-85. The museum contains 3 floors of Civil War and Victorian artifacts.  About an hour. Visitors may also visit Territorial Democratic Headquarters, located overlooking the Kansas River. Bald Eagles often may be seen at this location. 30 minutes. We have a walking (or driving) tour that will show you all of the historic sites in Lecompton! And this Winter come a enjoy our beautiful Christmas Display from Novemebr 1st - January 1st! We welcome you to check us out online and explore all that Le Compton Historical Society is all about! https://lecomptonkansas.com/  

The Crossroads Museum, founded by Houston Mitchell and Hamilton Mask in 1854, in Corinth, Mississippi, was once billed as the Crossroads of the South because of the importance the city’s railroads played during the Civil War. Those two rail lines which crossed over each other at city center, made Corinth one of the most strategic transportation hubs fought over by both the Union and Confederate armies. Today the Crossroads Museum and Historic Corinth Depot sits only a few feet from railroad tracks that remain busy with frequent traffic from freight trains. In the front courtyard sits a Civil War canon used during the Battle of Shiloh. Exhibits In addition to railroad and Civil War history, the museum is home to thousands of artifacts detailing the city’s rich history in both cultural and industrial pursuits. Exhibits pay homage to aviation pioneer Roscoe Turner, baseball star Don Blasingame, NFL great Jackie Simpson, a Rotary Club’s impact on the community and a Southern delicacy known as the hot tamale. ​This year check out our “Green Market Days.” Voted Best Small Event by the Mississippi Tourism Association! The Green Market (free to the public) hosts an eclectic mix of local and regional artists, farmers, gardeners, and craftsmen who sell their hand crafted and home-made goods in an open-air, grassroots setting. Grab a snack at one of the food trucks and check out the local entertainment. As the banner fundraiser for the non-profit Crossroads Museum, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Our goal is to encourage folks to buy local and provide a place for everyone to gather and share ideas. https://www.corinthgreenmarket.net/ ​The Green Market 2025 dates are: Saturday June 7th, Saturday September 6th, Saturday October 4th, Saturday November 1st, and Friday December 5th. For more information on the Crossroads Museum and our Green Market events check out our website: https://www.crossroadsmuseum.com/  Crossroads Museum, 221 N. Fillmore St. Corinth, MS (662-287-3120)  

The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association main mission is to conserve birds of prey worldwide by providing leadership in raptor conservation science and education, and by maintaining Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a model observation, research and education facility. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the world’s first refuge for birds of prey, was founded in response to the mass killing of hawks in the early 20th century. In the 1930s, conservationist Richard Pough documented the shooting of migrating hawks on a Pennsylvania mountain, capturing images that caught the attention of activist Rosalie Edge. In 1934, Edge leased the land, hired wardens Maurice and Irma Broun to guard the trails and lookout, and opened it to the public. She later purchased the property and established Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a nonprofit in 1938, effectively ending the slaughter and creating a safe haven for raptors. While stationed at the lookout, Maurice began tallying the raptors that migrated past the lookout, starting the first official hawk count in the world. Today, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has since grown to 2,600 acres, with over 60,000 visitors per year and more than 9,000 members that keep the Sanctuary’s mission alive. On- and off-site, HMS helps to educate through lectures, workshops, programs and events, while also offering access to its 8+ miles of hiking trails for firsthand learning and observation. For over 90 years, visitors have been able to immerse themselves and experience raptors in this native habitat. Hawk Mountain uses a local-to-global approach in conservation, seeking to educate the public and conserve raptors in the immediate area as well as across the country and the world. Through its extensive trainee programs, educators and conservationists learn from qualified, dedicated scientists and educators the best methods for research and outreach. By taking on these trainees, the Sanctuary has already helped further conservation programs in Africa, Central and South America, the Arctic, and more. In places like Batumi in the Republic of Georgia, our traineeship graduates have helped establish locations with a similar origin story to ours exchange damaging raptor hunting for eco-tourism. Our mission soars forward thanks to generous support via visit, membership, or donation, and Hawk Mountain can continue to be a leader in the global wildlife conservation movement. Come and visit us online and learn more about all we are and have to offer!  https://www.hawkmountain.org/      

Come learn about the “Big Brutus”! The largest electric shovel in the world — it’s a testament to the hard work and determination of the American mining industry. Big Brutus Museum offers visitors a unique insight into the history of mining and the fascinating technology behind it. Constructed in 1962 by the Bucyrus Erie company for the Pittsburg & Midway Coal Mining Company, Big Brutus served as a testament to human ingenuity and hard work. This colossal machine operated for over a decade, dramatically increasing the efficiency of coal mining in the region before retiring in 1974. However, its retirement marked a new beginning. In 1985, it was dedicated as a museum and memorial, signifying its enduring legacy. In September 1987, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) designated Big Brutus a Regional Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, the tenth such designation since 1971. Adding to its accolades, Big Brutus was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018, further cementing its significance in American industrial history. Big Brutus, in West Mineral, Kansas stands 16 stories tall and weighs 11 million pounds, was a marvel of its time. It represented the peak of mining technology during its era. Big Brutus revolutionized the efficiency and scale of coal mining. Its maximum speed of .22 MPH and cost of $6.5 million in 1962 reflected the enormous investment in industrial machinery that defined the mid-20th century. However, there’s more to Big Brutus than cold steel and long shadows falling across the Mined Land Wildlife Area. The true value of this machine lies in its representation of an era of hard work, determination, and progress. Camping is also available at Big Brutus, call for reservations, 620-827-6177 for more information. We offer primitive camping and space for self-contained RV’s, as well as ten water/electrical hook-ups and a dump station.  Come visit our rustic museum and gift shop in West Mineral, KS. It is the perfect place to learn about the history and engineering of the Big Brutus mining shovel and take home a souvenir to remember your visit. Our facilities include comfort facilities with hot showers, picnic tables, and a shelter for gatherings of all kinds. We look forward to welcoming soon!  https://bigbrutus.org/

Here in Lubbock, we have two amazing museums that showcase aspects of the City’s unique history: the Buddy Holly Center and the Silent Wings Museum. The Buddy Holly Center preserves and promotes the legacy of Buddy Holly and the music of West Texas, as well as provides exhibitions on contemporary visual arts and music for the purpose of educating and entertaining the public. Exhibitions, tours, concerts, classes and gallery talks are designed to cultivate an atmosphere where art and music are celebrated. The Buddy Holly Gallery features a permanent exhibit on the life and music of the Lubbock native and West Texas icon. Artifacts include Buddy’s Fender Stratocaster guitar and his famed horn-rimmed glasses, along with items from his youth and career. The Silent Wings Museum is located six miles north of the Buddy Holly Center and is adjacent to the Preston Smith International Airport. It is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to preserving the history of the WWII military glider program. The museum is home to one of the few accurately and completely restored CG-4A gliders left in the world. The exhibits focus on the airborne operations in which gliders were used, the training of the glider pilots and the technical history of the gliders themselves. The Buddy Holly Center and the Silent Wings Museum are open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 1pm to 5pm. Visitors are welcome to check out our websites for the most up-to-date information on admission prices, special events and holiday hours. https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/buddy-holly-center 806-775-3560  https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/silent-wings-museum 806-775-3049

In WHITTIER, AK, an important part of Alaskan history is now back in Alaska. The Prince William Sound Museum in Whittier, AK has accepted a 1939 Japanese machine gun — called a Nambu — used by Japanese military forces in the World War II Battle of Attu along the Aleutian Islands. Museum Director Ted Spencer said having the gun displayed at the military museum was a lifelong dream, but getting it there was quite a journey. It started with Lt. Colonel William Lucas, who led the charge to recapture Attu from the Japanese in 1943, earning a silver star in the process. The battle itself was bloody; the museum has the names of more than 500 American soldiers who died in the only World War II land battle to be fought on the North American continent. The Americans prevailed and the Japanese retreated, leaving some of their weapons behind. That, Spencer said, was how Lucas got the gun. It went with him to his home in Virginia where it stayed in a closet for nearly 80 years until it was eventually passed down to a granddaughter. “So, she contacted us and said, ‘Hey, would you like to have this gun for display?’ And of course, it was a big dream for me to have something from the battle of Attu,” Spencer said. But there were complications; because the machine gun had never been registered with the federal government, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives wanted to melt it down. Elaina Spraker, a staffer with Sen. Dan Sullivan’s office, worked to convince the agency the gun was a historic relic. It eventually agreed to transfer ownership to the City of Whittier. Sullivan recently toured the Whittier Museum, seeing the gun for the first time in person. “To be able to have an original machine gun, [a] Japanese machine gun that was in that battle, you know we lost a lot of American service members,” Sullivan said. “To have that as a remembrance of the service and sacrifice — which is really what this museum is all about — it’s really powerful.” Here is a video link to more information on this Japanese Machine Gun - https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/08/14/wwii-japanese-machine-gun-battle-attu-is-returned-alaska/ Spencer said he hopes the gun will shed new light on a battle that many Americans are unfamiliar with. He called it an important piece of history in which Alaska played a vital role. To view and learn more about this extraordinary Japanese machine gun and other historic WWII exhibits and the role Whittier, AK played in the war, come visit the Prince William sound Museum and check us out online! https://www.pwsmuseum.org/