Museum Guide News

Welcome to the National Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus, Georgia, where history comes alive along the scenic Chattahoochee River. This year, we proudly celebrate the 25th anniversary at our current location. Discover the remains of the warship, CSS Jackson, and explore our impressive collection of artifacts and immersive walkthrough exhibits, including replicas of the USS Hartford and the CSS Albemarle.  With the nation's largest array of Civil War naval-related flags, our main gallery invites you to experience this pivotal chapter in American history. We feature engaging events, lectures, tours, and live demonstrations throughout the year. https://www.portcolumbus.org/exhibits-events When you visit us, you will want to experience one of our immersing tours. Below is a list of them to consider when coming! ForTours - Call 706-221-1782, book your group today! Group tours must be scheduled in advance.  Admission included. ​-   VIP Tour – $75 + tax per group of up to 5 people – guided – tour time: 1 hour – Take a private guided tour of the museum and discover the unique exhibits. Your personal guide will focus the tour and discussion on the Union Navy blockade and the fledgling Confederate Navy. A great opportunity for history enthusiasts of all ages to explore the important role of the navies in the Civil War. ​-   Stroll the Decks – $8 + tax per person (20 minimum) – self guided – recommended tour time: 1 hour – A museum interpreter will give a brief introduction to the museum and provide background information about the navies in the Civil War. Guests will then explore the galleries at their leisure. -   A Sailor's Life – $8 + tax per person (20 minimum) – with guide – tour time: 1 hour 30 minutes – A museum interpreter will take the group through exhibits of the nation’s most unique collection of Civil War naval artifacts revealing the history of the navies at war. They will share exciting stories of battles and of the ships and Sailors who fought them. Walkthrough ship reproductions will bring to life the experience of wartime Sailors. -    African-Americans & Civil War Navies – $8 + tax per person (20 minimum) with guide – tour time: 1 hour 30 minutes – An interpreter will introduce guests to this unique museum housing an impressive collection of Civil War naval artifacts. Visitors will then be led on a tour of the museum's exhibits highlighting the African American experience with stories of Sailors and those affected by the war. The guide will answer questions and provide context about the navies in conflict.  Come visit us soon and in the meantime check out our website at:  https://www.portcolumbus.org/ Museum Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am-4:30pm and Sun 12:30pm-4:30pm - Closed New Years, Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas  

Winona County History Center: Come curious, leave inspired.  Nestled in the Minnesota Driftless region, the Winona County History Center is your chance to go behind-the-scenes with Winona County history. From the famous to the unsung, the people who lived, worked, and dreamed here helped shape this remarkable place you see today. Explore the museum at your own pace for your own unique meet-up with history! Current Exhibits Discover The River Gallery, a new exhibit that takes you on a centuries-long journey alongside the Mississippi River and the people who live near it and on it. Inland seas, limestone bluffs, boathouse dwellers, Indigenous communities, conservationists, and industry-builders all intersect in this Winona County river story.  The Joy of the Arts celebrates over 100 years of municipal music, and you’re sure to leave this exhibit with your toes tapping. The current exhibit features the Winona Lake Park Bandshell. One of the last of its kind, the iconic structure in the city’s public lakeside park hosted musical sensations across the years and is still a popular concert site to this day.  Landscape, wealth, and well-known architects collide in an exhibit called Stories & Structures: How Buildings Tell Us About Ourselves. From school to bank to mansion, each building has a story to tell. You’ll find out how some of the iconic structures in Winona County came to be, and what those buildings tell us about the builders and those who use and preserve them.  Coming Soon A brand new Children’s Exhibit is coming soon to the Winona County History Center, making the museum a perfect place for people of all ages to play and participate in a bigger story. The upcoming Dakota History Exhibit will bring a fresh, honest perspective on the enduring relationship between local Dakota people and the place you know as Winona County. Exhibits on makers and inventors, veterans, homefront heroes, criminals, and crises will give you an insider view of the complex faces of the county.  Additional Attractions Are you a museum speed-reader waiting for friends to catch up? Make yourself comfortable in the free Slaggie Family Lobby area. Refresh your soul with art exhibitions from regional creators or stroll through The Museum Shop for a piece of take-home history. Consider a stop at the information desk to make an appointment in the research archives, or set aside a time to record an oral history with a trained Winona County Historical Society interviewer.  No matter what you choose to do, you’ll leave the Winona County History Center with a new perspective on history! We look forward to welcoming you back again.  Hours: Open Daily 10am – 4pm Phone: 507-454-2723  Website: winonahistory.org Address:  Winona County History Center 160 Johnson Street Winona, Minnesota  

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum, in Madison is dedicated to the people of Wisconsin who served in the armed forces and honors the role of all veterans in shaping Wisconsin military history and that of the nation. The Museum exists to share and preserve the stories of all Wisconsin veterans and where you can dig into the veteran experience and their service to our communities, state, and nation. Beginning with the Wisconsin Civil War regiments view regimental history and the battle flags that guided them. Through to veterans in recent service, explore what our servicemembers did, how that work impacted themselves and their families, and how their service contributed to national and global security. In addition, for an understanding of the contributions of Wisconsin veterans and to preserve and share their legacy, the museum has more than 2800 oral history interviews with veterans from World War I through to the 21st century. Furthermore, our database of service records for Wisconsin veterans provide details of the who, where, and when. Scout our collections for thousands of service-related three-dimensional objects, papers, diaries, and photographs documenting and preserving Wisconsin military history. This year we are celebrating our 125th Anniversary and we would like to join us! Our start was born out of the desire of Civil War veterans to honor the service of their comrades and to educate future generations about the cost of liberty and the continued effort required to protect our freedom, this organization has collected, preserved and shared the stories of Wisconsin veterans since 1901. We invite you to explore our story, from the steadfast efforts of the Grand Army of the Republic veterans to the dedicated staff of today who preserve and share the stories of Wisconsin veterans from the Civil War to present. https://wisvetsmuseum.com/125-years-of-sharing-our-veterans-stories/ We look forward to welcoming you and for you to begin your exploration of our museum! The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is an educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. Check us out online: https://wisvetsmuseum.com/    

The National Civil War Museum is one of the largest institutions in the world dedicated exclusively to the American Civil War. It stands out as the only museum of its kind that presents the Civil War from both Northern and Southern perspectives, offering insights from both military and civilian experiences. Through thoughtfully curated exhibits, the Museum not only chronicles key battles and campaigns but also illuminates the personal lives and stories affected by the conflict. Our mission is to serve as a national center for inspiring lifelong learning about the American Civil War, fostering a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in history. The National Civil War Museum is in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg, the oldest and largest municipal public park in the city. The building sits upon the highest point in the city, and the views from the site are simply lovely. Next to the building is our Walk of Valor, a ribbon of red brick that is symbolic of the bloodshed in war and bears the names of Civil War veterans honored by their surviving descendants. On the east side of the building opposite the entrance, you will find our Friends Walkway. We hope you will visit us this year as we are open year-round, Monday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Holidays: Regular business hours Closed: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. 717-260-1861. https://www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org/visit/      

Marine Corps Air Facility Walnut Ridge: An 80-Year Legacy In the fall of 1944, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, became home to the Marine Corps Air Facility (MCAF) after the U.S. Navy took control of the Walnut Ridge Army Air Field. Situated inland for protection from hurricane season, it was ideal for training Marines on SBD-5 Dauntless dive bombers and FG-1D Corsair fighters. VMF-513 and VMF-514 squadrons trained here, preparing for combat in the Pacific. Life at the facility quickly grew into a close-knit community. On October 6, 1944, the first child was born on base—a son to Lt. Richard D. Moore II and his wife. By November, MCAF Walnut Ridge expanded to include thousands of acres for operations, though not without challenges. The War and Navy Departments filed a complaint over high utility rates, an issue that would echo other bases’ struggles across the U.S. Meanwhile, surplus military aircraft from all over began arriving at Walnut Ridge for storage. The first recorded arrival was a B-17 bomber in November, marking Walnut Ridge as a key site for storing and managing surplus planes, a role it would continue post-war. In March 1945, the facility was briefly re-purposed as a POW camp to support local agricultural labor needs. German prisoners worked on nearby farms, symbolizing the shifting demands of wartime support. By summer, MCAF Walnut Ridge was officially decommissioned, transitioning to storage and salvage operations under the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) to handle the surplus military property. Though active for only a brief period, MCAF Walnut Ridge played a crucial role in Marine Corps history and the larger war effort. Now, 80 years later, its legacy continues to be celebrated as a pivotal chapter in both military and local history. Come visit the Wings of Honor Museum - we hope to see you soon!  https://www.wingsofhonor.org/

On Your Next Stop in Bend, Oregon Visit the Deschutes Historical Museum Located south of historic downtown Bend, between Wall and Bond Streets, the Deschutes Historical Museum is home to the Deschutes County Historical Society. Inside the historic Reid School building exhibits celebrate the stories of life in the high desert country, the traditional homelands of the Molalla, Warm Springs, Wasco, Northern Piute, and Klamath peoples. From the early attraction of outdoor recreation and roadside tourism to a time when irrigation, the railroad, and lumber mills created new communities during the early 20th century, visitors to the museum will discover the rich and unique history of this area, a living legacy that grows with each new generation. Here's what we collect: https://www.deschuteshistory.org/collections/Put some history in your future, and join us on your next trip to Bend. During your visit check out the museum’s exhibit, *Moments That Made Us*, a exhibition exploring the ideals at the heart of the Declaration of Independence through moments in our history that have defined their meaning. July 4, 2026, our nation marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Come explore how local histories and stories have been shaped by these founding principles. *Moments That Made Us* through November 16,2026. https://www.deschuteshistory.org/exhibits/For more information on these and other happenings at the Deschutes Historical Museum call 541-389-1813 or visit our website www.deschuteshistory.org The Deschutes Historical Museum is a "Blue Star Museum" and is open 10am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday - Saturdays Veterans and Seniors are only $8 Admission and Active Military Members are free with up to 5 family members! Put some history in your future and join us on your next trip to Bend, Oregon.

The Taft Blackland Museum in Taft, Texas is a unique cultural and educational facility that focuses on the history and development of the Blackland Prairie region of Texas. We are located at 107 North Main Street, our museum houses a variety of artifacts, documents, photographs, and oral histories related to the settlement and development of the area. The museum is divided into two parts: the first part is we are dedicated to the history of the Blackland Prairie region, with exhibits highlighting its history from the pre-colonial era to the present day; the second part is dedicated to the contributions made by African American settlers and their descendants to the region.The Taft Blackland Museum offers educational programs and hosts special events throughout the year, such as lectures, field trips, and summer camps. The museum also houses a research library where visitors can access a variety of resources related to the history of the Blackland Prairie region.The Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is free. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits, or take a guided tour with a knowledgeable docent. The museum also features a gift shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and books related to the history of the Blackland Prairie region. We look forward to welcoming you this year! 361-214-1247  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057326985508

The McLean County Museum of History traces its roots back to 1892, the year the McLean County Historical Society was founded. Today, the Museum is a nationally accredited, award-winning institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the rich history of McLean County. The Museum’s early roots date to December 5, 1903, when the Historical Society held its first meeting in a room set aside for the Society in the newly completed McLean County Courthouse. That historic building, located at 200 N. Main Street in downtown Bloomington, is now home to the McLean County Museum of History. The Museum features seven exhibit galleries, more than 18,000 objects, over 15,000 rare and hard-to-find books on local history and genealogy, and 2,000 feet of historical papers and images in its archives. Its exhibits and educational programs invite visitors of all ages to discover the people, places, events, and experiences that shaped McLean County. Exhibits The Museum’s permanent exhibits include Challenges, Choices, and Change, a 5,000-square-foot experience presented across four galleries: Making a Home, Farming in the Great Corn Belt, Working for a Living, and A Community in Conflict. Visitors can also explore Abraham Lincoln in McLean County, the Merwin Gallery, the hands-on Pioneer Discovery Room, and the historic Courthouse Exhibit. The Museum is also home to changing temporary exhibits: New in 2026: More Than A Game: A Community History of Baseball & Softball Opened July 18, 2026, this new temporary exhibit explores more than 150 years of baseball and softball history in McLean County. From early games played before the Civil War to today's CornBelters, baseball and softball have been woven into the community's story for generations. The exhibit examines how changes in race and gender equality, leisure time, technology, and social life played out on local ballfields. Visitors can step up to the microphone to call a game, learn how to grip a pitch, keep score on a recreated 1930s Pantagraph scoreboard, watch archival footage, hear sounds from the dugout, and test their knowledge with local baseball and softball trivia. The exhibit is scheduled to remain on display through 2031. Also currently on display is A Deadly Deception: The Asbestos Tragedy in McLean County, a temporary exhibit examining the history of the asbestos manufacturing plant on Bloomington’s west side and the people who endured its toxic working and environmental conditions. The exhibit is scheduled to remain on display through 2027. Plan Your Visit Visitors enter and exit the Museum through the Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center, making it a natural starting and ending point for a visit. Located on the ground floor of the McLean County Museum of History, the Visitors Center features Route 66 information panels highlighting the history and local connections of the Mother Road, along with a gift shop offering locally produced products, Abraham Lincoln souvenirs, Route 66 merchandise, and other unique items. It also provides local tourism information to help visitors discover additional attractions, historic sites, and things to do throughout McLean County. The McLean County Museum of History is open year-round, Monday through Saturday. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with extended hours on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Museum is closed Sundays. Admission is free for everyone on Tuesdays. Admission is also free for Museum members, students and children, and several other groups. Come explore the stories of McLean County, discover fascinating artifacts and exhibits, and experience history where it happened. McLean County Museum of History 200 N. Main Street Bloomington, Illinois 61701 Entrance on Washington Street For current hours, exhibits, events, and visitor information, https://mchistory.org/visit  

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum, in Manitowoc, WI cares for a collection of nearly 20,000 objects and a substantial archive pertaining to the maritime history of Wisconsin, Manitowoc shipbuilding, and USS Cobia. This includes more than 60 boats, approximately 300 regionally-built outboard motors, and over 250 ship models. Shipbuilding tools, marine navigational equipment, naval uniforms, and maritime archaeological artifacts also make up significant and growing portions of the collections. When objects are accepted into the museum’s collection, we agree to take care of them in perpetuity. This is an ongoing commitment, and a responsibility we take very seriously. The museum also cares for more than 10,000 Great Lakes shipwreck artifacts, curated on behalf of the State of Wisconsin, in its role as the preferred repository for recovered Wisconsin shipwreck artifacts. (Note, federal legislation in 1987 codified that it is expressly illegal to remove items from historic shipwrecks). The WMM collection is one of the largest maritime collections on the Great Lakes and reflects the museum’s mission of connecting all people with Wisconsin’s waterways, by engaging and educating the public about the Great Lakes, Wisconsin’s maritime history, Wisconsin’s WWII submarines, and USS Cobia. As the museum has grown over the past half-century, caring for our expanding collections has, likewise, become more challenging. While our Franklin Street facility allows us to house over 12,000 objects, items are now vulnerable to damage and deterioration. Through the years this facility has become overcrowded, making a more efficient storage system necessary. So preliminary work, largely grant funded by two programs with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), plans for expansion has begun! We invite you to visit our museum an experience the history of Maritime in Manitowoc, WI and more! https://www.wisconsinmaritime.org/visit/    

Since 1906, the Northern Nevada Railway, in Ely, Nevada has been a logistics hub. Today a vibrant museum experience that takes you inside the inner workings of a railyard. The Museum, is the last of its kind, the sole survivor of a grand era in the Silver State. Now a National Historic Landmark, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum takes you back to a time when the iron horse ruled the rails. It is America’s best-preserved standard-gauge short line and a complete rail facility. In 1983 the railroad ran its last train. Citizens of the town concerned with the economic impacts of the loss of mining and the railroad approached Kennecott with the intent to acquire the railroad and open it as a tourist operation. Though a series of donations the Nevada Northern Railway Museum was formed. When visiting, see the first steam powered passenger excursion left the East Ely Depot Memorial Day weekend 1987 pulled by locomotive #40. You can actually take the Nevada Northern Railway's restored Fairmont Hy-Rail car out on the original Mainline track. This vehicle began life as a very cool 1956 Pontiac Chieftain station wagon. Fairmont converted many of these American family cars into utility vehicles... At the museum experience the thrill of operating a historic Doodlebug railcar with our Be the Engineer program! Take the controls and feel the power of this vintage self-propelled train as you navigate the rails of the Nevada Northern Railway. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for rail enthusiasts of all ages! You’ve heard the stories, read about it, or you’ve seen television programs like Hell on Wheels. But what was it really like to work on the railroad? Here’s your chance to spend a week and find out for yourself what Workin' on the Railroad really means. It’s Hands On... Looking for a unique place to hold your next event? School field trip coming up? Are you looking for a movie location with an authentic 1920's backdrop? Do you want to hold a family reunion aboard a moving train? Need a destination for a very memorable historic automobile rally? A fly-in location for a airplane owners club?Look no further. We can help you with all of this and more. So come and check us online and visit us soon! https://nnry.com/ - 775-289-2085