Museum Guide News

In early 1959, the Gates Memorial Library in Port Arthur, TX acquired important historical items, including the first American flag to fly over Port Arthur.  At that time the need for a Museum was evident to many people.  In 1964, the State of Texas chartered the Port Arthur Museum.  The Museum soon outgrew its location and was moved to the Merchant’s National Bank. In 1980, it was relocated again to a wing of the Gates Memorial Library, but that space quickly filled as well. So, in 1987, the Board of Directors adopted a plan to broaden the scope of the Museum to encompass the entire Gulf Coast region. By 1990, the Society had acquired the present Museum building.  Built in 1963, it had formerly served as the First National Bank.  Permanent Exhibits occupy the first two floors, The Museum houses its collections in the bank’s formidable vaults. Between 1991 and 1994, the bank was renovated and Southwest Museum Services began installing exhibits. The Museum of the Gulf Coast opened its doors on July 2, 1994. ​Today - with an increasing emphasis on educational outreach, the Museum hosts thousands of children for school tours, programs, and a summer camp focusing on environmental stewardship.  The Museum also offers “Family Fun Days."  In addition, the Museum serves as a resource for archival documents and photographs for academic researchers as well as local, national, and international media (link to collections). ​The Scope of Exhibits cover 39,000 square feet, containing many exhibits which capture the essence of life along the Upper Gulf Coast. Visitors marvel at the 125-foot mural depicting the area's history from the prehistoric era to the discovery of oil at Spindletop.  ​The Hall of Fame galleries highlight local musicians, athletes, and notable people who have achieved national or international recognition such as Janis Joplin, the Big Bopper, Jimmy Johnson, Karen Silkwood, actress Evelyn Keyes, and artist Robert Rauschenberg.  The museum also includes a wide variety of temporary exhibitions in the Dunn Gallery. https://www.museumofthegulfcoast.org/halls-of-fame To learn about the Museum of the Gulf Coast and the coast’s rich history visit us soon and check us out online:  https://www.museumofthegulfcoast.org/ Address: 700 Procter St., Port Arthur, TX 77640  (Parking & Entrance in back) ​ ​    

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  

The Sherman County Historical Museum in Moro, OR is a national award-winning museum presenting Sherman County’s history and all about its community.  Sherman County Historical Society (SCHS) was formed on July 4, 1945, with a picnic held at the park in Moro. 14 people gathered that day to organize a historical society. From the very beginning, it was the dream of the society to someday have a museum in Sherman County. https://www.shermanmuseum.org/full-sherman-history Our museum tells stories of Rural Living when the county was young. In the museum we honor Military Men and Women in a special section dedicated to their service. There are three curated interpretive exhibits: Oregon Trails, Rails and Roads in Sherman County, Wheat through the Ages, and Cultivation, Conservation, & Clothespins. The historic Sherman County Journal: Paper, Ink & Presses is housed in the museum, which is the full layout of printing presses and equipment that was used to print our local newspaper. You will be familiarized with Renewable Energy in Sherman County, a growing industry. The museum also celebrates locals who have given so much of themselves for and the community; sheriffs, local donors, founding benefactors, etc. When visiting the Great Northwest or in Oregon in particular come visit the Museum and learn all about the rich history of Sherman County and it’s contributions to our country! Visit us online to learn more: https://www.shermanmuseum.org/ We are located at 200 Dewey St., Moro, OR 97039. Our hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, May - October. Admission is $15 for Families of 3+, $10 for adults, and $5 for Students (6-18) Museum Members and children under 6 are Free!  

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, Klunkers and Stumpjumpers: A History on Two Wheels, Mountain Biking History of Central Oregon. In the late 1970s, the logging roads and game trails of Awbrey Butte provided a playground of experimentation for early mountain bike pioneers who helped develop and cultivated the sport throughout Oregon. Check out our lates events at - https://www.deschuteshistory.org/events/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.

Perhaps the most famous Swede in American history, engineer John Ericsson will be forever tied to the Battle of Hampton Roads and the victory of the USS Monitor over the USS Merrimack (CSS Virginia). John Ericsson was born July 31, 1803 in Långban, Värmland, Sweden. He had an early aptitude for mechanics and eventually moved to England where he experimented with designs for his most famous invention, the screw propeller. When naval experts in Britain did not have faith in the propeller’s design, Ericsson took his design to the United States where the USS Princeton became the first US naval vessel driven by a screw propeller. At the outset of the Civil War, Ericsson proposed a low-profile metal warship design to the US Navy’s Ironclad Board. Completed in February 1862, the newly commissioned USS Monitor arrived in Hampton Roads on the night of March 8. It battled the ironclad CSS Virginia the next day and held its opponent at bay. The American public subsequently hailed Ericsson and his ship as national heroes. Following the success of the Monitor, Ericsson designed the USS Passaic. Equipped with larger guns, an upgraded pilot house, and built on a more seaworthy platform, the vessel paved the way for six sister vessels. The Passaic-class was among Ericsson’s most successful designs. In his later years, Ericsson worked on the development of solar engines. Though these were not commercially practical, Ericsson is still heralded as an ahead-of-his-time proponent of solar power. On March 8, 1889, John Ericsson died in his home in New York City. In August 1890, his remains were returned to Sweden in a US naval vessel for honorable burial in his homeland. The John Ericsson Collection is on view in the John Ericsson Gallery of the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia. Image caption: John Ericsson presents his design for the USS Monitor to the US Navy’s Ironclad Board. Mural, A Crisis in our National History, John Ericsson Saves the Northern Fleet painted by Olle Hjortzberg (1872-1959), American Swedish Historical Museum. We welcome you to tour our museum and learn more about John Ericsson!  https://www.americanswedish.org/

Where can you touch what soars through the sky and see what zooms over land? The Estrella Warbirds Museum and Woodland Auto Display! Learn about rare military aircraft and vehicles, plus restored automobiles ranging from American and European classics to racetrack winners. Dedicated to restoring and preserving military aircraft, vehicles and memorabilia, the museum was established 30 years ago at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport. We now encompass 20 acres and 14 buildings with exhibit halls, workshops, library, gift shop, and conference facilities. Experience history firsthand! Aircraft represent the Cold War to today, including Betsy's Biscuit Bomber, the WWII-vintage C-47 Dakota transport aircraft owned and still flown by the Gooney Bird Group. Book your appointment to fly the Hornet simulator on Fridays and Sundays! Ground vehicles include the Red Ball Express display: restored logistics vehicles that supported General Patton’s 1944 march to the Battle of the Bulge. Freedom Hall offers artifacts from World War I to today: actual cockpit instrument displays from U.S. and Japanese aircraft, plus a Norden bombsight, which improved accuracy of U.S. bombers in WWII. You might even recognize your grandparent's flight medals or uniform! The Woodland Auto Display features an 1886 Benz Motorwagen and 2005 Ford GT 550, and everything in between, all in showroom condition. Does racing excite you? Enjoy this amazing collection of race cars including midget, sprint, Silver Crown, modified, NASCAR, and Indy racers. The Woodland Auto Display has been called the best auto museum on the Central Coast! Your admission fee helps this 501(c)(3) honor those who flew, drove, and worked these vehicles. Estrella Warbirds Museum and Woodland Auto Display, 4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles; open Thursday-Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. Visit https://www.ewarbirds.org/index.html  or call (805) 238-9317 for more information.

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/    

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

The Tillamook Air Museum: History Housing History  Hangar B, the Tillamook Air Museum’s home, was built as part of an ambitious plan to protect the West Coast during WWII. Naval Air Station Tillamook constructed two massive wooden hangars, each using enough lumber to build 279 three-bedroom homes! Construction of Hangar B began in November 1942 and was completed in just nine months.  In 1989, Hangar B was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, securing its legacy as a national treasure. Five years later, it became home to the Tillamook Air Museum, dedicated to preserving aviation and wartime history.  Our collection features legendary aircraft with remarkable service records. The F-14 Tomcat, famously featured in Top Gun, represents the cutting edge of naval aviation. Our F-4 Phantom cockpit, used in the film Sully, offers a glimpse into Cold War airpower. The battle-proven A-7 Corsair II flew 39 missions in the Gulf War, while our B-52 cockpit took part in 14 Gulf War missions and countless operations during Vietnam. And there’s more to discover!  Beyond the aircraft, our Exhibit Hall showcases rare wartime and aviation artifacts, including pieces from Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, relics dating back to WWI, and items from the September 11th attacks, an important chapter in modern history.  This museum offers a truly unique experience that’s both educational and entertaining for all ages. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or looking for a fun family outing, the Tillamook Air Museum brings history to life in a way that’s both exciting and entertaining. Perfect for kids, parents, and history buffs alike, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss! https://www.tillamookair.com/ Unfortunately, presently we are closed due to exstensive storm damage. We hope to be re-open again sometime in late 2027! We'll see you then!

The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, in North Tonawanda, NY is one of a kind! Operated by the Carousel Society of the Niagara Frontier, is a premier national historic site and community resource for family recreation. Through educational, cultural, and recreational programming, visitors will experience the places, people, stories, and artifacts associated with the production of carousels, band organs, and amusement devices. The Allan Herschell Company, founded in North Tonawanda, New York, was the fourth in a series of companies in the community which manufactured carousels and other amusement park rides. It was Allan Herschell who first came up with the idea of a carrousel museum! It’s been over 46 years since the concept of a carrousel museum in North Tonawanda was initiated. 10 people sat around a table in the Carnegie Art Center to discuss the possibility of bringing a carrousel back to North Tonawanda, a city in which more hand carved carrousels were produced than the total of all other US cities that created them. One of the special exhibits, is the carving floor of the Allan Herschell Company. It's where carousel animals originally began to take shape. Carvers worked from large line drawings of animals. First, the sketch was traced onto basswood or poplar. After the carvers finished the details, the parts were then glued together and smoothed before the animal was moved to the paint shop in the next room. In later years, the Allan Herschell Company began to make animals using cast aluminum. Another wonderful exhibit is the “The Jeanette E. Jones Children's Gallery”.  This room was originally the machine shop for the Allan Herschell Company where workers produced the metal parts for carousels and other amusement rides. It is now our children’s space in the museum. Today, the Children’s Gallery holds our Kiddie Carrousel and many interactive activities for families to enjoy when visiting the museum. The space is a festive place to hold a birthday party or baby shower. Check our rentals page for more information! The Museum is perfect for all ages and bring the carrousel beginning and history back to life! Come visit this summer – for more information see us online: https://www.carrouselmuseum.org/  716-693-1885