Museum Guide News

Crazy Horse Memorial and Military Veterans Since the first blast on the mountain on June 3, 1948 there has been a relationship between the Crazy Horse Memorial and military veterans and especially Native American veterans. First you would have to look at the personal history of one of the founders of the Memorial, Korczak Ziolkowski, a noted sculptor who worked on Mt Rushmore in 1939 and won first place at the Worlds Fair in 1939 for his sculpture of Paderewski. He volunteered at the age of 34 for the Army in 1943 and three days after D-Day landed on Omaha Beach Normandy where he was wounded. The military experience and sacrifices of so many had a profound effect on Korczak and to this day admission to the Memorial is waived for active duty military, Native Americans, Boy Scouts in uniform and local county residents. In 2000 Ruth Ziolkowski approved a new program to allow veterans of the local VA hospital in Hot Springs, SD to work at the Crazy Horse Memorial and Korczak’s Heritage through a compensatory work therapy program. It is a beneficial program for both the veterans and the Crazy Horse Memorial and Korczak’s Heritage and numerous veterans have participated in the program to present date. Another program that started in the local Custer, SD area occurred in 2011 with the new non-profit Operation Black Hills Cabin to say thank you to any 30% minimum Combat Injured veteran from any post-9/11 military operation and his immediate family for a one-week respite in a cabin in Custer free of charge. Crazy Horse Memorial and Korczak’s Heritage have offered waived admission, a meal at the Laughing Water Restaurant, and a bus to base tour to the average 17 families each summer. Since 2011 178 families from 37 states have been guests of the Operation Black Hills Cabin. Since 2015 Terry DeRouchey, also a military veteran, has collected van ride tickets donated by Storytellers each year to be able to take the veteran and his immediate family for a trip of a lifetime to the top of the mountain carving. Thanks to the generosity of Storytellers he has been able to take all combat injured veterans and their families as part of the Operation Black Hills Cabin to the top. Thanks to efforts of Visitor Services staff, groups from Wounded Warriors and Sheepdog Impact organizations had the opportunity to take a trip of a lifetime to the top of the mountain carving the last three years . The tribute to the accomplishments and sacrifices of Native American veterans came about in 2019 when a different Native American veteran was honored each week at Crazy Horse Memorial and where all veterans are recognized. American Indians per capita have had the highest percentage of their people in military service exceeding every American ethnic group. Make sure to visit us online too: https://crazyhorsememorial.org/

Since 1947, the Brownsville Historical Association has served the local community and created opportunities for every resident to learn about, participate with, and come to an appreciation of the connection between our history and cultural art. We serve the community through our various museums (featured below) that cover nearly every aspect of Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley’s history and culture.‍  The vision of BHA is to improve the quality of life for all residents of Brownsville, Texas, and its environs by providing life-long learning experiences about the history, cultural arts, and heritage of the region, and to continue to attract tourism to the heart of Historic Downtown Brownsville. ‍The Brownsville Historical Association serves the community through eight unique locations and numerous programs throughout the year.  BHA, features four museums: The Brownsville Heritage Museum portrays visual images of the historical evolution of the city and surrounding regions from discovery and exploration up to the first half of the 20th Century. The photographs, maps, costumes, and artifacts provide a unique perspective on various aspects of Brownsville life, ranging from street scenes and education to transportation and ranching. The Brownsville Heritage Museum hosts numerous presentations, musical performances, and book signings throughout the year. The Stillman House Museum is among the oldest surviving structures in Brownsville.  The house seen today is the result of additions made by the Trevino family during their time in the house.  The original windows, shutters, and doors are still in place and the breezy courtyards enjoyed by the Stillman and Trevino families still offer a respite from the hot Texas sun. The Historic Brownsville Museum is located at the old Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. Built-in 1928, the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot is recognized as a Texas Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside the depot, the museum details the events that led to Brownsville's establishment and display temporary exhibits that highlight various topics related to local history. ‍The Laureles Ranch House Museum once belonged to the founder of Brownsville, Charles Stillman. Now in its new home, located in Linear Park, the fully restored home offers a rustic setting for parties and special events. Largely used for the outside porch space and the grounds outside the home, this house setting is a unique venue. ‍‍Lastly, The Costumes of America Museum is the world of Josefa Ibarra, a woman whose vibrant spirit and fierce dedication to artistry reshaped the landscape of Mexican fashion. Josefa Ibarra, often hailed as "the mother of Mexican fashion design," was born on April 12, 1919. Known for her innovative and avant-garde approach to clothing design, Josefa’s work is characterized by a kaleidoscope of bold colors, unconventional silhouettes, and a fearless embrace of new materials and textures for decades. ‍Today, Ibarra's unique vision has earned her a reputation as a trailblazer in the fashion industry. We look forward to welcoming you at our Brownsville Museums, please see our website for our museums hours and our online gift shop and to plan a visit:   https://www.brownsvillehistory.org/

A must visit if traveling to Muskegon, MI is the USS Silversides Submarine Museum! Where men and women of the military are honored, and where their history and experiences are preserved! The museum also provides experiences that educate the public about past and present military history and technology. The USS Silversides Submarine Museum was originally opened as the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum, but its history is closely intertwined with that of our namesake, the USS Silversides submarine. The USS Silversides (SS-236) was commissioned on December 15, 1941, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She embarked on her first war patrol in April, 1942, and went on to complete 14 war patrols in the Pacific during WWII. She transited the Panama Canal in September, 1945 on her way to New York, and was decommissioned in April, 1946. She then became a stationary training ship in Chicago until 1969. After retiring from service, she spent time in Chicago as a museum ship, moving to Navy Pier in 1979. In 1987, the USS Silversides was towed across Lake Michigan to become part of the Great Lakes Naval and Memorial Museum. Eventually a two-story museum building was added to the facility, now known as the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. Today, the museum allows you to immerse yourself in WWII history, with a wide variety of permanent and temporary exhibits on display. While you’re here, you can climb aboard and down the hatch of the USS Silversides Gato-class submarine. We look forward to seeing you soon and make sure find mor information about the museum on our website!  https://silversidesmuseum.org/ Summer Hours: April 1st – October 31st - 7 Days a Week: 10am – 5:00pm.                     Winter Hours: November 1st – March 31st Thursday – Monday: 10am – 4pm Tuesday & Wednesday: CLOSED    

The Northern Pacific Railway Museum in Washington State was a 1911 train depot that was completley restored and refurbished after it was taken over in 1989!    The 1364 is moving on its own after 72 years since becoming a static display! Lots of happy tears when she made her way down the track on her own steam.  https://share.google/UqC4oKQ10yYu8NQ30. This 4th of July she will blast her whistle and fill the area with red smoke to start off the local parade. Back on July 4th, 1993, the museum had it’s grand opening and in 2000 the museum was officially renamed the Northern Pacific Railway Museum. From freight and telegraph rooms, to the waiting room to the bathrooms, the depot holds history dating back to 1911. Freight trains back then would deliver anyting from newspapers to the very first automobles! The museum consist different types of those cars! The museums also contains the many other types of commodities transported through the depot through the years!    Many of our artifacts come from our hard working volunteers. We also, have many trains cars from the past. This includes dining cars that are set just as they were in the early 1900’s. You can view the train car kitchens as well! Also, this holiday come see our “Toy Train Christmas All Aboard”  Toy Train Christmas is here. Join us for train rides to Santa, cocoa, cookies and a depot full of toy trains. 10 Asotin Avenue, in Toppenish 10am to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays November 29 through December 21. Here's how to find us: https://nprymuseum.org/find-us-2/  We look forward to welcoming you soon, so you can expeerience a bit of railway and train history from the past!  https://nprymuseum.org/

The Forney Museum of Transportation, in Denver, CO began as the private collection of Mr. J. D. Forney of Fort Collins, CO. https://www.forneymuseum.org/index.html From an early age Mr. Forney had an interest in cars, airplanes, and all modes of transportation. He was born in Enid, Oklahoma on January 27, 1905 Today the Forney Museum of Transportation is a one-of-a-kind collection of over 800 artifacts relating to historical transportation. It began 67 years ago with a single 1921 Kissel, but soon expanded to include vehicles of all kinds. Today it includes not just vehicles, but also buggies, motorcycles, steam locomotives, aircraft, carriages, rail equipment, fire apparatus, public transportation, sleighs, bicycles, toys & diecast models, vintage apparel and much, much more! Our collection highlights include: Pre-War Chevrolets (temporary exhibit), Union Pacific 'Big Boy' Steam Locomotive #4005, Amelia Earhart's 1923 Kissel 'Gold Bug' Kissel Car. We also feature the Forney Locomotive, Colorado & Southern Caboose, 1923 Hispano-Suiza, 1927 Rolls-Royce, 1913-53 Indian Motorcycle Collection, Denver & Rio Grande Dining Car, 1888 Denver Cable Car, 1923 Case Steam Tractor, 1817 Draisenne Bicycle, 500 Piece Matchbox Collection, and more! The Museum is fortunate enough to offer rotating exhibits every 3-4 months! The Forney Museum also has many scheduled events throughout the year, please click below and check them out! https://www.forneymuseum.org/events.html Make a point to come see us this year, as we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Thunderbirds!  Located just 5 minutes from the heart of Downtown Denver, the Forney Museum is also an event venue in Denver. We provide your guests with a unique and memorable experience. Event Rental Venues in Central Space. Place your party right in the middle of our historic collection! This space can easily accommodate a dance floor, DJ, catering, and auction tables. The space will be sized to best fit your guest count- from 50 people up to 500 seated, and even more cocktail style. https://www.forneymuseum.org/MeetingRooms.html Next time in you're in Denver come check us out for a history in the transportation industry you’ve never seen before!  

As one of the top attractions in the State of Texas, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & 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. Join us this summer as we celebrate 250 years of American Independence! In honor of America’s semiquincentennial, our newest exhibit E Pluribus Unum: Celebrating the American Experience will explore all the different areas of our culture that are distinctly American. From music, food, art, recreation, to symbols of our nation, this exhibit will inspire visitors with a sense of the important facets that unite our blended culture into something greater than the sum of our parts. The exhibit will be open through May 16, 2027. https://www.bush41.org/eventsThe George Bush Presidential Library & 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 - 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.-  501-376-4602 https://littlerock.gov/residents/parks-and-recreation/directory/macarthur-museum-of-arkansas-military-history/

At the Broomfield Veterans Museum, in Broomfield, CO we are about honoring local veterans from all service branches, spanning United States conflicts and peacekeeping efforts from the Civil War to the present. Not only does the museum share the stories of Colorado veterans, but also serves as a hub for veterans to connect, students to learn about our nation’s history, groups to explore rotating exhibits, and families to honor their loved ones who served. While it started as a museum to honor World War II veterans, the museum has expanded to include conflicts from the Civil War forward and serviceman from all branches of service. Visit us to learn more about the heroic men and women who have served our country in times of war and peace. The museum features nine exhibit rooms, a library with over 3,000 history and military books, hundreds of archived videos of veteran interviews, and a multimedia room that seats over 40. Our museum is free and open to the public, offering both docent-guided and self-guided tours. Twice a month, the museum hosts “Coffee and Conversation,” where you can hear fascinating stories from local veterans and historians. In addition to its exhibits, the museum participates in local civic events and educational outreach, engaging with everyone from schoolchildren to seniors. Founded in 2002 by six late Broomfield-area World War II veterans, the museum’s legacy is now carried forward by dedicated volunteers, many of whom are veterans. Everyone is welcome to visit, explore the displays, and listen to the stories.  Please visit the museum, which is located at 12 Garden Center, Broomfield, on the north side of Midway, two blocks east of 287. Visit us to learn more about the heroic men and women who have served our country in times of war and peace. Our Hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours can be arranged by appointment on other days or times. For more information, call (303) 460-6801 and see us online: https://broomfieldveterans.org/   

The Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson, Missouri is a national tribute to the brave men and women who defended our liberties during the 20th Century.  A visit to the museum is a powerful, emotional experience. As you wander the great halls of the museum you’ll be captivated by the stories of these men and women who gave us so much. The museum is filled with the most incredible collection of wartime exhibits covering the heights and depths of human experience. For those who lived through these wars the memories brought back are vivid and overwhelming. For those that viewed the 20th Century wars through the prism of history, the museum is awe-inspiring. You will be fascinated and thoroughly humbled by this memorial to our veterans. The vast array of exhibits causes reflection and creates an intense curiosity about the personal experiences of the men and women who lived in these uniforms, fired these weapons, lived as a POW, wrote these letters home, wore these medals, played this battlefield organ, flew the planes, rode the motorcycles, and served our country so well. The Veterans Memorial Museum is composed of ten great halls covering the wars and conflicts fought during the 20th Century. Circulation and viewing start in the World War I Hall, progressing through World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and more. Each hall features dramatic and thought-provoking exhibits. Sculpture, murals, historical artifacts, objects d’ art, and thousands of authentic memorabilia honor all branches of the service, major battlefronts, campaigns, industrial defense, and more. The names of the men and women killed in action in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, and recent conflicts of the 20th Century are displayed on the walls of the halls. A Special Note: In Branson every year in November is Veterans Homecoming Week, with special activities celebrating Veterans ending with a parade! This year will be our 93rd year doing this, so if you can please join us and more inforamtion visit the Veterans Memorial Museum! http://veteransmemorialbranson.com/  

Talkin' bout A Revolution: A Haudenosaunee Response to the 250th - By, Vic DiSanto, Museum Associate, Iroquois Museum General George Washington to Major General John Sullivan The expedition you are appointed to command is to be directed against the hostile tribes of the six nations of Indians, with their associates and adherents.  The immediate objects are the total destruction and devastation of their settlements and the capture of as many prisoners of every age and sex as possible. It will be essential to ruin their crops now in the ground and prevent their planting more…you will not by any means listen to ⟨any⟩ overture of peace before the total ruin of their settlements is affected. George Washington’s direct order to John Sullivan in May 1779 is paraphrased on the while stripes of a Betsy Ross Flag by Oneida artist Karen Ann Hoffman, sharply illustrating the nightmarish results of the American Revolution on the Haudenosaunee. At the beginning of the American Revolution, the Haudenosaunee assured the upstart patriots that they would adopt a neutral stance. The British successfully wooed and won Seneca and Mohawk warriors over to their side while the Oneida and Tuscarora allied themselves with the Americans. Onondaga remained neutral until attacked. The Battle of Oriskany on August 6, 1777, marked the beginning of a civil war within the confederation. While most events will celebrate the quincentennial of American Independence with patriotic intensity, the Iroquois Museum in Howes Cave, NY has chosen to follow a different path. It has asked Haudenosaunee artists to contribute works representing the war’s impact on New York’s earliest inhabitants. This approach has resulted in a provocative exhibit titled “Talkin' bout A Revolution: A Haudenosaunee Response to the 250th”. The Museum has a full schedule for 2026 and we look forward to welcoming you! Please visit us at: 324 Caverns Rd., Howes Cave, NY.  https://www.iroquoismuseum.org/visit Our Hours are: April, Thursday – Saturday 10-4, Sunday 2-4. May 1st – October 31st Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 and November, Thursday – Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 12-3. We are closed Easter, Thanksgiving and December – March.