Museum Guide News

We would like to welcome you to the Winona Couty History Museum! History shows the city and county derived their names from “Winuŋna” (wee-NEW-nuh), a Dakota descriptive word meaning “first-born who is a daughter.” Over the centuries, writers recorded the name as Wenonah, Weenona, and Wynona. Others called this area “Wabasha’s Prairie,” “The Island City,” or “Wing Prairie.” The trail of names and spellings hints that this place along the Mississippi River means many different things to many different people. We invite you to discover what it means to you. A city and county rich in history! While visiting the Winona County Museum you will certainly discover that rich history! We have a number of permanent and visiting exhibits! Here are what we are fortunate to show now!  The Joy of the Arts: Winona Lake Park Bandshell- This exhibit celebrates 100 years of municipal music, featuring 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. Winona’s Lumber Industry - Lumber played an important role in building Winona. Dive into the origins of the lumber industry in Winona and realize its effect on the city and county as we know it. General Store Each period-accurate artifact on the “General Store” shelves helps to show what a 19th-century shopping experience might have been like. Stories & Structures: How Buildings Tell Us About Ourselves - In this exhibit, visitors learn about iconic buildings in the Winona area and discover the people who built them. Voices of the Armory- Replete with personal interview components, “Voices of the Armory” brings museum guests a peek into the past of the historic National Guard Armory that houses the History Center Museum. Security State Bank - Relive an era where Jesse James posed a real threat to banks like this one in Lewiston, MN. The Security State Bank replica façade and interior illustrate how bank companies outfitted their buildings to guard against danger. Flatliners Speed Society- This fast-paced tale reveals the story of some Winona-based car enthusiasts and their 1931 Model T Ford racecar that won world records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Traveling & Temporary Exhibits- This special section of the museum changes at intervals to highlight different stories, usually brought in by community members or area organizations. The Cube- Stuffed with sensory activities and learning materials, “The Cube” is a safe, fun space for younger museum visitors to get hands-on with history.  Also, learn more about Recording your Oral History!  If you or someone you know would like to record an oral history, contact the Curator of Collections and schedule an interview. We have a lovely Oral History Lab complete with comfy chairs, historic wall art, and friendly staff to put you at ease. Our trained interviewers guide you through a conversation-style interview that helps you summon up details from the memories you’d like to share on your recording. To learn about our Oral History Program, check out! https://winonahistory.org/participate/oral-history-program/ We look forward to welcoming you and having you learn and see more about the Winona Couty History Center! 507-454-2723. https://winonahistory.org/visit/ Winona County Historical Society160 Johnson Street​Winona, Minnesota  - Open Daily 10am – 4pm  

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  

The Montana Military Museum invites you to tour our facilities, check out our displays and help us honor those Montanans and citizens from other states and Canada who have service in our military forces to keep us secure and free. The museum tells Montana’s rich military history in a joint effort by the Montana Department of Military affairs, the Montana National Guard Museum Activity, the non-profit Fort William Henry Harrison Museum Foundation, and the volunteer staff who devote their time and creative energies to share these often remarkable true stories. The Montana National Guard has always collected its history, but no organized system of collections was instituted until 1980 when the members of the 103rd Public Information Detachment, later to become the 103rd Public Affairs Detachment, beginning reviewing items that had been donated by various Montana veterans to the Montana National Guard.  Much of this was housed in the State Headquarters for the Montana National Guard located in the Arsenal Building, and to a lesser degree in various location throughout the State at Armory sites and at Fort William Henry Harrison, the Montana National Guard's major training site located just west of Helena. In 1976 the first history of the Montana National Guard was published through the efforts of the Public Affairs Detachment.  That history, called the The Montana Militia: A History of Montana's Volunteer Forces, 1867-1976, has served as the backdrop for the Montana Military Museum Collection efforts. In the Spring of 1980, then 103rd Public Affairs Commander, Brigadier (Captain) Harold “Hal” Stearns directed his unit to establish a History Section and to begin the process of organizing the boxes of artifacts and documents that were in the possession of the Montana National Guard.  103rd personnel instrumental in initiating the effort were SFC Kermit Edmonds, MSG C. Milo McLeod, Sgt Orlin Svingen, and 1st SGT Howard Anderson.  Other personnel included Brigadier General Bill Yaeger, Major General John Womack, MG Jim Duffy, MG John E. "Gene" Prendergast, COL Howard McKinney, COL Joseph Upshaw, SGT Fred Naegele, SGM William E. "Pappy" Morrow, Col Ray Read, and others, stepped up to support, assist and contribute.  The cast become hundreds if not thousands over the years. In the Summer of 1984 the 103rd PAD initiated a request based on their experiences at regional and National conferences host by the U.S. Army Center of Military History and the National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Division and it growing History branch. The Request was to establish a Historical Holding Activity within the Montana National Guard under the provisions of Army Regulations 870-20 entitled, Historical Activities, Army Museums, Historical Artifacts and Art and National Guard Regulation and National Guard Regulation 870-20 ARNG Museums, Activities, and Historical Property.  The Request moved through the Office of the Adjutant General, who was at that time Major General Jim Duffy on up through National Guard Bureau PA (History) to the U.S. Army Center of Military History and its Museum Division.  In November 1984 Montana received formal approval of its request and Montana National Guard Museum Activity now known as the Montana Military Museum programs and collection was born. The first entry in the Museum Register was done in late 1980.  Those items are display today in the Museum.   It is estimated that 12,000 plus records of items reside in the Museum.   The collection covers the period from the American Revolution to the current military operations, with emphasis on the historical record of Montana's Military from the first the Lewis & Clark Expedition in 1804-1806, to current Operations in the Global War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. Kermit Edmonds, first Curator of Collections, in 1978, stated, “---that the collection of artifacts and information forms the heart of the Museum but the Record of that Collection is the Nervous system.   I say that all items great and small need to be collected, conserved, and evaluated as they may be critical to our understanding of events that have had an effect on us in the past and present.”   The Strength of Montana Military Museum Collection has led to the recent publishing the new Montana National Guard History, Splendid Service: A History of the Montana National Guard from 1867-2006.  Though not the final publication on the subject of Montana Military history, it represents a step forward in our process.  To be continued. Look further into our museum at: https://montanamilitarymuseum.org/ If you plan to visit us in mid-August, don’t miss the First Special Service Force (FSSF), also known as the "Devil's Brigade", 78th annual reunion and memorial service in Helena, Montana, from August 13-16, with a public memorial service on August 15. The reunion will be held at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial. This year's reunion holds special significance as it's the first time in ten years it's been held at the unit's birthplace, Fort William Henry Harrison. The FSSF is a World War II joint American-Canadian commando unit and is considered the precursor to both the Canadian Special Operations Regiment and the U.S. Army's Special Forces, according to the Special Operations Association.  Prepared by Raymond K. Read, Museum Director/Curator 2020

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!