Museum Guide News

Nestled in the mountain town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, the Wingfield Heritage House Museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of local history. Originally built in the 1920s by Ike and Lula Wingfield, the house served as a family residence for three generations before eventually becoming part of the heart of the community.   Today, beautifully restored to reflect its original character, the museum stands as both a tribute to the Wingfield legacy and a living record of Ruidoso’s development. Inside, each room is thoughtfully curated to tell stories about early settlement life, native cultures, and the growth of the region’s industries, arts, and tourism.  One of the museum’s signature projects is Ruidoso Rewind, a weekly radio show aired on KRUI The Mountain. The program, written and narrated by the museum’s curator Stephanie Long with production by Greg Widener, explores the hidden histories and significant events that shaped the Ruidoso area. In 2025, the show earned a prestigious Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), recognizing its role in bringing local heritage to life.  The Wingfield Heritage House Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is FREE. The museum also hosts community-oriented events, such as Hands-on History Family Day, which features interactive activities like retro games, historic handwriting practice, and artifact mystery challenges.  To help support its mission, the museum works closely with the Friends of the Wingfield Heritage House Museum, a nonprofit dedicated to fundraising, collecting artifacts, and engaging new volunteers. For those planning a visit or looking to contribute historical items from life, business, or tourism in the Ruidoso area, the Wingfield Heritage House Museum stands as a cherished gateway into the past—anchoring community memory and inspiring future discovery. https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/wingfield-heritage-house-museum  

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 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! We are also having a fundraiser raffle, with the winner winning a brand new Corvette! Check out the details: https://www.tapkat.org/the-forney-museum-of-transportation/19xv3E  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!  

Kit Carson House, Dedicated to Preserving our History! At The Carson House & Museum in Taos, New Mexico we are dedicated to preserving the early history of our region. The home is a National Historic Landmark as well as being listed on the New Mexico Cultural Properties Register. The non-profit is committed to preserving the site while developing a museum dedicated to the critical exploration of the complicated history and consequences of US Westward expansion into the Northern Rio Grande Valley. Christoher “Kit” Carson was a figure of consequence in the history of the American West. He was a skilled guide and scout, Indian Agent for the Northern New Mexico Territory, Presidential courier, and U.S. Army Officer as well as a husband and father. Fluent in multiple languages he was especially effective communicating on the frontier. His life experience and choices offer us invaluable insights into 19th-century America and the US westward expansion. We are committed to sharing his story in context with broader perspectives and authenticity Carson fought in three significant wars. Kit fought in the Mexican-American War with General Kearny's forces at the Battle of San Pasqual. Later as a Colonel he led the First New Mexico Volunteers against Confederate forces at the Civil War Battle of Valverde, New Mexico. He later fought in the Indian Wars and led campaigns against the Mescalero Apache and Navajo. Carson was brevetted Brigadier General by orders from President Abraham Lincoln. He was the only General in US Army history who could neither read nor write. The structure celebrated its 200-year birthday in 2025. The site has recently been awarded a Save America's Treasures Grant from the National Park Service in the amount of $750K. The grant requires a 1:1 dollar match -please go to our website and click on Donate to be a part of the effort! The Restoration Project will focus on the preservation and rehabilitation of the Carson Home and surrounding structures. The goal will be to restore the National Historic Landmark and develop a museum to accommodate historical exhibits, interpretative graphics, interactive multimedia features, and historical artifacts. https://www.kitcarsonhouse.org/restoration-efforts https://www.kitcarsonhouse.org/restoration-efforts We look forward to welcoming you to the Kit Carson House Museum in Taos, NM and exploring the deep history and exploration of our Native People and the impact Kit Carson had! https://www.kitcarsonhouse.org/

The French Lick West Baden Museum, was established in 2007 for French Lick's 150th birthday! The museum began retelling the stories of our incredible towns as a pop-up museum. In 2011, we returned and in 2014 our current location was placed in the beautifully restored Dickason Building in downtown French Lick. Today, we continue to tell the incredible histories of our towns through impressive exhibits, interactive experiences, and first-person stories. We also, have a wonderful Gift Shop featuring old fashion candy and toys for you to visit! We feature two exhibits: The CASINO EXHIBIT- We were Vegas before there was a Vegas… despite the fact that gambling in Indiana was illegal. The Springs Valley boasted several documented casinos from the 1860's until 1949 when the state stopped looking the other way. You’ll see relics from those old casinos and learn about some of the characters who ran them. The CROSS EXHIBIT- Local artists Henry and Ferdinand Cross made and sold their work out of a place known as Cross Cave. Henry was a painter and Ferdinand was a stone carver. The Cross Brothers moved to southern Indiana in the mid-1800's and would gain national acclaim.  We have a display of Henry’s magnificent paintings and Ferdinand's spectacular Cross columns and fireplace; vivid examples of what Ferdinand could do with a chunk of raw limestone, working in a cave. And of course, you can’t come to French Lick and not know about LARRY BIRD! One of the greatest to play the game and is a home town boy.  Larry Bird, "The Hick From French Lick", starred at Indiana State University before joining the NBA's Boston Celtics in 1979. Over the course of his 13-year Hall of Fame career, the sharpshooting forward led the Celtics to three NBA titles and claimed three MVP awards. Visit us and discover how he got started. Come see our recent exhibit for limited time - When Governors Met in the Valley. Stories and artifacts from 1923 West Baden Springs Hotel, 1931 and 1971 French Lick Springs Hotel Governors Conventions.  We also are the Home of The World's Largest Circus Diorama!   So, we look forward to your visit, and to stepping back into history with us! https://www.flwbmuseum.com/  

At the Richard I. Bong Museum, experience “Marge,” our beautifully restored P-38 Lightning, stand beside our M60 tank, and enjoy the scenic hiking trail just beyond our grounds. Step into history and immerse yourself in powerful, firsthand accounts from veterans spanning World War II to today. The Real Top Gun- Born in Superior, Wisconsin, Dick Bong rose to national prominence as America’s greatest fighter ace. During World War II, he shot down 40 enemy aircraft in the Pacific Theater, securing his place in history. Discover the life, courage, and legacy of this remarkable young man.  Plan Your Visit- Join us for guided or self-guided tours and connect with the history that shaped our world. Walk with heroes—visit today. More than a museum, we are a living tribute to those who served, both on the front lines and the home front. Meet our volunteers, hear their stories, and leave inspired. We host a variety of veteran-focused programs throughout the year, including a Boundary Waters retreat, the service of over 300 Thanksgiving meals annually, and commemorative events for major military holidays. Our outreach extends into the community through veteran-led presentations and demonstrations at schools and organizations. Our educational programs welcome students from across northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, offering hands-on learning through authentic artifacts and direct engagement with veteran experiences. When schools can’t come to us, we bring history to them. Beyond our local impact, we are committed to a global mission. Mission Marge, launched in 2024, began as an effort to locate Dick Bong’s P-38, “Marge,” which crashed in Papua New Guinea. Since discovering the site, we have worked to honor its historical significance while expanding humanitarian efforts in nearby communities. We look forward to welcoming you any time of the year!  https://bongcenter.org/  

Since 1999, the Cavalla Historical Foundation assumed oversight of the Galveston Naval Museum and its mission to restore, maintain and operate USS Cavalla, USS Stewart, the sail of the USS Tautog (SSN-639) and the conning tower of the USS Carp (SS-338).  The Galveston Naval Museum, rich in history houses a captivating artifact collection, featuring restored vessels, vintage products and machinery, and weaponry. Each item tells a story of naval history, taking visitors on a journey through time, honoring bravery and ingenuity of sailors. Step into the annals of history at the Galveston Naval Museum. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant coastal city, our historic venue offers a unique and captivating setting for your special event as well. Hosting your gathering amidst the backdrop of beautifully preserved naval vessels pays tribute to the historical sacrifices that allow us to be here today. The sea breeze and stunning views further enhance the ambiance, reminding us of the resilience and dedication that have shaped our world. Whether it's a corporate function, a special celebration, or a memorable gathering, our team is dedicated to ensuring your event is truly exceptional. Join us at the Galveston Naval Museum, where history comes alive, providing the perfect backdrop for timeless memories. We also offer sleep overs! Sleep in the same quarters where sailors bunked 75 years ago aboard the USS Stewart.  Come take an exclusive private tour and learn the science of ships, the importance of preservation and the heritage of our nation’s military.  Complete your assigned mission and become an honorary ensign. The Museum is COMMEMORATING 100 YEARS OF HONORING VETERANS! In 1919, President Wilson marked the first celebration of Armistice Day, making it a National Holiday. Honor your favorite Veteran this year by making a $25 donation in their name by clicking the button below. The Veteran's name will appear on our Veteran Honor Roll. https://www.galvestonnavalmuseum.com/veterans So, when you’re in Galveston or in the area check us out and all we have to offer our patrons – “From harm’s way to historic” you don’t want to miss the history we display in our museum! We're open every day from 9am - 6pm: (409) 770-3196 https://www.galvestonnavalmuseum.com/   Museum Address: 100 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, Texas    

Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory opened to the public in May of 2000. The Museum receives approximately 5,000 visitors each year and our guests represent all 50 states and over 40 foreign countries. Guests to the Museum return year after year to see the changes, improvements, and new exhibits that our staff is continually planning and completing. The Exhibit Hall at the Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum houses a host of replicated and original fossils from tiny footprint casts to the 40′ long skeleton Torvosaurus, a rare carnivore relative of Tyrannosaurus rex which hails from the Jurassic period. The Museum’s focus is on the Mesozoic period, which is also known as ‘The Age of Dinosaurs.’ The Mesozoic is comprised of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The museum cultivates specimens from exclusive local dig sites. Guests are able to view Paleontology students and the curator preserve specimens through a viewing window located in the exhibit hall. Witness history as it’s uncovered and assembled in the laboratory. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of minerals from all over the world. These are displayed in the exhibit hall and sold in the gift shop. We welcome you to learn more about our Dinosaur Museum and Mesalands Community College, by clicking our website!  https://www.mesalands.edu/community/dinosaur-museum/ Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum222 East Laughlin Street - Tucumcari, NM - (575) 461-6627  

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 Museum of Civil War Medicine, located in the heart of historic downtown Frederick, Maryland, is just one of three different museums operated under the same umbrella. In Frederick at the main Museum, visitors will learn how the innovation of Civil War medicine impacts the present day. The Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum, located in Northwest Washington, DC, is the wartime home of Clara Barton. From her boardinghouse, she brought medical supplies to the front lines during the Civil War and led the search for missing soldiers after the conflict. The Pry House Field Hospital Museum is located on Antietam National Battlefield. Visitors to the Pry House can see an original Civil War field hospital, the civilian impact of Civil War battles, and the site of one of America’s medical turning points. Explore downtown Frederick’s storied past with our signature walking tours. Every Saturday and Sunday from April – September, walking tours of Frederick’s hospital sites will be available at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays and 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. Walking tours last for an hour to an hour and a half. With accounts taken from the diaries and letters of the surgeons, soldiers, and civilians who were there, this guided walking tour will explore the locations of the city’s Civil War hospitals in churches, schools, and public buildings. This program is an excellent way to take in downtown Frederick as many of those same buildings still make up the historic district today. Throughout the American Civil War, Frederick, Md., played a vital role for both Union and Confederate armies. Soldiers marched beneath the “Clustered Spires” on their way to battles at Antietam, Gettysburg, and Monocacy. The “One Vast Hospital” tour focuses on the wreckage left behind. At any given time, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine can display a small fraction of the 5,000+ artifacts in our collection. The “Artifacts Revealed” series highlights objects from the collection that are rarely on display. Beyond offering a special glimpse of our artifacts, the videos offer a snapshot of the exciting, interesting, and unusual stories we tell at the museum. For example, most people never consider that brain surgery was even attempted during the Civil War, but the video focused on the trephine changes that perception in a little more than one minute. Changing perceptions, whether in the museum or online, can easily lead them to further discoveries about how Civil War medicine changed the world. We encourage you to visit our museum and see our collection, that in ways would have been unimaginable only a few years ago. The museum has been tasked with stewardship of these priceless artifacts and we utilize them to tell the story of medical care in our nation’s bloodiest conflict. “Artifacts Revealed” represent our latest, evolving efforts to tell an important national story through digital means and encourage visitors to trek to the “Crossroads of War” – Frederick, Maryland. We look forward to seeing you this year – check us out online for more information: https://www.civilwarmed.org/