Museum Guide News

History awaits you in Blacksburg, VA at Historic Smithfield. This historic plantation, was originally part of the Preston family and today, it stands as a preserved historic site and museum, showcasing colonial-era architecture and offering insights into the lifestyle of early settlers.  Historic Smithfield seeks to inspire a new generation of Americans through the stories and values of the Preston Family and all those who lived at Smithfield. These values are liberty, courage, leadership, education, and justice. Smithfield began operating independently of the APVA (now Virginia Antiquities) in 2018 when the Smithfield-Preston Foundation took full ownership of the property. It partners with Virginia Tech, which holds an historic preservation easement on the manor house, out buildings, and historic landscape. With the help of the Preservation Virginia and the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, the property was restored and opened to the public in 1964. The rooms of the house are furnished with eighteenth and nineteenth century decorative arts furniture, portraits and other items, while the basement level Museum contains a variety of artifacts found on-site, including Native Anerican relics. The landscape includes an eighteenth-century kitchen garden tended by volunteers.  Historic Smithfield uses the complx histories of the regions indigenous peoples, the Preston Family and the enslaved community to inform our present and future! They are open for tours April through the first week in December! Come visit soon and experience this Anerican rich and complex history in Blacksburg, VA ! https://www.historicsmithfield.org/  

The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, is a fascinating institution dedicated to preserving the history and educating visitors about the petroleum industry in the Permian Basin region. A visit to the Museum is an amazing journey through over 230 million years of history. Located in the heart of the Permian Basin, the Petroleum Museum offers interactive education and entertainment for adventurers of all ages. It showcases exhibits on the geology of the area, the technology used in oil exploration and extraction, the impact of the industry on the local economy and culture, and the individuals who have shaped its history. Visitors can explore interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and artifacts that highlight the development of the oil industry in the Permian Basin, which has been a significant contributor to the energy sector in the United States for over a century. From the early wildcatters to the modern innovations in drilling techniques, the museum provides an exciting and comprehensive look at the evolution of the industry and its influence on the region and beyond. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum often hosts special events, educational programs, and temporary exhibitions that go deeper into various aspects of petroleum exploration, production, and its impact on society and the environment. We are also proud to be a Blue Star Museum! The Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of the oil industry or seeking to understand the role of energy in shaping the modern world. Please go to our website to see all our upcoming summer exhibits and more! https://petroleummuseum.org/  

The Sandy Historical Society Museums location was built on the exact site of the famous Barlow Road, which was the last leg of the Oregon Trail that brought thousands of pioneers in covered wagons over the Cascade Mountains to Western Oregon from the mid 1840s until the 1870s. The museums carefully curated exhibits conjure a history and peoples who endured hardship and travail to help bring civilization to our piece of Oregon Territory. The museum's two floors of exhibit space are devoted to the geography, the pioneers and settlers, and their role in the settling of the West. The main exhibit hall showcases the role of geography in influencing the immigrants to stay in this area rather than push towards the Columbia River. The exhibit hall includes a diorama, video, logging equipment and an excellent collection of photographs of the logging industry, which was the heart of the Sandy economy. From the kitchen to the parlor, the barnyard to the local shops, the displays in the top floor gallery (accessible by elevator) are meant to be a look back in time. The exhibits include a good selection of home goods that were at the core of home life - cast iron pots, kitchen implements and more. There is also the museum's Jonsrud Library with relevant history volumes and the family histories of Sandy-area families who have submitted them. The family histories also include photographs and obituaries that volunteers have contributed to the paper history. The Museum also has meeting facilities for rent, a visitor center, and a gift shop. Where there is a large variety of items from the area: souvenirs, hats, t-shirts and logo items. You are sure to find something to take home! Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4PM. Sunday & Monday Closed Come visit us soon, as a visit to the Sandy Historical Society Museum is like stepping back in time. https://www.sandyhistory.com/museum  

The American GI Museum is located in College Station, Texas and is a tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It's a place where visitors can learn about the history of American military involvement, from World War I all the way to the present day. The museum features exhibits that showcase uniforms, equipment, vehicles, and personal artifacts from various conflicts, providing insight into the experiences of soldiers throughout history. The Museum highlights a unique collection of military vehicles from various periods and its collection is fully functional.  Each vehicle has been meticulously restored to its original condition so that it both looks and runs just like it did when it first came off the assembly line.  The museum’s insistence on maintaining such a well restored collection comes from its mission of educating future generations.  At the museum’s annual “Living History Weekend” the public is invited to come experience the rumble of tanks, the whine of engines, the shots of small arms fire, and the blasts of tank and artillery cannons with impressive pyrotechnics simulating authentic firing. We also have an amazing collection of original World War II posters. We are very proud to be able to preserve these pieces of our nation’s past! Each poster tells a different story and holds a significant message. It's a great destination for both history enthusiasts, families and those with a connection to the military. Located in College Station, Texas the museum is part of a vibrant cultural, academic and recreational setting in the city. Come visit us, as well as enjoy all that College Station, TX has to offer. Hours:  Wednesday – Saturday: 10AM – 5PM and Sunday: 12PM – 5PM"Group tours by appointment: Wednesday - Friday" Located: 19124 Highway 6 South College Station, Texas - 979-690-0501 https://americangimuseum.org/

  Did you know that the only museum and research center dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War west of the Mississippi River is located in Redlands, California?  The Lincoln Memorial Shrine was made possible by the philanthropy of Robert and Alma Watchorn in 1932. Since its inception, the Shrine has become a leading institution for the study of Lincoln and the Civil War on the west coast.  Thousands of letters and diaries written by those involved in the national crisis have been collected, as well as artwork and artifacts.  In addition to the over five dozen documents written or signed by Abraham Lincoln and a variety of artifacts that help tell the story of the Civil War, a Carrara marble bust of Lincoln by sculptor George Gray Barnard is the centerpiece of the museum. Numerous events are held at the Shrine each year. From presentations by noted historians to Civil War Christmas Carols, the largest event is the annual Open House, which will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2024, 11am-3pm at the Lincoln Shrine. The Open House features exhibitions, live music, artillery and cavalry demonstrations, and an appearance by President Lincoln himself! For more information and additional events, visit www.lincolnshrine.org. The Lincoln Memorial Shrine is open Tuesday-Sunday, 1-5pm and closed major holidays, but is always open on February 12th, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.  For more information, Lincoln Dinner reservations, or to schedule group tours, please contact the Shrine at (909) 798-7632 or email heritage@akspl.org.  

Civil War Connections at the American Swedish Historical Museum Though one might not immediately connect the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia with the Civil War, the museum is actually home to two important Civil War collections. The John Ericsson Gallery at ASHM features a striking mural, A Crisis in our National History, John Ericsson Saves the Northern Fleet, which depicts a fictionalized meeting between Swedish American inventor John Ericsson (1803-1889) and a committee formed by Abraham Lincoln to develop a plan for an armored warship. Though the mural likely dramatizes Ericsson’s warship design submission, the Navy did adopt Ericsson’s design for what became the Monitor. The Monitor famously went on to repel the Confederate Merrimac at the Battle of Hampton Roads in 1862, saving the rest of the Union fleet. The John Ericsson Room at ASHM showcases many of Ericsson’s engineering designs and sketches, as well as objects related to the Monitor and Merrimac. Outside, a pair of large cannons flank the American Swedish Historical Museum. Originally on board the wooden, steam-powered USS Osceola and USS Ticonderoga during the Civil War, these cannons were put into storage in the latter half of the nineteenth century before finally arriving in Philadelphia in 1938. This type of cannon, called a Dahlgren gun, was designed by Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, the son of a Swedish Consul in Philadelphia, hence why the cannons have found a home at the American Swedish Historical Museum. Dahlgren guns, nicknamed “soda bottles” for their distinctive shape, came as a significant advance in naval cannons that made the weapons both safer and more powerful. Visit the American Swedish Historical Museum to view these collections and many others. The museum is located at 1900 Pattison Avenue Philadelphia, PA and is open from 10am-4pm Tuesday-Friday and 12-4pm Saturday-Sunday. Veterans and military receive discounted admission

Get carried away at the Northwest Carriage Museum in Raymond, WA, home to a world-class collection of horse-drawn vehicles and period artifacts. The museum recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary, and from its impressive original collection of 21 horse-drawn vehicles, donated by a local private collector in 2002, the museum has grown to an astounding 63 vehicles and thousands of related artifacts from the 19th century. While the experience of seeing these stunning vehicles in person is already enough to make this museum worth the trip, the incredible restoration and conservation of the vehicles, along with the dynamic and engaging exhibition of the collection are what really set this hidden gem apart! Strolling through the Northwest Carriage Museum is like taking a step back in time: the welcoming and informative staff, and in-depth interpretive boards, audio, video, interactive, and infographic explanations of everything from the craftsmanship and building of these vehicles, to the social, practical, and historical elements of this period of history really do transport you to the past! Additionally, the museum is hard at work creating new digital enhancements to their exhibits, adding additional information that could previously only be seen and heard on private tours of the collection. Through the scanning of QR codes with a smartphone or tablet, visitors will now be able to see these vehicles from new perspectives and in action as they have never have before! The Northwest Carriage Museum is open 7 days a week, year-round, from 10am to 4pm. Private group tours can also be scheduled by calling (360) 942-4150. Veterans and active military receive $1 off admission. Come see one of the finest collections of 19th-century vehicles in the country, fun for all ages! For more information about the collection, local area, and more, please visit www.nwcarriagemuseum.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.  This Veteran’s Day weekend, Friday November 10 & Saturday November 11 celebrate with the Deschutes County Historical Society at their annual Chili Feed and Raffle between 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Deschutes Historical Museum. This fundraising tradition features “Millie’s Chili” cooked with locally raised Barley Beef from local Rastovich Farms, Deschutes County’s only official working Century Farm. Started over 35 years ago by Millie Rastovich Chopp, this fundraiser supports programming year-round at the Museum. And during your visit check out the museum’s latest 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.  For more information on these and other happenings at the Deschutes Historical Museum call 541-389-1813 or visit our website www.deschuteshistory.orgThe Deschutes Historical Museum is open 10am to 4:30 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Put some history in your future and join us on your next trip to Bend, Oregon.

A Veterans Museum Dedicated to its History in Western Tennessee   The Veterans’ Museum (Halls, Tenn.) is located on the ramp of a WWII B-17 Training Base in West Tennessee, 65 miles north of Memphis. The Museum is dedicated to sharing the history of the base and its 770 crews. It also includes the effect this facility had on the area. In operation from 1942 through 1945, it churned out crews that were moved to the European Theatre with expediency. A recent outside exhibit has monuments memorializing the 115 crewmen who were killed in air crashes during training. The Museum has 12,080 sq. ft. for exhibits that, in addition to the B-17 Base, includes WWI through present day. Military vehicles inside and aircraft outside make this museum a popular place to visit. An A-7 Corsair II and a CH-46E Sea Knight Helicopter are the aircraft on display. The main feature it offers is private, personal tours by people who have travelled the journey of this museum development. The Museum Director is an 83-year-old, who remembers the war and how her family was influenced by the facility. On the weekend, one may have an 84-year-old docent, who remembers Halls during WWII, or a Vietnam Veteran who served on the Oriskany. A recent docent addition is the granddaughter of a WWII B-17 pilot who trained here. During the week, one will be guided by the granddaughter of a man who was on the Crash Crew on the Base. Mainly, we want to hear about you and your military experiences. When we do, those experiences become a part of what we share with future visitors. So, for a stroll down memory lane where you become a living addition, you should visit The Veterans’ Museum (www.dyaab.us)

Located immediately adjacent to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is one of the few places in the world where you can learn about and be inspired by the proud past and bright future of the United States Navy’s submarine force.  Make your visit to Pearl Harbor complete by visiting this national award-winning museum. The museum is home to the World War Two fleet submarine, USS Bowfin (SS 287).   Bowfin was named for an aggressive brackish water predator native to north America.  Launched on December 7, 1942, she was nicknamed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger”.  During nine war patrols, Bowfin lived up to her namesake and her nickname.  Bowfin has been open to the public as a museum ship since 1981.  Over ten million visitors have walked her decks and learned what it was like to serve onboard. The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum reopened in February 2021 following a twenty-million-dollar renovation.  The museum features three galleries.  The World War Two gallery highlights the contributions of the submarine force in winning the war in the Pacific.  The Cold War gallery highlights how two technological advancements – the development of nuclear propulsion and the submarine launched ballistic missile made undeniable contributions toward maintaining peace during a challenging period.  The modern gallery highlights the important contributions that the submarine force continues to make in the defense of our nations – today and into the future. The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is open every day of the year except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park11 Arizona Memorial DriveHonolulu, HI  www.bowfin.org