Museum Guide News

The National Civil War Museum is one of the largest institutions in the world dedicated exclusively to the American Civil War. It stands out as the only museum of its kind that presents the Civil War from both Northern and Southern perspectives, offering insights from both military and civilian experiences. Through thoughtfully curated exhibits, the Museum not only chronicles key battles and campaigns but also illuminates the personal lives and stories affected by the conflict. Our mission is to serve as a national center for inspiring lifelong learning about the American Civil War, fostering a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in history. The National Civil War Museum is in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg, the oldest and largest municipal public park in the city. The building sits upon the highest point in the city, and the views from the site are simply lovely. Next to the building is our Walk of Valor, a ribbon of red brick that is symbolic of the bloodshed in war and bears the names of Civil War veterans honored by their surviving descendants. On the east side of the building opposite the entrance, you will find our Friends Walkway. We hope you will visit us this year as we are open year-round, Monday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Holidays: Regular business hours Closed: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. 717-260-1861. https://www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org/visit/      

Two hundred years after his birth, the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln continues to fascinate and inspire. Born into poverty on the edge of an untamed frontier, his rise from obscurity to greatness has become a symbol of the universal hope that we can all improve our circumstances in life. In 1932 The History of the Lincoln Memorial Shrine in Redlands, CA began! It was gifted by Robert and Alma Watchorn. The Lincoln Memorial Shrine was originally designed in an octagon shape by noted Southern California architect Elmer Grey. The construction of reinforced concrete was faced with Bedford Indiana limestone plates upon which are inscribed excerpts from Lincoln’s speeches. Today you can come see the newest exhibition, “Imitative Lincoln: Art Derived from Photographs.” Focusing on the ways artists have recreated Lincoln’s likeness from the photographs he sat for in his life, the exhibit will include a wide range of artistic techniques, from 19th century engravings to modern day mosaics, demonstrating how Lincoln has inspired artists over time. There is a Civil War photo album donated by a local family a few years ago that came with an interesting story. Featuring more than two dozen men of the 21st Connecticut Infantry regiment, the album was created by the regiment’s Captain E. Perry Packer. Captain Packer and his family moved to Santa Monica, California in the 1870s and assumed new identities. Why did they make such a drastic move? Who were the men included in the photo album?Come visit us and find out! Are you on the calendar committee for your group or organization? Do you need a history outing for your school group? Book your tour at the Lincoln Memorial Shrine! The Shrine offers guided tours for groups of 12 or more adults or school aged children, Tuesdays – Saturdays from 9:30am to Noon (parents and chaperones excluded from total for school tours).  Come visit us soon!  https://www.lincolnshrine.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. 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 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.

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.

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

Chenault Aviation & Military Museum honors veterans and soldiers from the Civil War through current conflicts! Through expansive collections of artifacts and compelling stories of the men and women who have served our country, the visitor receives a captivating insight into why we honor our history and our heroes. The museum is housed in the last remaining classrooms of the Selman Field Navigation School, the largest navigation school in the U.S. during WWII. The museum also honors the story of General Claire Chennault and the Flying Tigers during WWII and how one man helped change the war in China. The bilingual “Way of a Fighter” exhibit is based on General Chennault’s book written in 1949. The museum also tells the story of how a small crop-dusting business evolved into the second largest airline in the world, Delta Airlines. Since opening its doors in 2000 with 3000 square feet, its expanded galleries have grown to 10,000 square feet providing over 11,000 artifacts and several veteran outreach programs. The aircraft restoration park will soon offer visitors a modern-day out-door facility with paved walk ways, covered pavilions, and restored military aircraft. The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum has begun building an outdoor pavilion, display, and park showcasing seven restored military aircraft and more to tell our incredible story of aviation history and heritage. The Chennault Aviation Park will soon offer visitors a modern-day out-door facility with paved walk ways, covered pavilions, and restored military aircraft! The Museum also proud to host a number of educational programs. Chennault Museum is a regional judging place for the Nation History Day competition and sponsors the Freedom Spirit Art Competition for local art students. It provides STEM lesson plans offered online, offers field trips in the museum and aircraft restoration tours, has an extensive research library, has college internship opportunities! We look forward to welcoming you and showing you our vast military collections and exhibits! Check us out and learn more online:  https://chennaultmuseum.org/

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum Achieves $1.5 Million Fundraising Goal to Preserve the USS Cobia Submarine! The Wisconsin Maritime Museum, in Manitowoc, WI is thrilled to announce that it hasachieved its fundraising goal of $1.5 million dollars to preserve the USS Cobia submarine, thanks to a generous grant of $500,000 from the State of Wisconsin! This critical funding was secured in the 2025-2027 State Biennial Budget, signed by Governor Evers in the early hours of July 3rd, and endorsed by Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) and State Representative Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc). Since 1970, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum has worked diligently to preserve USS Cobia so that its history remains accessible for generations to come. A critical milestone in this preservation will occur in September 2025 when the sub is towed to Sturgeon Bay for a six-week dry dock restoration at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. “We are so grateful to our staff, stakeholders, and elected officials on both sides of the aisle who recognize the importance of preserving USS Cobia as a national WWII historic landmark that enriches the cultural fabric of the City of Manitowoc and the State of Wisconsin,“We are so grateful to our staff, stakeholders, and elected officials on both s cognize the importance of preserving USS Cobia as a national WWII historic landmark that enriches the cultural fabric of the City of Manitowoc and the State of Wisconsin,” said Kevin Cullen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. “The $500,000 provided in the 2025-27 state budget will fund a portion of the investment necessary to preserve the structural integrity of the USS Cobia and ensure future generations can learn about Manitowoc’s contributions to the Allied forces during World War II,” said Senator LeMahieu. “This investment will inform thousands of annual visitors about the bravery and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation who fought in the Pacific or labored to build world-class submarines right here in Manitowoc,” said Representative Tittl. These dollars will provide the final piece of funding necessary for the restoration of USS Cobia. Additional funding is being provided through a $500,000 federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, as well as hundreds of individual contributions from municipal, business, and private donors over the past decade. For more information about the project visit: https://www.wisconsinmaritime.org/

  We'd like to welcome you to Castle Air Museum, where visitors can expect to peek into the past of advanced aerospace technologies and glimpse into the future of aviation.   Our museum is home to more than 85 Military Aircrafts and countless historical artifacts ranging from pre-WWII spaning 87 years! Here at Castle, we are preserving military aviation heritage for generations to come. Each of our airplanes and artifacts have stories to tell. We are honored to share their rich history with you.   Castle Air Museum is located in Atwater, CA and is based on 35 acres of the original Castle Air Force Base. Castle boasts the most complete collection of Bombers on the West Coast, including some of the rarest preserved bombers in the nation, such as the Douglas B-18 Bolo, Douglas B-23 Dragon, Convair B-36 Peacemaker, North American B-45 Tornado, Boeing B-50 Superfortress, and Convair B-58 Hustler. We are also home to the A6 Intruder, AV 8B, Marine Core Harrier. Come explore over 70 years of aviation history! Come and be amazed!    Once you’ve explored the outdoor aircraft displays, you can visit the indoor museum where you can see a fascinating collections of war-time memorabilia, including an outstanding array of Army Air Corps and Air Force uniforms, and the once top-secret Norden Bomb Sight! https://castleairmuseum.org/indoormuseum/ Stay at the Castle Air Museum RV Park. We have 15 Full Hook-Up Spaces available. Each hook-up space includes water, sewer, electricity, and Wi-Fi. We have 7 Dry Camp Spaces available. Each Dry Camp space includes one dump per day. Dump Station available Dawn to Dusk. Please contact Camp Host for assistance. https://castleairmuseum.org/rv-park-info/   When your are visiting California, make it a point to visit and stay at Castle Air Musuem -  perfect venue to immerse yourself in military aviation history! www.castleairmuseum.org

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/    

As one of the top attractions in the State of Texas, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and 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. https://www.bush41.org/events New to the museum is, Music America: Iconic Objects from America’s Music History will open in the Ansary Gallery of American History at the Bush Library and Museum on Monday, May 5, 2025, and remain on exhibit until January 5, 2026.  With nearly 100 objects representing the best of American music, the exhibit—curated by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music (BSACAM) at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey—tells the story of how music has informed, interpreted, and inspired our national identity since it was founded nearly two-and-a-half centuries ago. The exhibit features artifacts from the permanent collection of the BSACAM alongside treasures from other institutions across the country such as the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Hard Rock International, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as well as dozens of prominent collectors of American music ephemera. This exhibit features legendary objects from artists such as Johnny Cash, Sam Cooke, Chuck D, Woody Guthrie, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Tupac Shakur, and more. The George Bush Presidential Library and 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 more! 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.