Museum Guide News

The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Educational Center in Naples, FL is teaching the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against hatred and to promote mutual respect. The Museums Vision is to live in a world that values mutual respect, free of antisemitism and hatred. The Museums does this through, displaying artifacts and photographs which tell the individual stories within the larger history of the Holocaust, provide educational programs and activities to students at all grade levels and presenting the general public programs and exhibits that highlight elements of our collection and stories related to the Holocaust and other genocides; The unique origin of the Museum was a Naples, Florida middle school classroom exhibit created by students and teachers studying the Holocaust called “Out of the Ashes.” The motto of the project was “Tell your children to tell their children and their children another generation. We will never forget!” The students knew the important lessons of the Holocaust must always be shared. In 2001, the exhibit was transformed into a museum and educational center, operating as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. With the focus on education, our programs reach over 15,000 students each year and the Museum hosts more than 5,000 visitors annually. The Golden Gate teachers and students would be so proud of the impact “Out of the Ashes” has had! Today, the Museum houses over 1,000 original photographs and artifacts related to the Holocaust and World War II. These items are displayed chronologically, from the rise of Nazism to the Allied Liberation and Nuremberg Trials. Many of the artifacts have been donated or permanently loaned to the Museum by local Survivors, Liberators and other dedicated people. Of special interest are the photographs, documents and artifacts that belonged to the families of Survivors and Liberators who now live in Southwest Florida, many of whom are volunteers at the Museum.  The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm, with last guest entry at 3:30 pm. The Museum is closed on Mondays and the following major U.S. holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas. Come Visit us at 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Suite 108, Naples, FL and Check us out online: https://hmcec.org/  We look forward to welcoming you! 

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 166 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 the efforts of Gift Officers Joanne Sutton and Kaye Weninger along with Visitor Services a number of Wounded Warriors had the opportunity to take a trip of a lifetime to the top of the mountain carving on October 5, 2023. 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/

In BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE, NY… The Adirondack Experience engages visitors with interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities, and an amazing collection of artwork and historical objects. Here they bridge the past and present, fostering the curious side in everyone. Explore the only spot in the Adirondack Park where you can row an authentic guideboat, break up a log jam, and activate a mine shaft, all in the same action-packed day. The ADKX has a number of signature exhibitions that explore the history, culture, and people of the Adirondack region. Life in the Adirondacks is the largest exhibition featuring over 300 artifacts and features a fully immersive experience of the Adirondack Park and its people. Other signature exhibits include: the newly opened immersive art exhibit, Artists & Inspiration in the Wild, featuring several galleries that illustrate how the natural features of the Adirondacks have sparked the creative vision of many artists; Woods & Waters, exploring outdoor recreation in the Adirondacks; Boats & Boating featuring a large collection of authentic Adirondack water craft; and Work in the Woods, exploring the history and tradition of logging in the Adirondacks! Don’t miss their two special exhibits Trail Makers: 100 Years of the Northville-Placid Trail, and Natural Beauty: The Art of Rustic Furniture. With over 20 historical and contemporary buildings on 121 acres overlooking Blue Mountain Lake, the open-air campus offers plenty to see and do for everyone. From the Minnow Pond Trail and Boathouse, where visitors can take out various styles of Adirondack boats on the water, to fish feeding and activities for the whole family, visitors always find something fun to do at the ADKX! The Adirondack Experience is open from Friday, May 23, 2025 – Monday, October 13, 2025 - 10am – 5pm | Open 7 days a week, including holidays. The ADKX Research Library is open year round by appointment only. Make it a point to visit ADKX this year for an unforgettable experience of the Adirondacks in Blue Mountain Lake, NY! For additional information, call 518-352-7311 or visit https://www.theadkx.org/visit/ Save the date! Veterans Appreciation Day at the ADKX: June 28th more details to come soon at https://www.theadkx.org/visit/

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/

The Grissom Air Museum rich in history is located, near Peru, Indiana. The museum was founded in 1981, by seven prior service military personnel who lived in the area. The Heritage Museum Foundation (HMF) wanted to preserve aircraft that were currently located at Grissom Air Reserve Base, formerly Grissom Air Force Base. The HMF started the Grissom Air Museum in 1982 outside of what then was the main gate of Grissom Air Reserve Base. Prior to May 12, 1968, the base was known as Bunker Hill Air Force Base before it was renamed Grissom AFB in honor of Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, Indiana native and the second American astronaut into space. He perished in the Apollo I fire on Jan. 27, 1967. Former home of the 305th Bomb Wing (BW) and the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) and is now proud to be the home of the 434th Air Refueling Wing. The Grissom Air Museum currently offers 29 aircraft and 4 trainers. While you are at the museum, sit in an F-4 Phantom, H1-Huey Helicopter, and look at a complete Link Trainer used in WWII, the Gen. William Kepner & Gus Grissom Exhibit, and more. Check out the history of the military base that started in 1954 as the Bunker Hill Air Force Base. Then head outside to 28 military aircraft that served from WW II through Today! Visit the museum when we have our Warbird Cruise-In Car Show or any other one of our events. You are encouraged to take photos of your experiences.  The museum is handicap accessible. RV and bus parking are available on the museum premises. Special admission pricing is available for groups of 15 or more guests. Contact us today to learn more about all the exciting possibilities at Grissom Air Museum. (765) 689-8011 and visit us at: https://www.grissomairmuseum.com/home/welcome  

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/

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 from November 5th – 11th is Veterans Homecoming Week, with special activities celebrating Veterans ending with a parade! This week will be our 92nd year doing this, so if you can please join us and visit the Veterans Memorial Museum! http://veteransmemorialbranson.com/  

The Tillamook Air Museum: History Housing History  Hangar B, the Tillamook Air Museum’s home, was built as part of an ambitious plan to protect the West Coast during WWII. Naval Air Station Tillamook constructed two massive wooden hangars, each using enough lumber to build 279 three-bedroom homes! Construction of Hangar B began in November 1942 and was completed in just nine months.  In 1989, Hangar B was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, securing its legacy as a national treasure. Five years later, it became home to the Tillamook Air Museum, dedicated to preserving aviation and wartime history.  Our collection features legendary aircraft with remarkable service records. The F-14 Tomcat, famously featured in Top Gun, represents the cutting edge of naval aviation. Our F-4 Phantom cockpit, used in the film Sully, offers a glimpse into Cold War airpower. The battle-proven A-7 Corsair II flew 39 missions in the Gulf War, while our B-52 cockpit took part in 14 Gulf War missions and countless operations during Vietnam. And there’s more to discover!  Beyond the aircraft, our Exhibit Hall showcases rare wartime and aviation artifacts, including pieces from Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, relics dating back to WWI, and items from the September 11th attacks, an important chapter in modern history.  This museum offers a truly unique experience that’s both educational and entertaining for all ages. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or looking for a fun family outing, the Tillamook Air Museum brings history to life in a way that’s both exciting and entertaining. Perfect for kids, parents, and history buffs alike, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss! https://www.tillamookair.com/    

The AACA Museum, Inc. is America’s Transportation Experience!  We’re dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the motor vehicle history in a way that provides for the education and entertainment for our guests. The museum delivers a world-class automotive experience through innovative and interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages and illustrate the historical evolution and potential future impacts of one of the most culturally defining innovations of modern times – the automobile. The idea of presenting an automobile collector’s museum in Hershey, PA, originated with a committed group of automobile hobbyists. As their determination to move the project forward grew, their enthusiasm gained support throughout the region. In 1993, the AACA Museum, Inc. was incorporated as a Pennsylvania nonprofit educational institution! The new vision focused on presenting America’s intriguing automotive heritage to the public. The museum launched a $12 million capital campaign dedicated to building a world-class museum.  The vision of a world-class automotive heritage museum in Hershey became a reality. The 71,000-square-foot museum, officially named the AACA Museum, Inc., opened on June 26, 2003. Offering noteworthy exhibits and an ever-growing permanent collection, the museum welcomes guests of all ages to enjoy the wonders of invention, interactive educational displays, famous and one-of-a-kind vehicles, and family fun.  Today the AACA Museum at Hershey displays vintage automobiles in unique settings. Visitors can stroll through eight decades in time while traveling from New York to San Francisco. It’s a trip down “memory lane” as iconic settings reveal vehicles from generations of American motoring. The museum sponsors workshops and activities designed to raise public awareness and appreciation of the role that the automobile has played in shaping 20th century America. AACA Museum embraces the role of the collector in preserving automotive heritage. It is unique in that all the cars on display have been donated or offered for display by car experts and enthusiasts! The AACA Museum at Hershey ranks among the top automotive museums in the world and has been recognized by the Smithsonian as an Affiliate Museum. The museum is home to the Cammack Tucker Collection, the world’s most extensive collection of Tucker automobiles and memorabilia. AACA Museum also houses the Museum of Bus Transportation Collection. When traveling through Pennsylvania, make a point to stop and visit the AACA Museum and take a trip back in automobile and transportation history! https://www.aacamuseum.org/  

The Veterans’ Museum in Halls, TN continues to improve exhibits to enhance the visitors’ comprehension of the importance of Dyersburg Army Air Base (DAAB) during WWII. A diorama, sponsored by Warren Nunn of Halls, vividly depicts the base proper with buildings, layouts, and the three runway locations.  This diorama helps locate where it was located in relation to the highways as they are today.  In 1942, the four-lane Highway 51 did not exist. A monument dedicated to the 115 crewmen who were killed in air crashes while stationed at DAAB is now located in the Memorial Garden at the Museum site.  The monument was sponsored by Sterling Forsythe, formerly of Ripley. We will honor all of our fallen veterans at our Memorial Day Ceremony on Thursday, May 22, at 2:00 p.m.  By laying a wreath in front of the monument, we express our profound appreciation for all who have given their lives for our country. The Museum is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  For information about the Museum and events, call 731-836-7400. Here are some upcoming events: Annual Spring Luncheon, Wednesday, April 16, at noon Memorial Day Ceremony, Thursday, May 22, at 2:00 p.m. Four Person Golf Tournament, Friday, June 6, at 1:00 p.m. with registration at noon Flag Day Celebration, Saturday, June 14, at 2:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you and hope you'll plan a visit soon! Check us out online for more information: https://www.dyaab.us/