Museum Guide

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/      

Marine Corps Air Facility Walnut Ridge: An 80-Year Legacy In the fall of 1944, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, became home to the Marine Corps Air Facility (MCAF) after the U.S. Navy took control of the Walnut Ridge Army Air Field. Situated inland for protection from hurricane season, it was ideal for training Marines on SBD-5 Dauntless dive bombers and FG-1D Corsair fighters. VMF-513 and VMF-514 squadrons trained here, preparing for combat in the Pacific. Life at the facility quickly grew into a close-knit community. On October 6, 1944, the first child was born on base—a son to Lt. Richard D. Moore II and his wife. By November, MCAF Walnut Ridge expanded to include thousands of acres for operations, though not without challenges. The War and Navy Departments filed a complaint over high utility rates, an issue that would echo other bases’ struggles across the U.S. Meanwhile, surplus military aircraft from all over began arriving at Walnut Ridge for storage. The first recorded arrival was a B-17 bomber in November, marking Walnut Ridge as a key site for storing and managing surplus planes, a role it would continue post-war. In March 1945, the facility was briefly re-purposed as a POW camp to support local agricultural labor needs. German prisoners worked on nearby farms, symbolizing the shifting demands of wartime support. By summer, MCAF Walnut Ridge was officially decommissioned, transitioning to storage and salvage operations under the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) to handle the surplus military property. Though active for only a brief period, MCAF Walnut Ridge played a crucial role in Marine Corps history and the larger war effort. Now, 80 years later, its legacy continues to be celebrated as a pivotal chapter in both military and local history. Come visit the Wings of Honor Museum - we hope to see you soon!  https://www.wingsofhonor.org/

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