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/ 239-263-9200. We look forward to welcoming you! 

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association (PFSMA) was created in 1978 to establish a memorial to the gallant sailors of the Silent Service, and to maintain as a centerpiece of this memorial the Fleet Submarine USS BOWFIN. In 1979, the PFSMA saved the decorated Balao-class USS Bowfin (SS-287) from scrapping and began the painstaking process of restoring her to her 1945 configuration. The site in Honolulu, HI would become the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park. Bowfin opened to the public in 1981, and an empty dirt lot soon expanded to include numerous outdoor exhibits. In 1986, construction began on a museum facility. In 2021, following extensive renovations, our campus was renamed the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. USS Bowfin (SS-287) is a WWII Fleet Submarine and legend of the Silent Service. She served with distinction on nine successful war patrols between 1943 and 1945, destroying enemy ships in the Pacific, providing assistance to guerillas in the Philippines, and even venturing into the mine-laden Sea of Japan. Launched 7 December 1942, exactly one year after the Pearl Harbor attack, she was appropriately nicknamed “The Pearl Harbor Avenger.” The museum now offers hands-on, interactive experiences that tell the story of the Silent Service from WWII to the Cold War to present day. In December 2021, USS Bowfin welcomed her 10 millionth visitor. Reopened in 2021 following a $20 million renovation, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum tells the story of the U.S. Submarine Force from World War II to the present. Models, weapon systems, photography, battle flags, recruiting posters, and a dissected Poseidon missile. Climb aboard to see how confining and demanding the life of the undersea warrior was. Walk through the forward and aft torpedo rooms, the galley, the wardroom, and the control room – restored to her 1945 configuration. We are Open Daily from 7 am to 5 pm - Last admission is at 4:30 pm. Closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas! Walk Up Adult General: $25.99 - Walk Up Children (4-12 years): $14.99 - Adult (Military and Kamaʻāina): $18.99 - Child (Military and Kamaʻāina): $9.99 Reservations for General Admission are not required. Prices are subject to change. Military Personnel in uniform are admitted free. We look forward to welcoming you upon you arrival! https://www.bowfin.org/    

Constructed in 1936, The El Paso Centennial Museum was built to celebrate the anniversary of Texas independence, making it the oldest museum in El Paso. Permanent exhibits in the museum focus on the natural and cultural history of the Chihuahuan Desert region, the largest desert in North America, and the ties of friendship that exist between the University and Bhutan can be seen in its surroundings. The Centennial Museum and Gardens sponsor such events as lectures/talks, collaborative exhibits with other museums on campus or in El Paso and FloraFEST The Centennial Museum prides itself as an academic support and outreach unit of The University of Texas at El Paso focusing primarily on the natural and cultural history of the Chihuahuan Desert. It promotes and shares knowledge and understanding of the natural diversity of the region and its people. The museum meets its responsibilities through the presentation and curation of the permanent collections, including the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. The Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens celebrates the stories of life in the Chihuahuan Desert. We aim to engage the border community with participatory programs and exhibitions that inspire dialogue about and respect for the natural world and our cultural heritage. As a university museum, we expand access to knowledge and opportunities that higher education and cultural engagement can offer. The Gardens were established in 1999 and are certified as a Texas Wildscape site. With more than 600 species of plants that are native or adapted to the Chihuahuan Desert, visitors can see the plants in their native setting. The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens are visited by thousands of people each year, including international visitors and school children from the region. We hope you will visit us in El Paso and see and experience our museums and beautiful gardens! The Centennial Museum is open Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., with the exception of holidays and UTEP Football home games. The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens are open daily from dawn to dusk. For additional questions or information please contact us via email at centennialmuseum@utep.edu https://www.utep.edu/centennial-museum/about/about.html

The Calaveras County Historical Society in San Andreas, CA was formed in 1952!  ​The historical society is a record of past events. Many counties in the State of California have their past events preserved in a written history of the county. This is not true of the county of Calaveras as its history has never been written.  ​Located in the center of the gold mining district of California, Calaveras is rich in history, tradition, romance, and lore. The early growth and development of the State of California mostly took place in the gold mining districts and Calaveras County contributed its full share. Many persons who later became leaders in the state at one time became gold miners in Calaveras County.  ​Many descendants of the early residents of Calaveras County are still living, and it is possible to collect from them a vast fund of early history of the county. Many of the issues of early newspapers are no longer in existence, but some of these early newspapers are available in museums and public libraries.  While visiting come see the Calaveras County Museum Complex, which is made up of three historic buildings: The Old Courthouse and Jail - 1867, The Hall of Records - 1893, and The Odd Fellows Hall - 1856. Within these interconnected buildings, the history of Calaveras County is told through objects, portraits, and photographs. Here you will find educational displays that tell the County's pre-history and Tribal culture, the stories of the early-pioneers, and the history of the Gold Rush encompassing the influence of European, Chinese, Mexican and many other cultures and their stories and objects related to mining and other industries in the County. https://www.historicalcalaveras.com/downtown-museum ​The prime purpose of the Calaveras County Historical Society is to collect and preserve for posterity the early history of Calaveras County. We invite you to come and visit us anytime where you will see history preserved form years past! Check us out online:  https://www.historicalcalaveras.com/ ​

In WHITTIER, AK, an important part of Alaskan history is now back in Alaska. The Prince William Sound Museum in Whittier, AK has accepted a 1939 Japanese machine gun — called a Nambu — used by Japanese military forces in the World War II Battle of Attu along the Aleutian Islands. Museum Director Ted Spencer said having the gun displayed at the military museum was a lifelong dream, but getting it there was quite a journey. It started with Lt. Colonel William Lucas, who led the charge to recapture Attu from the Japanese in 1943, earning a silver star in the process. The battle itself was bloody; the museum has the names of more than 500 American soldiers who died in the only World War II land battle to be fought on the North American continent. The Americans prevailed and the Japanese retreated, leaving some of their weapons behind. That, Spencer said, was how Lucas got the gun. It went with him to his home in Virginia where it stayed in a closet for nearly 80 years until it was eventually passed down to a granddaughter. “So, she contacted us and said, ‘Hey, would you like to have this gun for display?’ And of course, it was a big dream for me to have something from the battle of Attu,” Spencer said. But there were complications; because the machine gun had never been registered with the federal government, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives wanted to melt it down. Elaina Spraker, a staffer with Sen. Dan Sullivan’s office, worked to convince the agency the gun was a historic relic. It eventually agreed to transfer ownership to the City of Whittier. Sullivan recently toured the Whittier Museum, seeing the gun for the first time in person. “To be able to have an original machine gun, [a] Japanese machine gun that was in that battle, you know we lost a lot of American service members,” Sullivan said. “To have that as a remembrance of the service and sacrifice — which is really what this museum is all about — it’s really powerful.” Here is a video link to more information on this Japanese Machine Gun - https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/08/14/wwii-japanese-machine-gun-battle-attu-is-returned-alaska/ Spencer said he hopes the gun will shed new light on a battle that many Americans are unfamiliar with. He called it an important piece of history in which Alaska played a vital role. To view and learn more about this extraordinary Japanese machine gun and other historic WWII exhibits and the role Whittier, AK played in the war, come visit the Prince William sound Museum and check us out online! https://www.pwsmuseum.org/  

Welcome to the National Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus, Georgia, where history comes alive along the scenic Chattahoochee River. This year, we proudly celebrate the 25th anniversary at our current location. Discover the remains of the warship, CSS Jackson, and explore our impressive collection of artifacts and immersive walkthrough exhibits, including replicas of the USS Hartford and the CSS Albemarle.  With the nation's largest array of Civil War naval-related flags, our main gallery invites you to experience this pivotal chapter in American history. We feature engaging events, lectures, tours, and live demonstrations throughout the year. https://www.portcolumbus.org/exhibits-events When you visit us, you will want to experience one of our immersing tours. Below is a list of them to consider when coming! ForTours - Call 706-221-1782, book your group today! Group tours must be scheduled in advance.  Admission included. ​-   VIP Tour – $75 + tax per group of up to 5 people – guided – tour time: 1 hour – Take a private guided tour of the museum and discover the unique exhibits. Your personal guide will focus the tour and discussion on the Union Navy blockade and the fledgling Confederate Navy. A great opportunity for history enthusiasts of all ages to explore the important role of the navies in the Civil War. ​-   Stroll the Decks – $8 + tax per person (20 minimum) – self guided – recommended tour time: 1 hour – A museum interpreter will give a brief introduction to the museum and provide background information about the navies in the Civil War. Guests will then explore the galleries at their leisure. -   A Sailor's Life – $8 + tax per person (20 minimum) – with guide – tour time: 1 hour 30 minutes – A museum interpreter will take the group through exhibits of the nation’s most unique collection of Civil War naval artifacts revealing the history of the navies at war. They will share exciting stories of battles and of the ships and Sailors who fought them. Walkthrough ship reproductions will bring to life the experience of wartime Sailors. -    African-Americans & Civil War Navies – $8 + tax per person (20 minimum) with guide – tour time: 1 hour 30 minutes – An interpreter will introduce guests to this unique museum housing an impressive collection of Civil War naval artifacts. Visitors will then be led on a tour of the museum's exhibits highlighting the African American experience with stories of Sailors and those affected by the war. The guide will answer questions and provide context about the navies in conflict.  Come visit us soon and in the meantime check out our website at:  https://www.portcolumbus.org/ Museum Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am-4:30pm and Sun 12:30pm-4:30pm - Closed New Years, Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas  

Winona County History Center: Come curious, leave inspired.  Nestled in the Minnesota Driftless region, the Winona County History Center is your chance to go behind-the-scenes with Winona County history. From the famous to the unsung, the people who lived, worked, and dreamed here helped shape this remarkable place you see today. Explore the museum at your own pace for your own unique meet-up with history! Current Exhibits Discover The River Gallery, a new exhibit that takes you on a centuries-long journey alongside the Mississippi River and the people who live near it and on it. Inland seas, limestone bluffs, boathouse dwellers, Indigenous communities, conservationists, and industry-builders all intersect in this Winona County river story.  The Joy of the Arts celebrates over 100 years of municipal music, and you’re sure to leave this exhibit with your toes tapping. The current exhibit features 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.  Landscape, wealth, and well-known architects collide in an exhibit called Stories & Structures: How Buildings Tell Us About Ourselves. From school to bank to mansion, each building has a story to tell. You’ll find out how some of the iconic structures in Winona County came to be, and what those buildings tell us about the builders and those who use and preserve them.  Coming Soon A brand new Children’s Exhibit is coming soon to the Winona County History Center, making the museum a perfect place for people of all ages to play and participate in a bigger story. The upcoming Dakota History Exhibit will bring a fresh, honest perspective on the enduring relationship between local Dakota people and the place you know as Winona County. Exhibits on makers and inventors, veterans, homefront heroes, criminals, and crises will give you an insider view of the complex faces of the county.  Additional Attractions Are you a museum speed-reader waiting for friends to catch up? Make yourself comfortable in the free Slaggie Family Lobby area. Refresh your soul with art exhibitions from regional creators or stroll through The Museum Shop for a piece of take-home history. Consider a stop at the information desk to make an appointment in the research archives, or set aside a time to record an oral history with a trained Winona County Historical Society interviewer.  No matter what you choose to do, you’ll leave the Winona County History Center with a new perspective on history! We look forward to welcoming you back again.  Hours: Open Daily 10am – 4pm Phone: 507-454-2723  Website: winonahistory.org Address:  Winona County History Center 160 Johnson Street Winona, Minnesota  

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 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/