Museum Guide News

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 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/

Ghost Ranch, an Education & Retreat Center, is nestled amidst the breathtaking red and yellow cliffs of the Piedra Lumbre, and is where vibrant colors dance to life, and the intersection of history and spirituality is discovered. From captivating archaeological sites to invigorating outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding, Ghost Ranch provides a sanctuary for exploration, rejuvenation, and the nurturing of one’s inner self. With a diverse and storied past, which encompasses the majestic era of dinosaurs and the artistic presence of icons like Georgia O’Keeffe, Ghost Ranch warmly welcomes individuals from all corners of the world who seek inspiration, connection, and a profound sense of wonder within its transformative embrace. At Ghost Ranch, we delve into the world of Georgia O’Keeffe, the visionary artist who found solace and inspiration in this captivating landscape of New Mexico. With its vivid landscapes and iconic landmarks, Ghost Ranch provided O’Keeffe with the freedom to paint what she saw and felt. Ghost Ranch is host to two museums, the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology and the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology, in addition to the Ghost Ranch Library. The Museums of Ghost Ranch are dedicated to advancing research, education and public engagement in Anthropology, Archaeology and Paleontology. Our Ghost Ranch Library is always open. Come explore the past and ponder the future with us. Did you know you can take a new tour – Ghost Ranch Museums and Landscape Tour – that combines Georgia O’Keeffe, dinosaurs, and Native American arts and culture? The Ranch also has a variety of accommodations from guest rooms, suites to camping! We also offer daily meals for purchase! So, come and embark on a transformative journey through the remarkable tapestry of Ghost Ranch’s past and unlock your own creative potential amidst the awe-inspiring 21,000 acres of this Education & Retreat Center. Check us out line today! https://www.ghostranch.org/      

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/

General Lew Wallace’s accomplishments stretch much further than his 77 years. A Major General in the Union Army who led his troops in the decisive Civil War battles of Donelson, Shiloh, and Monocacy; was a military judge in the trials of the Lincoln Conspirators and Commander Wirz of Andersonville Prison; ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. A brilliant author, orator, artist, inventor, and musician, General Wallace etched his place indelibly in the annals of American history. But it was his masterwork, the epic religious novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880), that gained General Wallace his highest accolades and cemented his reputation in literary history. Ben-Hur became the best-selling novel of the nineteenth century. The novel the basis of several dramatizations, including the 1959 Academy Award®-winning motion picture starring Charlton Heston. Today, the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum has faithfully preserved General Wallace’s personal memorabilia in the Study that he designed and built in 1895–on the same site where Ben-Hur was penned. Each year, the Museum presents educational and entertaining programs for all ages that demonstrate the qualities of leadership, ingenuity, exploration and character that General Wallace embodied throughout his life. Come for a visit year-round and experience all the legacy that is General Lew Wallace and his importance to our American History! https://www.ben-hur.com/