Explorer's Guide Ozarks by Ron W. Marr

Author:Ron W. Marr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Countryman Press
Published: 2012-02-12T16:00:00+00:00

To See

MUSEUMS Springfield Art Museum (417-837-5700; www.springfieldmo.gov/art), 1111 E. Brookside Dr., Springfield, Mo. Open Tues., Wed., Fri., and Sat. 9–5; Thurs. 9–8; Sun. 1–5. Admission is free. Founded in 1928, the Springfield Art Museum houses more than 8,895 artistic objects covering literally thousands of years of culture. Painting, watercolor, sculpture, and prints are just a start of the collection, and a 329-seat auditorium offers a variety of programs. Past presentations have included a collaboration with the Springfield Opera, with special recitals performed once each week. The museum expanded in 2008, adding a new wing with an entry hall, galleries, gift shop, and library.

Wilson’s Creek Civil War Museum (417-732-2662; www.civilwarmuseum.com), 5228 S. SR ZZ, Republic, Mo. Closed Dec.–Mar.; open daily 8–5 the rest of the year. Admission is free with a $5 adult admission to the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. Up until around 2009 this museum was named after General Thomas “Fightin’ Tom” Sweeny. Why the Wilson’s Creek honchos decided to lop his name from edifice remains both a mystery and a local irritation. Political correctness is suspected, because the story of “Fightin’ Tom” is not exactly all bunnies and rainbows. Born in 1820 in Ireland, Sweeny immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 12. He lost his right arm to a musket ball at the storming of Churubusco, and in the 1850s was an Indian fighter in the West. During the Civil War he fought in the Battle of Wilson’s Creek near Springfield and took another musket ball in the thigh. With the 52nd Illinois at Shiloh, he suffered numerous bullet wounds and only left the field when forced to by loss of blood. “Fightin’ Tom” survived, however, and lived to the age of 72. A linguist of sorts, Fightin’ Tom could reportedly curse fluently and with gusto in three languages. The museum that used to bear his name contains Civil War artifacts and takes visitors through the highlights of the War Between the States. Sadly, this museum is not nearly as cool as it once was; I’m told many of the original items are now in storage. Still, it’s worth a stop.

Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks (417-864-7997; www.ammomuseum.com), 2305 E. Kearney St., Springfield, Mo. Open year-round, Tues.–Sat. noon–4. $5 adults, $3 ages 6–11. Established in 1989, this museum is dedicated to all those who gave their lives in the defense of American freedoms and liberties. It specializes in the restoration, preservation, and display of military history, and more than 5,000 pieces of memorabilia are exhibited. I’m not just talking bayonets and medals. You can take a simulated flight (while sitting in the cockpit, no less) of a restored Cobra AH-1S military helicopter. This is a great experience for both kids and adults, as you start the engine, take off at 100 knots, and blast away at enemy tanks with a laser-sighted, six-barreled machine gun.

Historical Museum for Springfield/Greene County (417-864-1976; www.springfieldhistorymuseum.org), 830 Boonville Ave., Springfield, Mo. Open Tues.–Fri. and the second Sat. of each month 10:30–4:30. Admission is free, but a small donation of $1–3 is appreciated.

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