As you explore our collections, you will recognize
admirable traits you would like to find in yourself:
  creativity . . . commitment to honest endeavor . . .
ingenuity . . . thriftiness.

The Smithsonian Institution has recognized our collections as among America's most significant, telling the story of a brave and hardy people who carved out lives of joy and toil, often in isolation and often with too little money.  

How they worked, how they rejoiced and mourned,
how they found ways to bring beauty into harsh lives --
our collections are nothing less than a revelation.

The links above show you only a small portion of what you will find when you come to visit the Museum.  With two huge exhibit halls and over 30 historic structures filled with authentic furnishings, you can spend the day connecting to the spirit and strength of our region's worthy forebears through the things they left behind.