Current Exhibits

Keeping Up Appearances -

Suds, Duds, & Irons

Revisit a time when washing and ironing took an entire day or more to complete compared to today's time saving appliances.
There are more than 60 individual and unique restored irons with the earliest being a “sad iron” dated 1758 and progressing through the electric irons of the 1970s.
Numerous washing devices, early washing soaps and detergents, along with the history of the clothespin (patented in 1832).

Director Bill Rebane's Hollywood Midwest

The closing date for this exhibit has been extended to December, 2024. Bill is auctioning the Giant Spider at Julian's Auctions in California in December! If you haven't been in, be sure to plan a visit before this major exhibit comes to an end.
Archival materials and memorabilia cover the now-cult films from the 1960s through '80s, including "Monster A-Go-Go," "Rana: Legend of Shadow Lake," "Blood Harvest" starring Tiny Tim, and one of the top-grossing films of 1975, "The Giant Spider Invasion." One of the original giant spiders, recently saved from destruction, will be on display, partially restored to its original state to show how difficult it was before the digital age to create special effects for creature features.

Discover the Displays at the Museum

What if I didn't pay taxes, what would I miss?

Remember When...a bit of nostalgia.

Woman's Work...What did Women do in the 1950s-60s?

Mid Century Cats...What did the 1950s-60s have in common with cats?

Refreshed displays:

Scott Mansion artifacts and stories.

Vintage fishing equipment - you need that perfect lure to catch your fish.
Kitchen Vintage - So many ways to toast a slice of bread!
Pocket Watch Holders - a Victorian collection of Bea Lebal.

OUR STORY

Discover Merrill History though our permanent Pinery & Native American Exhibits

Our mission is to collect and preserve the rich, unique history of the Merrill Area.