Those interested in getting an opportunity to check out authentic civil war weapons will have until July to visit the Seymour Community Museum.
Mitch Miller, a friend of the museum has donated his extensive civil war era weapons to be displayed at the museum for the month of July.
“There’s no replicas here,” said Seymour Historical Society President Bill Collar. “They’re 100 percent authentic. Each one has just a little different mechanism for loading and firing, that’s what’s intriguing me to me, just to have some of these things.”
Not only are the weapons on display with explanations, but those who visit have an opportunity to hold and fully interact with the rifles.
“Bring the kids in, if they want to pickup a carbine and see what it’s like, see how it’s loaded,” Collar said of the exhibit. “We have a little explanation on each, so they can explain the difference between a muzzle loader and the breech loading guns, the percussion. It’s a nice educational experience for people of all ages.”
Most of the weapons on display range from the 1830’s to the 1880’s, some of the earliest like the Potsdam Rifle, which was imported from Europe, to one of the earliest to implement the concept of interchangeable parts like the Whitney muzzle loading long rifle.
Collar says this display is one of the best you’ll find in the local area.
“For the Seymour area here, Shawano and the surrounding communities, I think this is just an excellent opportunity to come and see some Civil War weapons, meanwhile visit the rest of the museum.”
Other areas to check out at the museum include interactive displays, like flying at 1911 airplane that took off in front of the grandstand at the county fair.
The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., or by special appointment.
“Let’s say there’s eight to ten people that’d like to get together and come down some evening, just give me a call,” Collar offered. “I’d be happy myself, or another one of our board members to come down and open the museum for a group of people.”
Collar can be reached at (920)-833-6064.
There is no admission to the Seymour Community Museum, though donations are always appreciated.