The Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum is a privately-owned, not-for-profit organization that was founded to promote and preserve the traditions and history of Scouting. The museum’s collection includes items and exhibits associated with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Eagle Scouts, and Camp Fire. The museum also has a wing dedicated to local history.

Visitors to the museum can enjoy a docent-led tour throughout the building that spans a wide variety of topics. Scouting troops regularly make visits to see the vast history behind their organization. Of course, you don’t have to be an expert to learn about the vivid and exciting past of Scouting in the United States! Vintage guidebooks, patches, and other historical pieces of Scouting memorabilia are on display.  

A trip to the museum is a great way to learn more about Ottawa too! Have you wondered why a Scouting Museum is in town in the first place? Well, that’s because the founder of the Boy Scouts of America, W.D. Boyce, lived in Ottawa! He is also buried in the Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.  

The museum has a plethora of exhibits regarding Ottawa history. They even have some glassware belonging to Peltier Glass, a world-renowned glass company. Their collection includes glass canes (that are said to be just as strong as a regular cane!), vintage glass bottles, and marbles. Peltier is the company that developed the world-famous cat’s eye marble design. The museum also features a dress that was worn at the Lincoln Douglas debate, articles from Boyce’s own newspaper companies, and many more exciting pieces of Ottawa history.

In addition to a collection of exhibits that are always being updated and added to, the museum offers informational seminars. These presentations explore an assortment of historical subjects that most might not know about. History lovers can enjoy learning all sorts of hidden historical facts at these monthly seminars.  

The Scouting Museum’s latest endeavor is a set of two documentaries: A Tale of Two Bluffs. The first documentary, ” Forgotten Valor: The Life and Death of General W.H.L. Wallace” is scheduled to premier in late 2025. It tells the life story of General Wallace, a man who could have gone to Springfield and studied law with Abraham Lincoln, but chose to stay in Ottawa. 

The second documentary will explore the history surrounding local abolitionist John Hossack, and how he helped escaped slave Jim Gray find freedom. Interested in learning more about documentaries or volunteer opportunities? See below for contact information.

The Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum is open Thursdays through Mondays from 10am to 4pm. You can check out their website for information on their seminars, events, and upcoming exhibits. You can also call (815) 431-9353 for more.