SCOUTING FOR MEMORABILIA

Shadowed by the hills and river bottoms of southern Illinois, the Great River Road provides a scenic start to a fascinating journey of history and art.

The journey is, of course, to the National Scouting Museum on the campus of Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.

Approximately two hours southeast of Cape Girardeau, the 50,000 square foot museum chronicles the history of the Boy Scouts of America -- including its conception and founding fathers.

"The museum was established in 1986 and we are currently in our 13th season," said director Susan Hardin. "We have approximately 17,000 to 20,000 visitors annually in a nine month season."

Upon entering the spacious first floor greeting area, visitors are encouraged to interact with Murray the Robot. The futuristic character answers questions, tells jokes, sings, and generally has a good time with the patrons.

Just inside the entrance is an impressive gift shop that caters to EVERYTHING in scouting -- including clothing, books, patches, manuals, and souvenir items.

Across from the shop is an informative display chronicling the history of the Gilwell totem, which is readily sought after by scouters and collectors. The totem represents adult leadership training known as the Wood Badge.

The main floor of the museum is reached by descending a flight of stairs through a scouting time line exhibit; including a famous astronaut's space capsule.

Arriving at the display floor, visitors are encouraged to explore the numerous exhibits and collections located throughout the museum.

The evolution of scout clothing and uniforms is impressively presented with modeled displays and representations.

How many scouts know that the first official BSA uniform was designed in 1911 and consisted of a khaki twill jacket and riding breeches with canvas leggings?

Or that a BSA designed experiment flew aboard a space shuttle mission to advance our knowledge and understanding of gravity and weightlessness?

Scouting memorabilia enthusiasts and collectors are always amazed at the Harry D. Thorsen exhibit. Thorsen, a distinguished Eagle Scout, donated a lifetime collection of patches, awards, medallions, statues, certificates, and much more.

But perhaps nothing is as impressive -- at least to adults -- as the Norman Rockwell collection. The museum owns 47 original Rockwell oil paintings and usually displays about 25 -- the remainder on tour or in restoration.

"The Rockwell's are a big draw for the general public," said Hardin. "Rockwell worked for the BSA starting at $50 per month painting photo covers and drawing illustrations for the Boys Life magazine before he went to work for Saturday Evening Post."

The collection includes four works that were originally painted for the Red Cross. However, the works were renamed to be used for Boys Life covers.

These works include a 34" x 26" oil on canvas titled, "Straight Talks from the Scoutmaster" and "A Red Cross Man in the Making". Displayed with the paintings are original pencil illustrations and black and white sketches.

For the brave and courageous, the museum also offers an outdoor obstacle course. Available by reservation only, the challenging course is designed to build confidence and expand leadership skills.

"The course is excellent for corporations and businesses," said Hardin. "There is a low-ropes course for team building and communication/problem solving, and a high-ropes that challenges on an individual level."

For scouts and non-scouts, the museum offers a unique glimpse into an important part of our American heritage and the individuals that dedicated their life to preserving it.

The National Scouting Museum is open March 1 through November 30, Tuesday through Saturday 9-4 and Sunday 12:30-4:30. The museum is closed on Mondays.