Discover the Stories that Shaped Ottawa

Discover the Stories that Shaped OttawaDiscover the Stories that Shaped OttawaDiscover the Stories that Shaped Ottawa

Explore the heritage of scouting and local history at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum

Discover the Stories that Shaped OttawaDiscover the Stories that Shaped OttawaDiscover the Stories that Shaped Ottawa

Explore the heritage of scouting and local history at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum

Two Collections, One Unique Story

Uniforms, badges, handbooks, and artifacts tracing American Scouting from Boyce's 1910 charter through a century of tradition and service.

Ottawa was incorporated in 1853 and hosted the first Lincoln–Douglas debate. Our exhibits bring that political and cultural legacy to life.

Take a virtual trip to the Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum and delve into some of the stories and exhibits that make it unique.

Join us for upcoming lectures in our series "2026: A Year of History"

Planes & Trains

Sept. 20

Automobiles & Motorcycles

Oct. 18

Back in the Day Restaurants

Nov. 15

Your support for the Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum is an investment in preserving our collective past for future generations.

Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum

1100 Canal St, Ottawa, IL 61350, US