The Abandoned Archives

About the Collection

Welcome to The Abandoned Archives exhibit at the J. M. Wilson Museum of History! This exhibit is the realization of a dream from the museum's founder James Wilson with the goal being to assemble a collection of artifacts from historic and now abandoned places. Through these efforts, the vast array of artifacts has been acquired, documented, and shared so that all who visit can have access to pieces from these historic sites.

Abandoned historic sites and structures are a sad yet fascinating look into the past. It is fascinating due to the fact that something man-made can, over time, transform from its once glorious state into something desolate and long since forgotten. The main goal of this exhibit is to remember the forgotten places of the past and to tell their stories that may have otherwise been lost.

We sincerely thank everyone who visits this exhibit and it is an honor to be able to shine a light on the historic beauty that needs it the most.