Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum

About Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum

The Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum in Ottawa, Illinois preserves the traditions and history of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, and the local community. Visitors explore memorabilia, uniforms, photographs, publications, awards, and equipment that document scouting heritage. A museum highlight is a recreation of a room from the W. D. Boyce home in Ottawa, based on a historic family photograph, complemented by artifacts and photographs connecting Ottawa's history to broader scouting traditions. The museum operates entirely by volunteers and opened to the public in 1997 after five years of community preparation. Throughout the year, the museum hosts history lectures, educational programs, movie screenings, and special community events that bring people together to learn and share. A gift shop offers scouting memorabilia, history-inspired items, and unique gifts for scouts, former scouts, history enthusiasts, and visitors of all ages.