The Rollo Jamison Museum has a priceless collection of over 20,000 items, including everything from arrowheads to carriages, mechanical music boxes to farm implements. The collection has been in the making since Rollo Jamison, born in Beetown, Wisconsin, in 1899, found his first arrowhead as a boy on the family farm. His collection grew over the years, and now represents the unique history of Southwest Wisconsin.

These rarities are among the museum's many items: McConnon's Medicine Wagon --owned by Mr. Dixon of Platteville. Regina Hexaphone music box --an unusual upright model from  Lant Caley of Lancaster (shown at right). Oral history --wire recordings of the pioneers in Grant County.

Interesting as these items are, the Rollo Jamison Museum is really about people, the real people of the past who lived right here in Grant County.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Every 4th of July, the Rollo Jamison Museum hosts a special celebration. The museum has a variety of activities including demonstrations of the music boxes, spinning, sewing on the treadle sewing machines, and woodworking. The Jamison Museum Association members provide the talent for many of the demonstrations. Sharing their special skills help to make this day come alive for visitors. Members are also the tour guides for the Jamison Museum that day.

During December the museum celebrates the Christmas of the past. A 14-foot Christmas tree decorated in the Victorian style fills the East Display of the museum. You can't help but feel the joy of Christmas as you sing carols around the candle-lit Christmas tree. Young and old alike enjoy the Christmas scenes and the model trains.

The museums are open daily 9-5, May through October. Changing Galleries open Monday-Friday 9-4, November through April. Group Tours year 'round by appointment.