The Castlerock Arms and Armour Museum in Alma WI will be having a grand opening event on May 12th.

http://www.castlerockmuseum.com/main/events.php

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Castlerock-Arms-and-Armor-Museum/144346078971618

As far as I know, we're still looking for people to come in period clothing, do demos, play Renaissance music, etc. Anyone interested can PM me and I'll put you in touch with the curator or chief docent.

I don't have my kit together, or I'd jump in. I still plan on checking this out though--it's turning out to be a good thing to like in WI

Latest announcement:

Everyone is invited to attend Castlerock Museum’s Gala Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 from 10 AM to 8 PM. This all day educational and fun event will take place at the Museum at 402 S. 2nd St. in Alma, WI.

There will be live martial arts presentations at 11, 1 and 2 showing the use of medieval and renaissance weapons. Participating will be members of ARMA, the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts and Viking re-enactors. A working blacksmith display from 11 to 5 will illustrate how arms and armor were made. A series of historical presentations on the Vikings, the Crusaders, Knights and the Code of Chivalry will take place at 12, 2 and 3 in the Museum Theatre area. Medieval harp music and medieval music during the day will enhance the ambience. At 5 PM the movie, “Kingdom of Heaven” will be shown in the theatre area.

Castlerock Museum brings a world class collection of arms, armor and art to our area. Come and see over 2000 years of actual arms and armor worn and used by Grecian warriors of Alexander the Great, Legionnaires of Julius Caesar, Dark Age warriors, Vikings, Crusaders and the Renaissance Knight in Shining Armor. Copies of period art illustrate the arms and armor in use. Display panels describe and picture each piece of arms and armor.

Door prizes will be drawn every hour. Hotdogs, Brats and Burger by Jimi’s Roadside Grill will be available during the day. The museum will be open for viewing all day from 10 AM to 8 PM. Many new exhibits have been added. Special reduced museum admission rates of $3 for adults and $2 for children will be in effect.

Alas I will be in Chicago this weekend but plan to come out soon! Very excited that this is in Wisconsin! :D

*BUMP*

This is today everyone! I hope to see you there.

Thank you to all who attended our Grand Opening Gala! The weather was beautiful, and our turnout was superb, with the castle hosting over 260 guests. In case you missed, our regular hours (for the time being) remain 1-4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. We have a facebook page and a website (www.castlerockmuseum.org) that are updated regularly.

Again, thank you to all who made this day such a success!

I attended the Grand opening of the Castle Rock Arms and Armor Museum this past weekend and was very impressed with what I saw. I must admit that this is the first time I have been to this type of museum display in person, I have however looked at many museum displays while on my computer. To see this first hand was truly wonderful.
If you live in the upper Midwest it is well worth your time to come and check out this collection.
What a wonderful treasure we have here in western Wisconsin. I urge all to come and see it!!!!!

I'm in WI now visiting family and I'm planning to go to this museum this Friday afternoon. Anyone else going to be going?

I think I will try to visit some time on Friday. How big is it? The brochures are not to descriptive on this point

Thank you for the info and advice!

There is also a restaurant in Alma (on the main highway) called Kate and Gracie's. It's pretty good.

Due to the collection being primarily of military weapons (and not very many parade pieces), one with an in-depth interest in the subject can expect at least an hour and a half of browsing, and that's a conservative estimate.

We apologize for our limited hours, but since our docent staff is entirely volunteer, it is the best we can do for now. Hopefully, after training in some new recruits, we can expand our hours for the particularly busy summer months.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your visit, and wish I was working this weekend to meet some members of this fine community!

I had a great time at the museum today. It's a nice collection and the folks there are great. I also enjoyed meeting Michael, Ben, and Kai there. Well worth the drive. :)