Kenosha Museums
@kenoshamuseums.bsky.social
Official account of the Kenosha Public Museum, Civil War Museum, and Dinosaur Discovery Museum. We have dinosaurs and other old stuff.
This Christmas Eve, we’re looking back to the very first Christmas card. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole commissioned John Callcott Horsley to make a holiday greeting, starting a tradition that would soon spread around the world.
The Museums will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 🎄
The Museums will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 🎄
December 24, 2025 at 5:04 PM
This Christmas Eve, we’re looking back to the very first Christmas card. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole commissioned John Callcott Horsley to make a holiday greeting, starting a tradition that would soon spread around the world.
The Museums will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 🎄
The Museums will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 🎄
#MineralMonday 🎄
Getting coal for Christmas isn’t so bad - coal powered homes, industry, and change for generations.
The tradition? Naughty kids in Europe got coal in their stockings, a warning that made its way to the US in the 19th century. Even the “naughty” got something useful under the tree!
Getting coal for Christmas isn’t so bad - coal powered homes, industry, and change for generations.
The tradition? Naughty kids in Europe got coal in their stockings, a warning that made its way to the US in the 19th century. Even the “naughty” got something useful under the tree!
December 22, 2025 at 8:01 PM
#MineralMonday 🎄
Getting coal for Christmas isn’t so bad - coal powered homes, industry, and change for generations.
The tradition? Naughty kids in Europe got coal in their stockings, a warning that made its way to the US in the 19th century. Even the “naughty” got something useful under the tree!
Getting coal for Christmas isn’t so bad - coal powered homes, industry, and change for generations.
The tradition? Naughty kids in Europe got coal in their stockings, a warning that made its way to the US in the 19th century. Even the “naughty” got something useful under the tree!
It's a chilly Fun Fossil Fact Friday ❄️ Dinosaur fossils have been found on every continent—even Antarctica. Some of the most famous discoveries have come from Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, Argentina’s Patagonia region, and North America’s Badlands.
December 19, 2025 at 6:39 PM
It's a chilly Fun Fossil Fact Friday ❄️ Dinosaur fossils have been found on every continent—even Antarctica. Some of the most famous discoveries have come from Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, Argentina’s Patagonia region, and North America’s Badlands.
Reindeer = caribou? Yep! 🦌
They’re called reindeer in Eurasia (often domesticated, like Santa's) and caribou in North America (always wild).
They’re called reindeer in Eurasia (often domesticated, like Santa's) and caribou in North America (always wild).
December 17, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Reindeer = caribou? Yep! 🦌
They’re called reindeer in Eurasia (often domesticated, like Santa's) and caribou in North America (always wild).
They’re called reindeer in Eurasia (often domesticated, like Santa's) and caribou in North America (always wild).
Something fin-tastic is happening at the Kenosha Public Museum 🦈
World of Sharks is officially open! Dive in and discover the science, myths, and amazing adaptations of sharks.
World of Sharks is officially open! Dive in and discover the science, myths, and amazing adaptations of sharks.
December 16, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Something fin-tastic is happening at the Kenosha Public Museum 🦈
World of Sharks is officially open! Dive in and discover the science, myths, and amazing adaptations of sharks.
World of Sharks is officially open! Dive in and discover the science, myths, and amazing adaptations of sharks.
Did you know Emperor penguins are the tallest of all penguin species? 🐧
They can reach up to 4 feet tall, making them the true giants of the penguin world! These impressive birds are also known for their incredible endurance, raising their chicks in some of the harshest conditions on the planet.
They can reach up to 4 feet tall, making them the true giants of the penguin world! These impressive birds are also known for their incredible endurance, raising their chicks in some of the harshest conditions on the planet.
December 11, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Did you know Emperor penguins are the tallest of all penguin species? 🐧
They can reach up to 4 feet tall, making them the true giants of the penguin world! These impressive birds are also known for their incredible endurance, raising their chicks in some of the harshest conditions on the planet.
They can reach up to 4 feet tall, making them the true giants of the penguin world! These impressive birds are also known for their incredible endurance, raising their chicks in some of the harshest conditions on the planet.
🦈 The World of Sharks opens Saturday!
Dive into an immersive look at sharks—older than dinosaurs, spectacular, and often misunderstood.
Don’t miss the Kenosha Public Museum’s newest exhibition!
Dive into an immersive look at sharks—older than dinosaurs, spectacular, and often misunderstood.
Don’t miss the Kenosha Public Museum’s newest exhibition!
December 9, 2025 at 5:09 PM
🦈 The World of Sharks opens Saturday!
Dive into an immersive look at sharks—older than dinosaurs, spectacular, and often misunderstood.
Don’t miss the Kenosha Public Museum’s newest exhibition!
Dive into an immersive look at sharks—older than dinosaurs, spectacular, and often misunderstood.
Don’t miss the Kenosha Public Museum’s newest exhibition!
🌟 #MineralMonday Feature: Muscovite
This mica mineral forms in thin, sheet-like layers that can bend without breaking - almost like natural threads!
Its pearly shimmer and pale color once guided explorers, helped early window-makers, and still appears in everyday products today.
This mica mineral forms in thin, sheet-like layers that can bend without breaking - almost like natural threads!
Its pearly shimmer and pale color once guided explorers, helped early window-makers, and still appears in everyday products today.
December 8, 2025 at 7:46 PM
🌟 #MineralMonday Feature: Muscovite
This mica mineral forms in thin, sheet-like layers that can bend without breaking - almost like natural threads!
Its pearly shimmer and pale color once guided explorers, helped early window-makers, and still appears in everyday products today.
This mica mineral forms in thin, sheet-like layers that can bend without breaking - almost like natural threads!
Its pearly shimmer and pale color once guided explorers, helped early window-makers, and still appears in everyday products today.
It's a straightforward Fossil Fact Friday: The word “fossil” comes from the Latin word “fossilis”, which literally means “dug up”.
Can you dig it?
Can you dig it?
December 5, 2025 at 5:05 PM
It's a straightforward Fossil Fact Friday: The word “fossil” comes from the Latin word “fossilis”, which literally means “dug up”.
Can you dig it?
Can you dig it?
🎄 Shop local this Saturday at Christmas at the Museums! 25+ makers, unique gifts, treats & more at the Kenosha Public Museum. Free & festive! 🎁
December 3, 2025 at 3:41 PM
🎄 Shop local this Saturday at Christmas at the Museums! 25+ makers, unique gifts, treats & more at the Kenosha Public Museum. Free & festive! 🎁
⏳ Last Chance!
The Mary Burns exhibitions at the Kenosha Public Museum close this Sunday. Don’t miss your final opportunity to experience these powerful woven portraits and stories honoring Wisconsin’s Native women.
The Mary Burns exhibitions at the Kenosha Public Museum close this Sunday. Don’t miss your final opportunity to experience these powerful woven portraits and stories honoring Wisconsin’s Native women.
November 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM
⏳ Last Chance!
The Mary Burns exhibitions at the Kenosha Public Museum close this Sunday. Don’t miss your final opportunity to experience these powerful woven portraits and stories honoring Wisconsin’s Native women.
The Mary Burns exhibitions at the Kenosha Public Museum close this Sunday. Don’t miss your final opportunity to experience these powerful woven portraits and stories honoring Wisconsin’s Native women.
#MineralMonday Feature: Black Tourmaline
Also called schorl, this Brazilian tourmaline forms dramatic, glossy black crystals with vertical grooves running along their sides. It’s one of the most recognizable varieties of tourmaline 🖤
Also called schorl, this Brazilian tourmaline forms dramatic, glossy black crystals with vertical grooves running along their sides. It’s one of the most recognizable varieties of tourmaline 🖤
November 24, 2025 at 3:27 PM
#MineralMonday Feature: Black Tourmaline
Also called schorl, this Brazilian tourmaline forms dramatic, glossy black crystals with vertical grooves running along their sides. It’s one of the most recognizable varieties of tourmaline 🖤
Also called schorl, this Brazilian tourmaline forms dramatic, glossy black crystals with vertical grooves running along their sides. It’s one of the most recognizable varieties of tourmaline 🖤
It's Fossil Fun Fact Friday! The heaviest dinosaur was Argentinosaurus at 77 tonnes. It was the equivalent to 17 African Elephants!
November 21, 2025 at 5:03 PM
It's Fossil Fun Fact Friday! The heaviest dinosaur was Argentinosaurus at 77 tonnes. It was the equivalent to 17 African Elephants!
Reposted by Kenosha Museums
However, in January I did see two mammoth displays at @kenoshamuseums.bsky.social depicting two mammoths found in southeastern Wisconsin. The Schaefer and Hebior mammoths.
#mammoth #museum #Wisconsin
#mammoth #museum #Wisconsin
November 16, 2025 at 7:41 PM
However, in January I did see two mammoth displays at @kenoshamuseums.bsky.social depicting two mammoths found in southeastern Wisconsin. The Schaefer and Hebior mammoths.
#mammoth #museum #Wisconsin
#mammoth #museum #Wisconsin
A-Z of the Kenosha Museums Collection: N-Notebook
Every great dig begins with a notebook. This well-worn field book from the Kenosha mammoth excavation records the clues, questions, and breakthroughs that brought a prehistoric giant back into the light.
Every great dig begins with a notebook. This well-worn field book from the Kenosha mammoth excavation records the clues, questions, and breakthroughs that brought a prehistoric giant back into the light.
November 19, 2025 at 9:00 PM
A-Z of the Kenosha Museums Collection: N-Notebook
Every great dig begins with a notebook. This well-worn field book from the Kenosha mammoth excavation records the clues, questions, and breakthroughs that brought a prehistoric giant back into the light.
Every great dig begins with a notebook. This well-worn field book from the Kenosha mammoth excavation records the clues, questions, and breakthroughs that brought a prehistoric giant back into the light.
Did you know capybaras are often called “nature’s ottoman”? That’s because they’re so calm and friendly that birds, monkeys, and even other mammals love to sit or rest on them and they don’t seem to mind one bit
November 12, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Did you know capybaras are often called “nature’s ottoman”? That’s because they’re so calm and friendly that birds, monkeys, and even other mammals love to sit or rest on them and they don’t seem to mind one bit
In her woven portraits, artist Mary Burns honors the Water Walkers - women who have carried the message of protecting our most precious resource.
See their stories in Ancestral Women and Women and Water: before the exhibits close on November 30 at the Kenosha Public Museum.
See their stories in Ancestral Women and Women and Water: before the exhibits close on November 30 at the Kenosha Public Museum.
November 11, 2025 at 5:15 PM
In her woven portraits, artist Mary Burns honors the Water Walkers - women who have carried the message of protecting our most precious resource.
See their stories in Ancestral Women and Women and Water: before the exhibits close on November 30 at the Kenosha Public Museum.
See their stories in Ancestral Women and Women and Water: before the exhibits close on November 30 at the Kenosha Public Museum.
#HiddenTreasures | Healing Hands
This 1554 book page is from Commentaries on the Books of Dioscorides on Medical Matter by Pietro Andrea Matthioli.
He expanded on the work of ancient Greek physician Dioscorides, creating one of the Renaissance’s go-to guides for medicinal plants and remedies!
This 1554 book page is from Commentaries on the Books of Dioscorides on Medical Matter by Pietro Andrea Matthioli.
He expanded on the work of ancient Greek physician Dioscorides, creating one of the Renaissance’s go-to guides for medicinal plants and remedies!
November 7, 2025 at 6:02 PM
#HiddenTreasures | Healing Hands
This 1554 book page is from Commentaries on the Books of Dioscorides on Medical Matter by Pietro Andrea Matthioli.
He expanded on the work of ancient Greek physician Dioscorides, creating one of the Renaissance’s go-to guides for medicinal plants and remedies!
This 1554 book page is from Commentaries on the Books of Dioscorides on Medical Matter by Pietro Andrea Matthioli.
He expanded on the work of ancient Greek physician Dioscorides, creating one of the Renaissance’s go-to guides for medicinal plants and remedies!
🦊❤️ Despite their name, red pandas aren’t actually related to giant pandas! They’re closer cousins to raccoons and weasels, which explains their ringed tails, love of climbing trees, and playful personalities. 🌳
Small, shy, and incredibly cute 🐾
Small, shy, and incredibly cute 🐾
November 6, 2025 at 2:58 PM
🦊❤️ Despite their name, red pandas aren’t actually related to giant pandas! They’re closer cousins to raccoons and weasels, which explains their ringed tails, love of climbing trees, and playful personalities. 🌳
Small, shy, and incredibly cute 🐾
Small, shy, and incredibly cute 🐾
#MineralMonday: This rugged-looking specimen of diopside from Otter Lake, Thunder Bay, Ontario, shows the mineral in its natural form. While gem-quality diopside can appear bright green and glassy, most samples form as rough, dull crystals deep within metamorphic rocks.
November 3, 2025 at 9:02 PM
#MineralMonday: This rugged-looking specimen of diopside from Otter Lake, Thunder Bay, Ontario, shows the mineral in its natural form. While gem-quality diopside can appear bright green and glassy, most samples form as rough, dull crystals deep within metamorphic rocks.
🦜💀 Halloween Highlight: The Dracula Parrot!
With its dark feathers and bright red chest, this striking bird looks straight out of a vampire movie, but it’s 100% real! Native to the mountain forests of Papua New Guinea, the Dracula Parrot doesn’t drink blood… it snacks on figs!
With its dark feathers and bright red chest, this striking bird looks straight out of a vampire movie, but it’s 100% real! Native to the mountain forests of Papua New Guinea, the Dracula Parrot doesn’t drink blood… it snacks on figs!
October 31, 2025 at 1:31 PM
🦜💀 Halloween Highlight: The Dracula Parrot!
With its dark feathers and bright red chest, this striking bird looks straight out of a vampire movie, but it’s 100% real! Native to the mountain forests of Papua New Guinea, the Dracula Parrot doesn’t drink blood… it snacks on figs!
With its dark feathers and bright red chest, this striking bird looks straight out of a vampire movie, but it’s 100% real! Native to the mountain forests of Papua New Guinea, the Dracula Parrot doesn’t drink blood… it snacks on figs!
Happy Birthday to paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh (born Oct 29, 1831)!
He helped shape our understanding of the Age of Dinosaurs, naming icons like Triceratops, Stegosaurus, & Apatosaurus.
Here’s to one of the great fossil hunters of the 19th c., who still inspires dino fans today!
He helped shape our understanding of the Age of Dinosaurs, naming icons like Triceratops, Stegosaurus, & Apatosaurus.
Here’s to one of the great fossil hunters of the 19th c., who still inspires dino fans today!
October 29, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Happy Birthday to paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh (born Oct 29, 1831)!
He helped shape our understanding of the Age of Dinosaurs, naming icons like Triceratops, Stegosaurus, & Apatosaurus.
Here’s to one of the great fossil hunters of the 19th c., who still inspires dino fans today!
He helped shape our understanding of the Age of Dinosaurs, naming icons like Triceratops, Stegosaurus, & Apatosaurus.
Here’s to one of the great fossil hunters of the 19th c., who still inspires dino fans today!
A-Z of the Kenosha Museums Collections:
M-Molas; Textiles made by the Indigenous Kuna people of Panama and Colombia in Central and South America. Mola means “clothing” in the Kuna language.
M-Molas; Textiles made by the Indigenous Kuna people of Panama and Colombia in Central and South America. Mola means “clothing” in the Kuna language.
October 27, 2025 at 5:22 PM
A-Z of the Kenosha Museums Collections:
M-Molas; Textiles made by the Indigenous Kuna people of Panama and Colombia in Central and South America. Mola means “clothing” in the Kuna language.
M-Molas; Textiles made by the Indigenous Kuna people of Panama and Colombia in Central and South America. Mola means “clothing” in the Kuna language.
Meet the Red-Lipped Batfish!
This stylish swimmer doesn’t actually swim much at all; it walks! Found near the Galápagos Islands, the Red-Lipped Batfish uses its fins like legs to stroll along the ocean floor.
It’s one of the ocean’s most delightfully strange creatures.
This stylish swimmer doesn’t actually swim much at all; it walks! Found near the Galápagos Islands, the Red-Lipped Batfish uses its fins like legs to stroll along the ocean floor.
It’s one of the ocean’s most delightfully strange creatures.
October 23, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Meet the Red-Lipped Batfish!
This stylish swimmer doesn’t actually swim much at all; it walks! Found near the Galápagos Islands, the Red-Lipped Batfish uses its fins like legs to stroll along the ocean floor.
It’s one of the ocean’s most delightfully strange creatures.
This stylish swimmer doesn’t actually swim much at all; it walks! Found near the Galápagos Islands, the Red-Lipped Batfish uses its fins like legs to stroll along the ocean floor.
It’s one of the ocean’s most delightfully strange creatures.
💎 #MineralMonday: Chrysocolla from Arizona
This bright blue-green mineral looks like it was plucked straight from a tropical lagoon, but it actually forms in some pretty dry places! This copper-rich mineral is often found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, giving it that striking color.
This bright blue-green mineral looks like it was plucked straight from a tropical lagoon, but it actually forms in some pretty dry places! This copper-rich mineral is often found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, giving it that striking color.
October 20, 2025 at 7:30 PM
💎 #MineralMonday: Chrysocolla from Arizona
This bright blue-green mineral looks like it was plucked straight from a tropical lagoon, but it actually forms in some pretty dry places! This copper-rich mineral is often found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, giving it that striking color.
This bright blue-green mineral looks like it was plucked straight from a tropical lagoon, but it actually forms in some pretty dry places! This copper-rich mineral is often found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, giving it that striking color.