Otoe County Museum of Memories

The Museum of Memories is a three-building complex operated by a group of volunteer’s who work at the museum each week. The museum began in 1973 after the property was donated by the members of the Irish Lutheran Church of Syracuse. The property consisted of an over 100-year-old church building, complete with a steeple and bell, and a large 2-story house, the former parsonage. In the 1980s a third building was built to house the wildlife collection of the late Henry Kramer. Much of the history of the Otoe County area is shown and recorded in the museum and many of the backgrounds used in the museum displays were painted by the late Esther McClary.

Church Displays

• Original Altar left as a memorial to the former church members


• 1890s Doctor’s Office


• Old-fashioned Loom


• Butcher Chop which was a Syracuse original


• Harness shop with a sleigh


• Old-fashioned country store which was built from cottonwood trees harvested in the area


• Over 20 pieces of hand-made, miniature farm and pioneer wagons, horse-drawn machinery, etc.


• Large group of quilts and a collection of scrapbooks containing obituaries, weddings, births


• Indian artifacts

Parsonage Displays

• Kitchen and Parlor with rotating scenes


• Plate collection displayed on the entry walls


• Second floor bedroom


• Patriotic and Military room with uniforms from the Spanish American War to current


• Edison Room


• Otoe County room with maps, desk, sofa, and items from the Otoe County Courthouse


• Chick Boyes Players with props, costumes, etc from 30s and 40s tent shows


• Farm and Carpenter Tools in basement

The Kramer building houses a large collection of wildlife and birds, and behind the parsonage is a well-maintained herb garden.