Exhibits
America 250
Experience a captivating display honoring America 250 that connects Wellington’s rich local story with the nation’s 250th anniversary. Discover how Archibald M. Willard’s iconic Spirit of ’76 painting put Wellington on the map, explore the ‘Spirit Trio’ in advertisements and presidential campaigns, and see miniature soldiers reenact the Battle on Snowshoes and other Revolutionary War battles.
Archibald M. Willard
The majority of the first floor of the museum is dedicated to Archibald M. Willard. Featured are twenty-two works painted by Willard, donated by the Zivko family of Cleveland, along with several other Willard paintings donated by individuals. The museum is also home to three Masonic teaching murals — two cleaned, framed, and hung on the first floor — and several pieces of furniture from the Couch Furniture Factory of Wellington decoratively painted by Willard. Images of the Spirit of ’76 trio have been used for advertising purposes for almost everything imaginable; we include many of these items in our first-floor display.
Wellington Schools
The Museum is home to items salvaged from the South Main Street McCormick Middle School, which once housed all the grades from 1st through 12th (known over the years as Union School, Wellington School, and Wellington High School). In our “rooms” you’ll see a piece of the old gym floor, seats from the auditorium, a chalkboard, lockers, a telescope from the Kinnison Observatory, school books, photos, band instruments, trophies, and so much more.
The Spirit of '76 Museum 