Q. Why are captions important?
A. The HSRAA Virtual museum has lots of artifacts which span over 95 years and a variety of different programs. While listening to or viewing certain artifacts may hold obvious value to some museum patrons, many others will not know the context of what they have seen or heard. Captions should describe: who is doing the action (if applicable and if known), when the artifact was created, where the artifact took place (if applicable) and what is taking place.

Q. I have no idea what to contribute!
A. Look around in them museum and this will give you an idea of what artifacts are already there. You may see something missing from a collection that you can scan or photograph. Also, visit the Most Wanted List to see which artifacts are most needed by the museum.

Q. When was the museum started?
A. Construction on the museum began in March 2008 and was opened to the public in November 2008. The museum experienced a “refresh” in 2018 for its 10th anniversary and again in 2025.

Q. I have an old artifact that is not in perfect condition. Should I contribute it?
A. While the HSRAA Virtual Museum strives to provide quality artifacts to its patrons, due to the age or circumstances of an artifact we recognize that allowances must be made for certain artifacts. If the same artifact in better condition is contributed later we will replace the one in poorer condition.

Q. If I contribute an artifact will it be automatically incorporated into the museum?
A. No. We must assess that the artifact is relevant (see Artifact Scope under Submit Artifacts), that the same artifact hasn’t already been contributed and that the artifact meets our specifications (see Artifact Specifications under Submit Artifacts). We may crop and reduce file sizes / dimensions for images, documents, audio and video due to constraints on the site and for clarity of the artifact being displayed. We will also need to assign an artifact to its relevant floor, room, exhibit and display. For these reasons, artifacts cannot be automatically inserted and we cannot guarantee that all contributed artifacts will be displayed in the museum. We will strive to post artifacts as soon as we can but this is dependent upon the number of artifacts contributed in a similar period of time.

Q. What if I have a large number of artifacts that would be difficult to email or upload?
A. Email the Museum Curator at curator@hsraa.org and another arrangement may be made.

Q. Why is there more focus on some artifacts and not on others?
A. There is no intentional focus on any artifacts in the museum. Some collections may be lacking because of poor user contributions in that area. If you have a certain focus in an era or program, the best way to make the focus appear equitable is to submit artifacts!

Q. When will the museum be 100% completed?
A. Hopefully never. As long as the history for HSR continues to be written, the HSRAA will continue to post it here.

Q. I noticed that the information displayed for one of your rooms/exhibits/artifacts was wrong. How can I let you know this?
A. For erroneous or incomplete information, email curator@hsraa.org.

Q. Why are many of the newer pictures, especially ones like staff photos, not fully identifying some of the people in them?
A. The HSRAA Virtual Museum is compliant with the Safeguarding Youth policy of Scouting America. Pursuant to this policy, we do not list the names of any youth (under 18) on the museum that are identified with the youth’s photograph, even in a large group photo such a staff photo. When we are satisfied that all individuals in a photograph are 18 or over, we will display the appropriate caption. If we have a picture of youth we may add a general caption that does not identify the name(s) of the youth(s).

Q. Why are there images (or videos) of activities that do not comply with the Guide to Safe Scouting?
A. There are a few artifacts in the VM that fall into this category. As with any museum, the intent is to show the extensive history of its subject and not necessarily celebrate every facet of the subject. In order to show as complete a history of HSR as possible, we have chosen to include a depiction of some of these activities that are no longer permitted by Scouting America standards. In some cases, we have directly labeled the material as no longer permitted by the Guide to Safe Scouting.

1. Ware, Ware, Ware – Anything relating to Camp Ware, Jubilee and Explorer Base. The HSRAA recognizes that Camp Ware is grossly under represented in the VM. Our top priority is fixing this but we need your help.
2. Robert’s Day – In the 1940’s (and 1950’s?) a Saturday was designated Robert’s Day. This special event featured facility dedications such for McIlvaine Lodge, Morrison Health Lodge and more.
3. The 1950’s and 1960’s – While the editors are constantly in search for treasures from all periods at Horseshoe, the VM is most lacking in artifacts from these two decades. We are hoping that Packrats who camped or worked at HSR during this period can dig up some memories.
4. Campwide Games and Activities – The VM only has a handfull of artifacts from campwide games and activities. Remember Diving Della and Herman the Flea? What about Beat the Clock in the seventies and eighties with Pink Floyd’s Time booming on the PA system for an hour? We are looking for artifacts from all games and time periods.
5. Campsites – Much of camp life centers around the campsite. We need pictures, video and memories of the campsites at Horseshoe Scout Reservation.
6. Outposts – Outpost camping was a big part of camp especially in the early days. Camp Thomas, Gray Horse and other outpost sites are pretty much memories today but unfortunately memories that are quickly fading. Help preserve this piece of history by submitting any pictures and stories of these overnight destinations.
7. Royal Order of Siam – Those of us who worked or camped at Horseshoe during the 1970’s will remember Ken Yeager and Malvern Troop 7’s Troop Night activity featuring initiation into the Royal Order of Siam and the awsome feast that followed.
8. Troop Photos – Many troops memorialize their experience at camp with an official troop photo, and we’d love to display your troop’s photos from years past on the Virtual Museum. We have only a few dozen, yet – by our calculations – there should be over 1000 that were taken since they became standard in 1978.
9. Special Camporee and Science Camp – Two integral parts of the Camp John H. Ware 3rd summer program since the 90s, yet we have only a few artifacts thus far. Photos and memorabilia (or even video!) would be great additions to these exhibits.
10. Order of the Arrow Conclaves – Octoraro Lodge #22 hosts a Conclave on average every 6 years at Camp Horseshoe, and the virtual museum has just a smattering of the endless photos that must have been taken during those events. These are great events that capture the pageantry of Native-American dance, camping at its best, and all around great food, fun and fellowship.
11. Historical Documents and Newspaper Articles – Do you have an old contract that you signed to work at Horseshoe or Ware? What about press clippings of an article about hiking or biking to camp from Devon (I mention this example because one exists and we don’t have it)? Please send us publications that delve into the historical record or show the good face of HSR to the outside world. We have but a few of these to date.
12. ??? – Is there something of particular interest to you that you do not see in the VM? Send an email to the VM curator with your suggestions.

The collection of artifacts in the Virtual Museum come from many sources. These treasures have been amassed because someone stopped to take a picture or video, happened to save it and took the time to submit it to the HSR Alumni Association. If you have something to share, click HERE to submit your artifact.

Artifact Scope
The museum contains artifacts pertaining to the history of the Horseshoe Scout Reservation (HSR), with most artifacts depicting events, individuals, and programs at HSR. Artifacts related to Scouting in Chester County Council but not necessarily HSR may be viewed on other Council, District or troop websites, including but not limited to www.octoraro22.org and www.cccscouting.org.

Artifact Specifications:

Thank you for considering donating to the VM!

If you have a question about the Virtual Museum or want to discuss adding artifacts to the Virtual Museum, contact curator@hsraa.org.