Marfa Holocaust & Model Ship Museum — Attraction in Marfa

Wow. The proprietor, William “Kim“ Thornsburg is a personality to behold. Don’t stop here if you’re in a hurry, but don’t let that necessary dissuade you from coming in. The “museum” is very small and is a collection of his ships, some old articles, and a few unique paintings. Mr. Thornberry is a character you have to meet to appreciate. He has an absolutely wonderful collection of hand built ships, but what he loves to talk about is Jews and the holocaust. He is very passionate about his theories about what happened during and after the war. He claims to have all kinds of documentation but doesn’t display or present any of it. Of course there’s nothing wrong with this, but some of the stories he spins are a little bit hard to swallow. I am not saying they’re untrue because I don’t know, but let’s just say it’s the first time I’ve heard some of the ideas he presents. Depending on your perspective he could sometimes get a little bit offensive at times, but like I said, he’s one of a kind so you have to let that just roll off your back. I walked in unprepared for the presentation, but enjoyed listening to him talk for 30+ minutes without even taking a breath. I really wanted to ask him about his ships and the models he built, but he didn’t give me a chance. I wish I had more time because I’m sure we could’ve had a great conversation if he ever let me ask a question. Take this review as either an invitation or a warning depending upon your mindset. I enjoyed the visit as...

If you have not stopped here in the town of Marfa, you are missing a gem that is truly Marfa. Kim and his wife Peggy are curators and originators of the Marfa Holocaust & Model Ship Museum. We first started our journey in Marfa at the Marfa And Presidio County Museum. We then were driving around Marfa and saw another museum sign but could not find it. It wasn't until I looked it up on a map of Marfa that I found it. We traveled over to the Marfa Holocaust & Ship Museum. We were first met by Peggy who is wonderful lady who has ties in the area as her grandfather was a Sheriff of Presidio County many years ago. We then met Kim, her husband, who was all to eager to show us the museum and to explain all that was there and why. Kim's father was a pharmacist in Marfa and part of the Marfa history. Kim has written many books and has built many model ships, mostly from photographs and not from models, plans, etc. because the ships he has built for the most part have been mostly ignored by history. Many are on display here in the museum He was eager to share his knowledge of the Jews plight before, during and after the second world war. Kim is an excellent story teller and you will leave enlighten, inspired, and amazed at what you have just experienced. We really enjoyed our visit there and it is a must see in Marfa. Thank you Kim and...

Kim Thornsburg is an amazing Model Shipwright, author, and musician, and he carries a wealth of knowledge regarding the plight of the Jews during the WWII era and its connection to history, even history that much of the world knows nothing about.

This museum is well worth your time. There is no charge to visit this museum, and you'll receive a personal and detailed tour. Your donations there are greatly appreciated.

The model ships are exquisitely detailed and pure perfection, and each ship represents an important part of cloaked...