Sultana Disaster Museum — Attraction in Marion

This is a simple, small, cramped, and somewhat dated museum, but the story it tells is incredible and told with passion! I stopped by only because it was on my route traveling the Great River Road, but I am so glad I did. It's worth going way out of your way for! Staffing is minimal, but the museum director / greeter had a magical way of managing guests, phone calls, and tours. She knows everything: every exhibit, every word of the introductory films, every bit of research which has been done. She answered questions thoughtfully and accurately. Her background as a teacher gives her empathy for why more Americans don't know about this episode in our history, yet she's clearly on a mission to turn that around! I became quite intrigued with this topic and look forward to returning to the newly constructed Museum when it...

It was a cool sunny day. Had just finished lunch when my wife, her sister and I pulled up to the museum. The guide/attendant was sitting outside ready for visitors. He welcomed us and began giving an orientation. We would be the only ones there for the forty five minute stay. The Sultana disaster was a heartbreaking tragedy that befell over two thousand Union soldiers returning home from two prisoner of war camps. We watched a short movie. After that we continued sitting there, having a nice conversation with our questions answered. There are pictures, artifacts, names of victims, survivors, illustrations on display and books for sale. I recommend the experience as...

Excellent Museum and exhibit that's spearheaded by a wonderful woman, Melody. On my experience I learned a lot about the Sultana steamboat disaster of April 1865. It's a vitally significant and morose tragedy that happened during a turbulent time in American history - to say the least. Because of it's timing, this disaster was overshadowed by other significant events that had occurred within days during the same month of that year. Unfortunately, even in history, this American tragedy has been overshadowed. I was ashamed to not know more about it but I left with a full understanding about what went on and all the details involved. I'm very happy about...