EXHIBITS & DISPLAYS
Welcome to the Ratcliffe Display
This display showcases the namesake of the Town of Pulaski, Count Casimir Pulaski. Next, the museum's name, Mayor Raymond F. Ratcliffe, and the story of its formation are shared. The museum layout then follows the beginning industrial cornerstones, such as the Norfolk & Western Railroad, the Maple Shade Inn, Pulaski Iron and Coke, Bertha Zinc, Altoona and Empire Mines, and Dora Furnace.
Along with the formation and growth display, many early cultural and entertainment aspects of the Town of Pulaski are also on permanent exhibit. This part of the display highlights the local Dalton Theater, the Southwest Times, Pulaski Theater, WPUV radio, Kent and Farmer Photography, and many early churches, schools, and industrial league sports.
Later business staples such as the local knitting and furniture industries of the Pulaski are also on display.
A Look in the Second Gallery
In the second gallery of the museum a large O gauge layout of the Town of Pulaski circa 1950 is proudly on display. Built by Doctor Milton Brockmeyer in his basement, this amazing gift captures the nostalgia of the bustling town of yesteryear.
Two original and restored Pulaski fire engines are also permanently displayed in the second gallery. The 1909 and 1917 fire engines welcomed guests into the larger space, where antique vehicles were temporarily on loan for display alongside the main collection pieces. Other transportation-related items such as the local airfields, the 1940s-60s bicycles, soapbox derby cars, a tractor, and motorbikes are likewise included to share the story of Pulaski.
The Ratcliffe Museum has not only the O-gauge layout but also shares a timeline of railroad towns, including an N-scale model built by Willie Ryan, a Christmas Town HO-scale display built by Dave Pearce, and S-scale engines and cars.
Rotating displays such as Pulaski in WWI, Pulaski High School Orioles, Dublin High School Dukes, Appalachian League Baseball, Calfee Training School, Pulaski Hospital, Battle of Cloyd’s Mountain, servicemen of Pulaski, postcards of Pulaski, early electric appliances, Claytor Lake State Park, Count Casimir Pulaski, Rescue and Fire Department history and so much more are shared throughout the year.