Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum

I’ve only driven around the outside of the museum, as it was closed the day I was in town visiting distant relatives some years ago. My mother and her family lived in Chanute on S. Malcolm Street in 1928 – 1933. My grandfather was a plane enthusiast, and knew the Johnsons. Here is what my late mother told me, «Osa Johnson and her husband Martin, lived further south on Malcolm Street in a small brick house on the corner of the block. On returning from trips to Africa, they flew into Chanute airport with sea planes, etc. used in their explorations. Had an air circus one time when they came. A family friend from Topeka flew down for it and took me up with him and 4 other people. Dad flew with some one else. Must have been 40 or 50 planes up at one time. Bill had a siren on his which added to the confusion. I was scared to death. I must have been in 4^th or 5^th grade.» The Johnsons were a big deal in my family history. They offered a window into the outside world that people could only imagine, when most people could only think in their lives of quiet desperation about the price of wheat.
I was thinking of trying to visit again, but it is a long way from Connecticut. Based upon the comments, I’ll probably pass unless my travels take me through Chanute.
Yes, the Johnson’s were probably prejudiced, as were my grandparents about people of color and religion. Their own grandparents and other relatives fought (and some died or lost fingers) in the Civil War and bloody Kansas. They grew up not knowing a black person and few women who were in business or educated. They lived as the times were in 1928, same as the pilgrims of Plymouth-​who were terribly prejudiced and cruel to others but who we still celebrate. Just a while ago, we ourselves were told eggs were bad for us and now they seem to be the miracle food. Every generation is «brainwashed» in various ways. The point is, that the museum is useful and educational to see and understand how people lived in other times, even if moires are different in the time we presently live in. History repeats itself, and if you don’t understand history, people, countries, and the world will be the loser.

Came up from Broken Arrow, OK because we’d had a brochure for some time. Yes the building photo is deceptive, as the city library is at least had of the building. Looking at a photo of the place we found that the museum, not including a theater downstairs, gift shop, desk and lobbies only takes up a fraction of the second floor and some of that space is offices and their own library. Most of the museum is what I mentioned: shop, lobbies, offices, and just «space.» Mixed feelings about these hometown heroes. The couple took films and photos of areas now gone or changed, yes, that was historical. But the book I read about them revealed shady tactics and a bit of snake-​oil salesmanship. Exaggerating their escape from «cannibals,» scaring animals, frightening natives all for the sake of a shot. Killing animals when it was not necessary and not out of danger, but for trophies was never correct in any day and age, and instead of hunters, they are now called «explorers.» I won’t even go into how racist the couple apparently was. Osa it is rumored, wanted to give up the life of the jungle and lead a more normal life, for her normal being a Park Avenue fashion icon in animal skins. There are some really cool items, old film equipment, some clothing and ads, and if you like African art, yes, but be warned, these two hunters/​media hounds (sorry, Adventurers) were not interested in the cultures as much as making money. As for money, the gift shop here has vintage books which are cheaper on ebay, and some of the tackiest things, like «figures» made out of old pop cans. There are some jewelry items and the requisite Safari Museum labeled souvenirs, and large blankets. Expensive. Museum is not pricey itself. I don’t know if kids would like any of these displays. Not recommended for a long trip as it doesn’t take more than an hour or so to see it all despite the photos showing that large depot. They do keep it clean and well lit but that aroma of tackiness is everywhere from an elephant leg donation box to giant cutouts of the couple to pose with for selfies. Odd exhibit in a town where no African Americans to be found.

Cute little museum. Lots of items for the kiddos to touch and experience, including musical instruments. We like the gift shop, too! Items range from small dollar trinkets for the kids to take home, to beautiful pieces I would display in my home. The story of Martin & Osa’s adventures is inspiring to young and old alike!

It’s no Smithsonian. Come on, it’s in a town of 10K, 2 hours from any «real» city.
Fact of the matter is, small museums like this are only open to the public only as a matter of course. Most of their traffic is going to be from biographers or people wanting specific references which only this location has. And the odd school
group with nothing better to do. It’s a matter of preserving history so people can learn from it.
If you’ve seen «A Series of Unfortunate Events», you’ve seen a photo of the Johnsons. Traveled to the National Air and Space Museum in DC? There’s a small corner dedicated to these adventurous film-​makers. This museum is more than it appears.
You have to understand. Martin and Osa lived at the turn of the century. Their ways of thinking and conversing we’re vastly different that those of today. If you want history candy-​coated, you don’t want history. You want a happy story, and you’re not going to find that in the non-​fiction section.
The Johnsons’ films and books are often condescending in the way they speak of people of color, shocking in the wastefulness of the cost of animal lives. It’s history. Unvarnished history. Get over it and learn from it. When you know better, DO better.
These are two amazing individuals with a wonderful story to tell. The exhibits are informative, the staff friendly and knowledgeable, with many wonderful anecdotes. Browse in the gift shop, and pick up a copy of «I Married Adventure».

We’d read about this place in a book on day trips in Kansas and Missouri, checked out their website and decided to give it a whirl. First, the picture of the building is very deceiving. The building pictured does indeed house the Safari Museum, but it also houses the Chanute Library which takes up most of the building. The museum itself is very small and consists mostly of a bunch of African masks that are not labeled to provide any information regarding how old they were or where in Africa they were from. We were also shown an old VHS video of a TV news magazine story that was almost shocking as the footage showed Osa Johnson shooting animals that are now endangered. Apparently, these folks were big adventurers and were perhaps the first wildlife videographers, but they didn’t treat their subjects respectfully and the museum that is supposed to honor them is a major disappointment.