Staff photo by Kelsie BowmanWhile walking through display after display of U.S. military history – from the Civil War to Afghanistan – The History Co. owner Louis Varnell jokes, “I tell people we’re the best little museum you’ve never heard of.”
The History Co. has been selling Civil War collectibles, souvenirs and re-enactment gear for years, but its extensive veterans museum, including 110 military uniforms on display among other artifacts, is newly finished, said Varnell.
On top of installing the new museum, the military surplus store on Lafayette Road recently saw some major renovations, including increasing the size of the store by building on new retail space at the front, and adding new merchandise.
The store’s offerings had been growing for a while, Varnell explained, adding that he recently bought out an Army/Navy shop and added its merchandise as well.
“We doubled the size of the sales area when we made the addition,” he said. “It had gotten to the point where you couldn’t walk down these aisles, there was so much stuff piled up.”
On top of its new offerings, the shop continues to offer period clothing and equipment, souvenirs as well as an extensive military book collection.
“Outside of McKay’s, we probably have one of the larger military book sections in the area,” said Varnell.
To check out the additions to The History Co., visit its location at 2949 Lafayette Road. Or, find out more by calling 290-6639 or visiting thehistorycompany.net.
To stay up to date on new gear and merchandise offered at the shop, search “The History Company” on Facebook.