The Beit HaShomer Museum is located in Kibbutz Kfar Giladi in the Upper Galilee. The museum tells the history of the Bar Giora underground security organization, which was established in 1907 to guard the Jewish settlements from Arab attackers. Bar-Giora later became the HaShomer movement, which was the precursor to the Israel Defense Forces - the IDF.

     In 1907, young European immigrants founded the Bar Giora secret organization, named for the leader of the great revolt against Rome.

     Prior to this, the Jewish communities hired Arabs for protection. In 1908, there was a rise in Arab nationalism and the Jewish guards were in great demand. In 1909, the Bar Giora movement became the Hashomer Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel Watchmen) movement.

     In 1916, the Hashomerim founded Kibbutz Kfar Giladi. After the Balfour Declaration in 1917, the Hashomerim was replaced by the Ahdut Ha’Avoda, in 1921 by the Hagana, and, in 1948, by the Haganah which became the official Israeli army – the IDF.

     The Beit HaShomer Museum is run by the IDF. The museum consists of a series or rooms and a video presentation which tells the story of one of the watchmen through his correspondences. The story in the video carries on from one room to the next, where artifacts from the watchmen and Hashomer movement are displayed. These artifacts include rifles, clothing, and photographs.

     Nearby - within walking distance - are the importaint historical sites of Tel Hai and the cemetery with the famous Roaring Lion that marks the burial site of Tel Hai's defenders. The museum is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sunday through Thursday. Cost of admission is about $5.00 for adults.