History Museum on the Square
Sharing Stories of the Crossroads
As a city at the crossroads of our nation, Springfield, Missouri played a role in many significant events throughout American history. Step back in time, and see these stories come to life through hands-on experiences, world-class exhibits, and activities for all ages. You’ll become part of the story as you ride on our passenger train, encounter a Wild Bill Hickok shootout, and immerse yourself in the Birthplace of Route 66.
Illuminating Stories of the Past
The Museum
Journey through eight interactive galleries to see how Springfield, Missouri and its region shaped American history. Each gallery brings unique stories to life through world-class exhibits designed by Explus and videos and interactives created by Richard Lewis Media Group. Our rich and vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and “voices of history” are combined, using innovative technologies that are fun for all ages. You’re sure to discover something new with every visit.
| Adults | $16 |
| Seniors, Military & Students | $13 |
| Children (4-12) | $10 |
| Children Age 3 & Under | FREE |
| Group Adult Rate with 10+* *3 days’ notice is required |
$13 |
For FREE parking location click here |
Welcome Center
Enjoy interactive displays and stories of the past as you enter.
Native Crossroads at the Spring
Explore the Native American experience in and around Springfield.
Trains, Trolleys, and Transportation
Take a ride back in time through Springfield’s transportation history.
Pioneers and Founders at the Crossroads
Peek into the lives of Springfield’s founding families.
The Civil War In Springfield
Discover Springfield’s significant role in the Civil War.
Wild Bill Hickok and the American West
Experience America’s first recorded Wild West shoot-out.
Birthplace of Route 66
Travel to the place where it all started.
Voices of History
Hear more stories of the crossroads in our temporary exhibit gallery.
Get Your Kicks Where Route 66 Got Its Name
BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66
From neon signs to classic cars to drive-ins, Route 66 represents a time in American history that captivates nostalgia lovers everywhere. With one of the largest Route 66 timelines and maps in the country, this gallery is a must-see for any Americana enthusiast.
Hop into the turquoise blue '57 Chevy Bel Air convertible at the John T. Woodruff Theater and learn about the local man who gave Route 66 its name.
After that, enjoy your stroll through numerous interactive neon sign exhibits and take photos of your favorite spots along the historic Mother Road.
- Visit the John T. Woodruff Theater complete with a ’57 Chevy Bel Air convertible, and learn about the man behind the Birthplace of Route 66.
- See a plethora of interactive neon sign exhibits featuring local Route 66 icons like Red’s Giant Hamburg, Rail Haven motel, Sanders’ Standard Oil gas station and Sunset Drive-in Theatre.
- Hear the story about John Wilkinson, a local boy who met Elvis Presley at the Shrine Mosque and later became his rhythm guitar player.
- See a restored Martin & Schwartz Model 80 Series 4B Cyclops gas pump, view stunning Route 66 paintings by artist Jerry L. Rice, and discover more iconic pieces throughout the gallery.
Making History in the Present
Upcoming Events
Stay informed of the latest events and traveling exhibits happening in and around the museum. Make memories today and celebrate the past in the present.
Sensory Friendly Saturdays
History Museum Book Club
History Museum on the Square strengthens our community’s future by learning about our past and our culture, so we started a historical fiction book club in January 2020.
We look forward to our next discussion!
2025 Summer Camps
Your child can adventure through Springfield’s past, present, and future during our week-long, full-day summer camps. Spots are limited, so register today!
Secrets of Springfield – Entering grades 5-8
Dates: June 9-13, 2025
Time: Full-day camps (8 AM – 5 PM)
Location: History Museum on the Square, 154 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO
Cost: $300 per child
Lunch fee: FREE this year thanks to the Jeannette L. Musgrave Foundation
Calling all treasure hunters and history buffs! Come follow the clues and decipher the codes buried deep in Springfield’s past. We will learn about the real history of Springfield’s most prominent figures and explore some of the area’s oldest buildings, as we journey together on a fictional treasure hunt through history in the style of the popular Hollywood film, National Treasure.
Springfield’s Civic Superheroes – Entering grades K-4
Dates: July 14-18, 2025
Time: Full-day camps (8 AM – 5 PM)
Location: History Museum on the Square, 154 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO
Cost: $300 per child
Lunch fee: FREE this year thanks to the Jeannette L. Musgrave Foundation
Learn how to be a real life superhero through exciting hands-on and interactive activities, designed to inspire active citizenship and bring out the best in all of us everyday!
HOW TO REGISTER
There are 4 steps to registration:
- Purchase admission to the summer camp on this webpage.
- Click here to fill out the Summer Camp Registration Form for EACH child you are registering. You will have to submit multiple forms if you are registering multiple children.
- Click here to download and read the 2025 Handbook. This includes necessary info and will help you prepare you and your camper for their week of camp.
- You will receive a follow-up email prior to the camp with a permission form. You must print, read, sign, and submit the Summer Camp Permission Form by the time of drop-off on the first day of camp.
Please contact us with any questions regarding summer camps at info@historymuseumonthesquare.org or call 417-831-1976.
Sharing Stories of the Crossroads – Hosted by John Sellars
Join John Sellars, Executive Director Emeritus of the History Museum on the Square and long-time lover of local history, every Tuesday at 4:00 pm on KICK 92.3 FM.
The program will focus on History Bits in Springfield, Local Headlines from a Century ago and a variety of guests to share local history and stories of the past.
Check out the link for past podcasts.
Latest News
Our Stories
Take a deeper dive into the rich history of the Springfield region and its impact on American history through our stories.
The Possum Plague of 1929
It’s September of 1929, and apple harvest season is nearly upon us. The local orchard owners are sure their yields will be high, but the nearby marsupials have other plans. Opossums descended on the fruit trees in droves, devouring apples from the ground, baskets, and straight from the branches. As word began to spread from…
Adah Fulbright: The Heart of Education and Community
Adah Fulbright was born in 1873 in Springfield. Her ancestors arrived enslaved in Springfield with the white Fulbright family and they built the first log cabin in the area. Fulbright received her secondary education and graduated from the original Lincoln School in 1891. After she graduated from high school, she went on to attend Lincoln…
Illuminating Stories of the Past
Places To Visit
The museum is located at the heart of downtown Springfield, Missouri. You’ll find parking and restaurants within walking distance. Our interactive map shows places of rich history in and around the Springfield area, from Civil War sites to the iconic Rail Haven motel on historic Route 66.
- 154 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806 Map & Directions
- 417-831-1976
- Info@historymuseumonthesquare.org