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.
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!
Merit Badge University
January 18, 2025
Civics on the Square presents the first annual Merit Badge University. Join us on a journey through Springfield’s past as we explore civics and citizenship through the years and earn badges along the way! Scouts can earn up to 3 merit badges. Partnered with the Discovery Center of Springfield, badge options include Eagle Scout required Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, and Environmental Science, as well as 7 other history/science focused merit badges.
There are morning and afternoon sessions available to register for. Your scout(s) can only attend one morning session and one afternoon session option. You may register your scout for just a morning session for $15, just an afternoon session for $20, or the whole day for $40 (includes lunch). Refer to the MBU Schedule below when selecting session options.
Lunch is available. If your scout is staying during lunch, whether they are eating the provided lunch or a packed lunch, you MUST register them for the lunch session.
Questions regarding Merit Badge University can be sent to Jill Hodge, HMS Civics Education Coordinator, at jill@historymuseumonthesquare.org or 417-831-1976.
HOW TO REGISTER SCOUTS:
There are 4 steps to MBU registration:
- Purchase MBU session ticket(s) on this webpage. Refer to the MBU Schedule below when selecting session options.
- Click here to fill out the MBU Scout Registration Form for EACH scout you are registering. You will have to submit multiple forms if you are registering multiple scouts.
- Click here to download and read the Parent Packet. This includes necessary event info and will help you prepare you and your scout for the MBU.
- You will receive a follow-up email prior to the MBU event with a MBU Permission Form. You must print, read, sign, and submit the MBU Permission Form by the time of scout drop-off on January 18, 2025.
As we are providing a customizable experience, event registration may be confusing. Here are some tips for how to navigate this page and checkout:
-
- Select an option for the morning or afternoon session you would like one scout to attend and add to your cart.
- If you would like the scout to attend multiple sessions and/or you are registering multiple scouts, select “continue shopping” to select another session option to add to cart.
- Repeat this process until you have selected every session for all the scouts you are registering.
- Select “Proceed to Checkout.” Enter your billing information and the first & last name of the scout attending each session. (You will have to fill in the scout’s name multiple times for every morning/lunch/afternoon session they are attending in your “cart”).
- The form asks for an email for each scout, you may repeatedly enter your own email. (We apologize, this is a quirk of our system).
Democracy in Action Exhibit
Special exhibit on view September 25th, 2024 – January 5th, 2025
Explore Springfield’s civic history, from voting rights to activism. As part of the museum’s Civics on the Square program, students and lifelong learners explore citizenship, leadership, service, and legacy, fostering a deeper civic understanding and inspiring engagement.
General admission applies.
Thank you, Exhibit Sponsors:
Hahn DeBoef Government Relations
MU Extension
Civics on the Square programming and this exhibit is made possible by the Jeannette L. Musgrave Foundation’s Multi-Year Impact Grant for Student Citizenship and supported by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
Holiday Window Raffle- Rudolph’s Reindeer Training Camp
It’s all about “Team Reindeer” at the History Museum on the Square holiday windows this year. Purchase a $5.00 raffle ticket to support History Museum on the Square educational programs and hands-on exhibits. Your name will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win this vintage Rudolph prize package.
If you cannot visit the museum and want a chance to win, purchase them online for $5/entry.
The winner will be drawn on Friday, December 13th. The winner will need to pick up the gift. It cannot be shipped.
Proceeds from this raffle support our educational programming and hands-on exhibits. The History Museum on the Square is a non-profit organization that depends on contributions to strengthen our community’s future by learning about our past and our culture.
Sensory Friendly Saturdays
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
