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.
![The_Crossroads The_Crossroads](https://historymuseumonthesquare.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The_Crossroads.jpg)
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.
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.
The Route 66 Series – Year 3 Hotel/Motel
The Route 66 Series: Year 3 Checking In: Iconic Hotels & Motels of Route 66
Thank you, Series Sponsor:
O’Reilly Automotive * MSU Libraries – Ozarks Studies Institute
Thank you, Exhibit Sponsor:
Hotel Vandivort * Elliott Lodging
General Admission applies.
Downtown Walking Tour
Tour Dates:
August 3, 2024 – 10:00 am
$15 per person for Museum Members & Patrons, $20 per person for Non-Members.
Commercial Street Walking Tour
Join the History Museum as we explore the history of Commercial Street!
Explore Commercial Street with a one-hour walking tour. Learn about the impact of the railroad, the relationship between North and South Springfield, and the society and culture of C-Street.
This tour is presented in partnership with the Commercial Club of Springfield, MO.
Tour Dates
Saturday, August 3, 2024 – 10:30 am
$15 per person for Museum Members & Patrons, $20 per person for Non-Members
Route 66 Bus Tour – Get on the Mother Road!
Join David Eslick, History Museum Ambassador and a founder of the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, as he shares the significance of Route 66 to the Springfield area, photos of iconic places along the local route and an opportunity to share stories of the crossroads as you ride together.
Tour Dates:
Summer Bus Tour Date:
August 17, 2024 – 1:00 pm – Leaving from Downtown Springfield (specific address to be confirmed)
$30 per person for Members and $35 per person for NonMembers
At least ten individuals need to be registered for this event. If ten are not registered one week before the tour date, a staff member of the History Museum on the Square will give you a call with a chance to reschedule or get a refund.
Meet The Museum: Educators’ Evening
History Museum on the Square invites you to…
Meet the Museum: Educators’ Evening
When: Saturday August 17, 2024 -5 pm – 7 pm
Where: 154 Park Central, Springfield, MO 65806
Cost: FREE
All regional K-12 and homeschool educators are invited for a free evening at the museum to learn about our education programming and resources for educators. Get to know more about our field trips, educational trunks, Meet Missouri program and more!
This is an educator-only event (no additional guests). All attendees should be prepared to share contact information at the door for free admission.
For more information, contact whitney@
Leaving a Legacy: Downtown Walking Tour
Leaving a Legacy: Downtown Walking Tour
Saturday, August 17, 2024, 10:00 am
How do we as a community memorialize our past and build a legacy worth sharing? Learn what the museum does to preserve its collections and tell the stories of Springfield. All ages are invited to join us on a walking tour of historic sites, memorials, and markers near the museum and participate in a fun time capsul activity.
No Registration is required for this FREE event. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at the History Museum on the Square (154 Park Central Square) at 9:45 am to participate.
The walking tour will start at 10 a.m. and last 45 minutes. The time capsule-building activity will take place right after the tour.
Participants are encouraged to bring an item to contribute to the time capsule.
Cub Scout Day at the Museum
September 7th, 2024 – 1:00 pm to 5:00pm
This is a come-and-go event with tiered arrival times. When registering, please select either a 1 pm or 2pm arrival time.
Civics on the Square presents the first Cub Scout Badge Activity Day. Join us on a journey through Springfield’s past as we explore civics and citizenship through the years.
Special Scout Program Admission is $13 per scout and leader.
Additional family members will pay general admission to the museum.
Fun and interactive activity stations will be available throughout the museum for cub scouts to complete various requirements from the Citizenship adventures at all cub scouting levels. The scouts can tour the museum while fulfilling steps from several different badges.
The event is made possible by the Jeannette L. Musgrave Foundation’s Multi-Year Impact Grant for Student Citizenship and support by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
Please note – this is not a drop-off event. Parents and troop leaders must stay for the duration of the event, will be responsible for meeting required chaperone ratios, and collecting paperwork like permission slips.
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!
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