SHARING STORIES OF THE CROSSROADS
We have created an amazing regional history museum and expanded educational destination for Springfield and its visitors. Located on Route 66, our historic Park Central Square buildings have been restored to preserve the rich history of our city. The expanded museum space allows guests to explore the past using interactive learning features.
GALLERIES
Our six permanent galleries tell the stories of significant events in Springfield and create distinct and intentional dialogues about objects, individuals, and history– dialogues that will foster examinations of unique aspects of Springfield, Greene County and its people. A rich and vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and the “voices of history” are combined using innovative technologies.
EDUCATIONAL TRUNK SHOWS
The History Museum on the Square’s Traveling Trunk Program provides local students and community groups an opportunity to experience Springfield and Greene County history through hands-on artifacts and reproductions, primary source material, and other learning aids. This program can be presented by the teacher renting the trunk or scheduled with a designated volunteer from the History Museum on the Square.
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These programs are presented in a “show and tell” format with items passed among participants or set out for a hands-on “pass by”. Specific points of Springfield and Greene County history are interspersed with a general social or cultural history of the time and are interpreted with the help of reproduction photographs and objects, and actual artifacts (may include clothing, household items, school items, toys, etc.), maps and primary source material are available. All of these aids help the interpreter make history “come alive” for the participants. Staff will consult with the teacher or group leader to customize the presentation.
Presentations generally last 45-60 minutes. Occasionally, two presentations at the same site may be scheduled back-to-back when space for a large group is not available. Groups are requested to give two weeks advance notice when scheduling a trunk presentation. If a designated volunteer from the History Museum on the Square is not presenting the program, the individual renting the trunk is responsible for transportation of the trunk to and from the presentation site.
Learn about the Osage Nation in Missouri, Lewis & Clark’s travels, living conditions during WWII, and more. For more information or to schedule a Traveling Trunk Program, please contact Palmer at palmer@historymuseumonthesquare.org or 417-831-1976.
Interested in bringing a trunk show to your classroom?
OUR BLOG
Events and News
Bicentennial Exhibit: Struggle for Statehood
History Museum on the Square celebrates Missouri Bicentennial
June 9 – July 4, 2021
Struggle for Statehood exhibit will be on display at the History Museum on the Square June 9th – July 4, 2021. This exhibit was developed by the Missouri State Historical Society and will be on display throughout the state of Missouri until December. This exhibit traces the history of Missouri towards American Statehood and explores why its application for admission sparked a national crisis that almost destroyed the very Union Missouri sought to join. You will learn about the significance of the controversy and its’s lasting implication on our state and nation.
Struggle for Statehood – Pioneers and Founding of Springfield Presentation
Friday, June 11, 2021, at 10:00 am
Historic Fox Theatre located at 157 Park Central Square
Join us in person or virtually to examine the struggles of early Springfield. We will examine Springfield’s origins and incorporation, causes of the westward expansion, get a glimpse of the lives of Springfield’s first settlers. Learn more about North Springfield and the significance of the Frisco Railroad to our city’s rise in stature. This free event is part of the programming associated with the Bicentennial Exhibit: Struggle for Statehood on display at the History Museum June 9th – July 4, 2021. This program is free but registration is required. Register here.
Struggle for Statehood – African American Heritage Presentation
Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Historic Fox Theatre located at 157 Park Central Square
Join us in person or virtually to explore Springfield’s African American heritage through a variety of topics including sports, music, education, and the importance of community. This free event is part of the programming associated with the Bicentennial Exhibit: Struggle for Statehood on display at the History Museum June 9th – July 4, 2021. This program is free but registration is required. Register Here.
Frozen Custard Social
Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Park Central Square
History Museum on the Square, the City of Springfield, and the Downtown Springfield Association will celebrate the State of Missouri’s Bicentennial with a frozen custard social on August 10th from 4 pm to 7 pm. At this family-friendly event, 1500 servings of frozen custard donated by Andy’s Frozen Custard will be distributed while supplies last. Entertainment will be provided by The Detectives, Shaun Munday, and Central High School’s a cappella group the Brotones.
VISIT THE MUSEUM
PHOTO ARCHIVES
Browse through hundreds of historic photos of Springfield, Missouri and its surrounding areas.
CONTACT US
OUR TEAM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
John Sellars
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Krista Adams
BUSINESS MANAGER
Charlotte McCoy
CURATOR
Joan Hampton-Porter
ARCHIVIST
Lindsey Young
MUSEUM EDUCATOR
Palmer Johnson
GUEST EXPERIENCE MANAGER
Katie Schoorl
SUPPORT OUR VISION
Be a part of the story of History Museum on the Square by financially supporting our vision. All contributions made go directly to the museum’s development and preservation of history in our community. History Museum on the Square is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible.
154 Park Central Square
Springfield, MO 65806
PO Box 2963
Springfield, MO 65801