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See American History Unfold

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Discover the Springfield, Missouri region and its imprint on America’s past through this interactive museum experience. Step back in time at The History Museum on the Square.

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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

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    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.

    Admissions
    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.
    Route-66-Gas
    Route-66-Wall

    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

    01/13/2024 - 10:00 a.m.

    Event Dates:
    December 9, 2023 – Cancelled due to the Christmas Parade
    January 13, 2024
    February 10, 2024
    March 9, 2024
    April 13, 2024
    May 11, 2024
    June 8, 2024
    General Admission Applies – No registration is needed.

     

    01/13/2024
    Host: History Museum
    Location: 154 Park Central Square

    2023 Windows on the Square – Special Delivery for Santa

    11/18/2023 - 00:00

    Special Delivery for Santa
    Windows on the Square on display November 18, 2023 – January 14, 2023

    11/18/2023
    Host: History Museum
    Location:

    History Museum Book Club

    11/28/2023 - 07:00 p.m.

    Exciting Announcement! Susan Croce Kelly, author of Newspaperwoman of the Ozarks: The Life & Times of Lucile Morris Upton, will attend our November 28th meeting for an informal Q&A and discussion.
    MEETING LOCATION CHANGE: To ensure we have enough space, we will now meet at Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library (2214 S Brentwood Blvd) in the Community Room (November 28 at 7pm).
    Be sure to purchase the book and come ready with questions! Check out Bookmarx or other local book retailers for a copy. 🙂
    Happy Reading!

    11/28/2023
    Host: History Museum
    Location:

    Holiday Window Raffle- Special Delivery for Santa

    12/01/2023 - 00:00

    “Special Delivery for Santa” Happy Holidays! This unique Mail Bag has smaller versions of our Holiday window display 2023.  This Mail Bag and Friends is valued at $334 and you can have a chance to win this package by purchasing a raffle ticket.

    This gift includes the following:
    24-inch plush Jolly Santa by Jelly Cats a $114 value
    16-inch Plush Toy Reindeer by Hansa a $60 value
    (Looks just like our life-sized Route 66 Reindeer “Cruiser”)
    17-inch Soft “Cozy Toes” Black Bear by Mary Meyer a $30 value
    10-inch Wise Woodland Owl by Jelly Cats a $30 value
    $100 History Museum on the Square Family Membership
    (good for one year)
    A copy of our 2023 Christmas Window Story “Special Delivery
    for Santa” is included.
    Courtesy of the History Museum on the Square

    If you’re not able to visit the museum and want a chance to win, you can purchase them for $5/entry.

    The winner will be drawn on Wednesday, December 20th.  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.

    12/01/2023
    Host: History Museum
    Location: 154 Park Central Square - History Museum on the Square

    Downtown Walking Tour

    12/31/2023 - 05:30 p.m.

    Explore Springfield’s founding, growth, and most notable history where it took place.  Learn about the Wild Bill Hickok shootout on the square, Route 66, and more!

    These tours will start again in the Spring 2024.  If you are interested in scheduling a private tour for your group, call us for details.

    12/31/2023
    Host: History Museum
    Location: 154 Park Central Square - History Museum on the Square

    Commercial Street Walking Tour

    12/31/2023 - 10:30 a.m.

    Join the History Museum as we explore the history of Commercial Street!

    This tour is presented in partnership with the Commercial Club of Springfield, MO.

    These walking tours will start again in the Spring of 2024.  If you are interested in scheduling a private tour, call us for details.

     

    12/31/2023
    Host: History Museum
    Location: Commercial Street - Meet at Jefferson Avenue Footbridge

    Route 66 Bus Tours – Get on the Mother Road!

    12/31/2023 - 01:00 p.m.

    Tour Dates:

    Check back in 2024 for new dates.

     

    12/31/2023
    Host: History Museum
    Location: Meet at History Museum on the Square

    Sharing Stories of the Crossroads – Hosted by John Sellars

    12/31/2023 - 04:00 p.m.

    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.

    12/31/2023
    Host: History Museum
    Location:

    The Route 66 Series – Year 3 Hotel/Motel

    12/31/2024 - 00:00

    The Route 66 Series: Year 3 Hotel/Motel

    Thank you Series Sponsor:

    O’Reilly Automotive

    MSU Libraries – Ozarks Studies Institute

    History Museum on the Square is a 501c3 nonprofit organization; all donations are tax-deductible as prescribed by law.

     

    12/31/2024
    Host: History Museum
    Location: 154 Park Central Square - History Museum on the Square

    Truly a Jewel

    Fantastic collaboration of the history of Springfield MO. and the surrounding area. Excellent presentations. Truly a jewel in the queen city’s crown. Interactive stations throughout. A must see.

    Wille E

    Hands down the best Route 66 museum

    Hands down the best Route 66 museum in Missouri and one of the top ten museums on ALL of Route 66! There’s so much to see and interact with while you’re visiting here. There are multiple floors that have a great deal of Springfield history on display. Be sure to try the virtual shoot out!!!…

    Roamin’ Rich

    Quick drop in did not disappoint!

    I had just a few moments after my lunch to stop into the new history museum. First impression: “wow.” They have done an amazing job of utilizing a compact space to relate an amazing amount of information! The exhibits are top notch and first rate—and truly transport the visitor to another place and time! My…

    Jaimie T.

    A definite MUST SEE!

    This place was AWESOME! If you can, sign up for a walking tour!!! Yes, it will cost you extra, but it’s SO worth it if you get Katie. Not sure about other docents, but Katie was just WONDERFUL! Our group learned SO much and really enjoyed ourselves! The museum itself is really great too… I…

    Wanda H.

    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…

    Read More

    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…

    Read More

    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.