Springfield History Museum on the Square

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.

RESTORING THE PAST

The History Museum on the Square is dedicated to revitalizing and preserving the great history of the Springfield, MO community. We have restored our buildings to bring the past, present and future together in a dynamic cultural and historical experience- telling the stories that illuminate our past.

WELCOME CENTER

Step into our front door and find yourself immersed in history. From our touchscreen table featuring Springfield then and now to our gallery introductory videos featured on large screens, our Welcome Center provides interactive experiences as you begin your visit.

SIX MAIN GALLERIES

History Museum on the Square features six main galleries highlighting the rich history of Springfield using innovative technologies and traditional approaches to engage visitors.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

History Museum on the Square offers guided tours, step-up bus tours, Calaboose/Police Museum tours, and our Traveling Trunk Program.

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.

Pioneers And Founders At The Crossroads

Birthplace of Route 66

Wild Bill Hickok & The American West

Native Crossroads at the Spring

Trains, Trolleys and Transportation: Children’s Educational Area

The Civil War In Springfield

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.

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.

Osage Culture Trunk Show

This trunk has a variety of artifacts and documents pertaining to the Osage tribe, which was the longest inhabitant tribe in recorded Missouri history. The trunk features linguistic activities, song and dance material, clothing, rawhide drums, and more. The content of this trunk provides a look into the lives of the Osage people. Age Range: 1st grade +
Lewis & Clark Trunk Show

This trunk has a variety of artifacts and documents pertaining to the Corps of Discovery Expedition to the Pacific Coast. The trunk features Native American trade goods, tools and utensils used by the Corps, Pipehawks, the Jefferson Peace Medal, and more. The content of this trunk helps participants gain a full understanding of the famous journey of Lewis & Clark. Age Range: 3rd grade +
Civil War Trunk Show

This trunk has a variety of artifacts and documents pertaining to Missouri’s involvement in the Civil War. The trunk features union uniforms, soldier’s accoutrements, period clothing, and various books regarding personal memoirs during the war. The contents of this trunk help shed light on the role Missouri played throughout the Civil War. Age Range: 4th grade +
WWII Trunk Show

This trunk has a variety of artifacts and documents pertaining to WWII. The trunk features U.S. Army and German mess kits, military uniforms, U.S. Military patches, recruitment posters, and more. The contents of this trunk help the audience gain perspective on living conditions, both home and abroad, during the war. Age Range: 4th grade +
Pioneer Experience Trunk Show

This trunk has a variety of artifacts and documents pertaining to early settlers in the Missouri region beginning in the early 1800s. The trunk features period clothing, cooking utensils, household items, and toys that were common among early pioneers. The content of this trunk aims to provide a better understanding of the pioneer experience. Age Range: 2nd grade +
Early Native Americans Trunk Show

This trunk has a variety of artifacts and documents pertaining to early Native Americans who lived and migrated throughout Missouri. The trunk features projectile points, animal pelts, buffalo horns, and trade blankets. The content of this trunk provides participants with an understanding of how Missouri’s native inhabitants lived. Age Range: 1st grade +

Interested in bringing a trunk show to your classroom?

OUR BLOG

Homer Fellows Kept The City Rolling with Springfield Wagon Company

Homer Fellows established the Springfield Wagon Company, creating a massive part of the wagon industry. Learn more about Fellows's life, the history of Springfield Wagon Company, and how the company overcame trial after trial to be a great success.

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Elvis Presley’s TCB Band Has Springfield Roots with John Wilkinson

It was the evening of May 17, 1956, and nine-year-old Johnny Wilkinson had heard on the radio that Elvis Presley was in town to perform at the Shrine Mosque. His parents had refused to buy him tickets to the concert saying Presley was too “lewd” in his music.

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The Founding of Springfield, Missouri: John Polk Campbell

We know Springfield, Missouri as our home, but what do we know about its beginnings? If not for a traveler and a donation of 50 acres, Springfield may have never been the city that it is now. The History Museum on the Square has put together a brief history of the founder of Springfield with a name that you’ll recognize from all over the city.

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Wild Bill Hickok: Bringing the Dueling Wild West to Springfield, Missouri

Springfield, Missouri is known for many things: cashew chicken, our ever-changing weather and the birthplace of Route 66. Thanks to Wild Bill Hickok, Springfield got to add another feature to that list: the origin of the quick shooting duels that are a hallmark of western movies.

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Uncover Greene County and Springfield History with the Educational Trunk Program

By visiting the History Museum on the Square, you can take a look at the artifacts and reproductions that make up our local history. Through the educational trunk program, you can take history into your own hands by having an up-close experience with these artifacts while learning a local history lesson.

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The History of the Fox Theatre

The historic Fox Theatre has been a staple of the square for longer than most Springfieldians can remember. From its opening in 1916 as a movie theater to its new life as a beautiful museum space, the Fox Theatre has seen countless changes in its century of life. The detailed history of the theatre tells a story of innovation and development over many years.

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Help Preserve George Kieffer Murals in Fox Theatre on Give Ozarks Day 2017

Are you a die-hard Missouri State Bear, Drury Panther or Civil War buff? If so, now’s your chance to vote for your favorite mural at the historic Fox Theatre in Springfield while helping to preserve the artistic and cultural heritage of our region.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Field Trip Friday

History Museum on the Square has an exciting new program to assist parents with learning pods, virtual learning, and homeschooling. Every Friday at 2 pm, homeschool and pod learning elementary students can join the History Museum on the Square for a history program and gallery tour that supports Missouri Learning Standards. Each Friday from now until May 2021, the Museum will have a rotating program topic. Each program is geared toward the 2nd – 5th-grade level. The cost for nonmembers is $13.00 per person, the member price is $5.00 per person. This includes admission to the museum and the program.

Pre-registration required here. Private group programs are also available. If you are interested in reserving a program on any of the topics just for your group contact, Palmer Johnson, palmer@historymuseumonthesquare.org to get the cost and reserve a time.

Upcoming Field Trip Friday Programs:

November 6th -The Pioneers and Founding of Springfield
Examine Springfield’s origins and incorporation in this journey through time. We will discuss the causes of westward expansion, the lives of Springfield’s first settlers, the former city of North Springfield, and the significance of the Frisco railroad to our city’s rise in stature. Grades 3-5.

November 13th – The Civil War in Southwest Missouri
Take a look at southwest Missouri’s role in the Civil War. We will discuss the conflict’s causes and consequences, the specific battles that took place in the area, and the daily life of soldiers and civilians during wartime. Grades 3-5.

November 20th – Native American History
Learn the history of the local Native American presence spanning hundreds of years. We will discuss the local tribes, the importance of the buffalo in daily life, the practical relevance of arts and crafts, and the impact of westward expansion. Grades 2-5.

December 4th – The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Join us as we probe the adventures of the Corps of Discovery. We will discuss the events that led to the Louisiana Purchase, the daily life of an explorer on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the consequences of their journey for the United States and beyond. Grades 3-5.

December 11th – The Pioneers and Founding of Springfield
Examine Springfield’s origins and incorporation in this journey through time. We will discuss the causes of westward expansion, the lives of Springfield’s first settlers, the former city of North Springfield, and the significance of the Frisco railroad to our city’s rise in stature. Grades 3-5.

December 18th – The Civil War in Southwest Missouri
Take a look at southwest Missouri’s role in the Civil War. We will discuss the conflict’s causes and consequences, the specific battles that took place in the area, and the daily life of soldiers and civilians during wartime. Grades 3-5.

Once Upon a Christmas Past:

November 21, 2020 – January 10, 2021
In the spirit of the holidays, in addition to our yearly Downtown Christmas Window display, the History Museum on the Square will feature Once Upon a Christmas Past, an exhibit inside the Voices of History Gallery showcasing Christmas decorations and related items from the 1850s through the 1960s. In this difficult time, it will provide a much-needed step back to a simpler time with the nostalgia of Christmas past. General Admission applies.

Thank you to our current sponsors:

Presenting Sponsors – The McQueary Family
Vintage Sponsor – Waverly House Gifts & Gallery

*Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Charlotte McCoy. (charlotte@historymuseumonthesquare.org)

Moon Over the Mother Road Annual Appeal

While we aren’t able to host our annual gala this year, we still need your support. Your donation provides for museum operations and quality educational programming.

Full Moon Sponsorship $10,000**
Half Moon Sponsorship $5,000
Crescent Moon Sponsorship $1,000
Mother Road “66” Sponsor $25/month
An exclusive club for “66” members (Donation of $300 yearly)
Shooting Star Amount of your choosing

Downtown Walking Tours Fridays and Saturdays in December

Join us for a walk around Springfield’s downtown and discover some of Springfield’s most notable stories where they took place.

Stops include the original site of the founding of Springfield, historic Walnut Street, and Wild Bill Hickok’s first wild west shootout.

This one-mile, one-hour walking tour begins and ends at the History Museum on the Square. Your guide will be wearing a mask and contactless payment prior to arrival is encouraged.

Capacity will not exceed 10 people. The cost is $10/person for Museum Members and $20/person for Nonmembers.

Reserve your spot here.

VISIT THE MUSEUM

HOURS

Wednesday – Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm

ADMISSION

$16 Adult
$13 Seniors – 65 and older
$13 Students with ID – Any age
$13 Military & Families with ID
$10 Child (age 4-12)
Free – (age 3 & under)

***$13 Group Adult Rate with 10 or more. 48 hours notice is requested.

PARKING

There a several free parking options in walking distance from the museum. The closest free parking option is located at the corner of Olive St. and Boonville Ave.

PHOTO ARCHIVES

Browse through hundreds of historic photos of Springfield, Missouri and its surrounding areas.

SEARCH THE PHOTO ARCHIVES

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.

MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP

GOLD LEVEL MEMBERSHIP

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