The History Museum on the Square is excited to provide educational civics-focused programming for all ages. 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.
Civics in Action Traveling Trunk
The Civics in Action trunk is a new resource for regional educators to use in the classroom when teaching about civics, democracy, government, and citizenship to students of all ages. Includes 10 hands-on, interactive lessons that make learning about democracy and citizenship fun. All lessons are scaled for grades K-12 and aligned to Missouri Learning Standards.
Topics include: Founding Documents, Community Symbols, Branches of Government, How a Bill Becomes a Law, Primary vs. Secondary Sources, Elections, & much more!
The Traveling Exploration Trunk program is sponsored by Great Southern Bank, making this trunk FREE TO USE from July 1st, 2025 - June 30th, 2026. Click the button on the right to request a rental or contact the museum at [email protected] or (417) 831-1976 for more information.
The Civics in Action trunk is the newest addition to the History Museum on the Square’s Educational Trunk Program, which offers schools and community organizations the opportunity to rent educational trunks covering different history themes and social studies topics.
Learn more about the 7 other Traveling Exploration Trunks here.
Democracy in Action Display Kit
The History Museum on the Square is excited to showcase the history of civic engagement in Springfield through this educational display. These 4 panels are a modified display from our 2024 Democracy in Action exhibit that highlighted the civic history of Springfield. The included panels explore this through the four pillars of democracy – citizenship, service, leadership, and legacy. Additionally, this kit features video and activity resources for students to engage with as they learn.
Additional resources provided with a rental include: A short introduction video titled Democracy in Action, a recording of the Meet Your Springfield Leaders panel, a recording of the Voting and Beyond Panel led by Dr. Marlin Barber, and, soon to be added to the kit, a full catalogue of supplementary civics activities for students to engage with.
Civics & Democracy Activities
Explore civics through an educational program! Museum educators lead interactive and engaging programs at the museum and in the classroom.
Program options include:
- Elementary Level Programs - Being a Good Neighbor (Grades K-2), Celebrating Our Community (Grades 1-4), What Leadership Looks Like (Grades K-3), Everyday Heroes (Grades K-6, at museum only)
- Secondary Level Programs - The Founding Documents & Historic Speeches (Grades 5-12), Global Citizenship (Grades 6-12), Primary vs. Secondary Sources (Grades 6-12), Behind the Ballot (Grades 9-12), Public Policy (Grades 9-12, at museum only), Launch a Campaign (Grades 6-12), The Electoral College (Grades 9-12), Wild Bill Mock Trial (Grades 8-12)
- All Grade Levels - Flag History & Etiquette (Grades K-12), Animal Elections (Grades K-12), How a Bill Becomes a Law (Grades 3-12)
Learn more about education program options here.
History Museum on the Square offers a variety of civics-focused Girl Scout Badge programs, Cub Scout Adventure programs, and Scouting America (BSA) Merit Badge programs. During these unique program experiences, scouts step back into history as they complete the requirements for their badge here at the museum.
History Museum will bring Civics on the Square special event days that will enhance learning for your entire group.
Girl Scout Day
Saturday, April 11, 2026 - Civics on the Square presents the second annual Girl Scout Day at the Museum. Registered Girl Scouts and leaders can complete various steps in Democracy, Citizenship, and History-themed badges. Girl Scouts of all levels can earn up to two badges throughout the day!
Your child can adventure through Springfield’s past, present, and future during our week-long, full-day summer camps. Registration open! Spots are limited, so register today!
ALL CAMPS:
Time: Full-day camps (8 AM – 5 PM)
Location: History Museum on the Square, 154 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO
Cost: $325 per child (Discounts for siblings attending the same camp and museum members available!)