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.
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.
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.
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
History UnCorked Series- Prohibition Mixology – SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT – Our next event is June 30, 2024.
Explore our city’s fascinating history and craft-themed cocktails with expert mixologists, learn the art of wine tasting from seasoned sommeliers, or brush up on beer basics from master brewers. Each event’s unique drink menu perfectly complements the evening’s storyline.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – Prohibition Mixology with Ty leached Da Distillery and 417 cocktails. Program is from 6-8 pm. Museum admission is included for April 17th in this reservation and the museum will be open until 6:00 pm. The cost is $50 per individual, $85 per pair/twosome. This event will have assigned seating. If you want to sit with a group, please put friends’ names in the Notes section when purchasing tickets. We will try our best but seating is limited.
You will receive a confirmation email immediately after purchasing your ticket. If you do not receive this email, please call the museum at 417-831-1976 to ensure your transaction was processed.
Must be 21 or over to participate. Must bring a valid ID to the event.
History Uncorked is a fundraiser for the History Museum on the Square. Tickets are non-refundable.
Sponsored by:
History Museum Book Club
Downtown Walking Tour
Tour Dates:
May 4, 2024 – 10:00 am
June 1, 2024 – 10:00 am
July 6, 2024 – 10:00 am
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, May 4, 2024 – 10:30 am
Saturday, June 1, 2024 – 10:30 am
Saturday, July 6, 2024 – 10:30 am
Saturday, August 3, 2024 – 10:30 am
$15 per person for Museum Members & Patrons, $20 per person for Non-Members
Citizenship Homeschool Activity Day – SOLD OUT
Civics on the Square presents our first Civics Summer Series event. Homeschool families can join us for a fun look at what it means to be an active citizen in your community. We will team up with the League of Women Voters to share hands-on activities that will engage the participants in every part of our democratic process. Activities include elections, flag etiquette, voicing concerns to local leaders, learning about historic documents, and much more! Registration is required for this FREE event. Registration for this event has reached its capacity.
Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Doors open at 9 am.
Activities from 9:30 am – 12 pm. Free museum exploration time 12 – 1 pm.
Please note – this is not a drop-off event. Parents must stay for the duration of the event.
All spots are full for this event.
Citizenship Family Activity Day
Civics on the Square presents our first Civics Summer Series event. Families can join us for a fun look at what it means to be an active citizen in your community. We will team up with the League of Women Voters to share hands-on activities that will engage the participants in every part of our democratic process. Activities include elections, flag etiquette, voicing concerns to local leaders, learning about historic documents, and much more! Registration is required for this FREE event. Spots are limited.
Saturday, May 11, 2024.
Morning Session from 10 am – 1 pm. Afternoon Session from 1 – 4 pm. Free museum exploration time 10 am – 5 pm.
Families can register for the morning or afternoon session to participate in a variety of Citizenship activities led by a museum representative and explore the museum.
Please note – this is not a drop-off event. Parents must stay for the duration of the event.
This event is FREE but registration is required. Please register by adding your guest count (including the number of adults and children attending) to the cart below.
Queen City Quest Game Show Fundraiser
This thrilling event will see nine teams compete in a live game show on Saturday, May 18th. It promises to be a showdown of wits and knowledge.
Once you gather your 4-person team and register your team, you will receive more details at packet pick-up. These details include additional challenges throughout the week that will earn your team additional points before the evening even starts. The night of the game show trivia your team will compete in six head-to-head Springfield History trivia games in front of a live audience in the Historic Fox Theatre. A team of four is $100.
Not sure about the spotlight? Come as an audience member for $10 and cheer on your favorite team as they compete in Queen City Quest.
Team Requirements:
- At least one team member must be available to attend Queen City Quest packet pick up on May 8th, 4:30-6:00 pm at Hold Fast Brewery.
- All teams must have four members participating in the Live Game Show on May 18th 5:00 -8:30 pm.
- All teams must have four members over the age of 21 years of age.
- Teams must be willing to share additional challenge videos on social media.
- Teams are limited. Team cost $100.00.
Route 66 Bus Tours – 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 Dates:
May 18, 2024 – 1:00 pm – Leaving from Downtown Springfield (specific address to be confirmed)
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.
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