Museum Directory
KANSAS
FORT SCOTT
FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Restored 1840s military fort that tells the story of its role in Western Expansion, Bleeding Kansas, and Civil War. 20 historic structures, parade ground, and five acres restored tallgrass prairie. Old Fort Boulevard. 620-224-9924; Hours: 8am-5pm, Apr.-Oct.; 9am-5pm, Nov.-Mar.; email: fsfcc@computingplus.biz website:http://www.nps.gov/fosc
KANSAS CITY
STRAWBERRY HILL MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER
1887. Queen Anne Home. Permanent ethnic and Other Cultural Exhibts. Gift Shop. Tea Room. 720 N. 4th St., (913)371-3264. Sat. and Sun., noon to 5p.m.. (call for group tours), www.strawberryhillmuseum.org
LECOMPTON
Historic Lecompton was the permanent Territorial Capital of Kansas established in 1854. The events that occurred in Lecompton and the surrounding areas became known as Bleeding Kansas, the prelude to the Civil War. A national landmark, Constitution Hall, and the Territorial Capital Museum, formerly Lane University, are located in Lecompton. The famous Lecompton Constitution was written in Constitution Hall. Lane University was named after the Free State leader James H. Lane. Our museums are open Wed – Sat, 10a – 4p and on Sunday from 1 – 5p. An annual Christmas tree display, with 170 decorated trees, is held at Territorial Capital Museum from Oct 15 – Jan 1st. Visit our website at www.lecomptonkansas.com.
MISSOURI
CHILLICOTHE
THE GRAND RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM
Depicts livingston County’s history. A premier Native American exhibit and one of thre wall murals greet you. Stroll through Main Street’s vintage stores, doctor’s office, dress shop – even a barn! Grandma’s house brings back wonderful memories. Enjoy the largest known colelction of Fred Irvin art. Free & open 1-4 Wed., Sat. & Sun. or by appt. Call 660-646-1341 or 660-646-5054; https://www.chillicothemuseum.com/
CLINTON
HENRY COUNTY MUSEUM
A history museum, housed in one of the old Anheuser-Bush buildings, featuring an indoor village of the late 1800s and an 1850s homestead. 203 Franklin Ct. (660) 885-8414, Mon.-Sat. 10-4, April-Dec.
INDEPENDENCE
OWENS-ROGERS MUSEUM
Home of Hollywood screenwriter Lela Owens-Rogers and Birthplace of famed actress and dancer Ginger Rogers, this Historic Landmark property is an example of a working-class Craftsman Bungalow. The museum contains information about Lela and Ginger, memorabilia, movie posters, antiques, and unique items both women owned and wore. Open April through September Wednesday and Saturday 10 am to 3 pm and by appointment for groups of 10 or more. Visit https://owensrogersmuseum.com/ or email owensrogersmuseum@gmail.com
573-271-9012
INDEPENDENCE
THE BINGHAM-WAGGONER ESTATE
Built in 1852 in the Italianate Villa Style, the estate was later purchased by George Caleb Bingham, Missouri’s most famous painter of the 19th century. Later sold to the Waggoner family who expanded the house to an 8,000 square-foot, twenty-six room stately home in 1899.
The lush interiors are displayed with 95 percent of the original furnishing from the Waggoner family. This elegant venue offers over 19 acres used for weddings, private parties and group tours. 313 W. Pacific Avenue, Independence, MO 64050, call 816-461-3491. Open for Walk-in tours: Mon – Sat 10am to 4pm, Sun 1-4pm
KEARNEY
KEARNEY HISTORIC MUSEUM
Come tour through Kearney’s new museum and help us celebrate 150 years of our history. Exhibits change quarterly so there is always something new to see! 101 South Jefferson, 816-628-4229. Thurs, Fri & Sat 10-2pm
RAYTOWN
THE RICE-TREMONTI HOME – The oldest standing house in Jackson County, MO, the Rice-Tremonti Home along with Aunt Sophie’s Cabin have borne witness to the sweep of American history. This site was settled first in 1836 by Archibald Rice and family. They built the Gothic-Revival farmhouse in 1844. With beginnings as a waypoint on the Santa Fe Trail and as a jumping off point for emigrants to Oregon and California, the wooden house endured the ravages of border warfare and the Civil War. With a history spanning 170 years, the Rice-Tremonti Home has an important story to tell. Open 11-4 Sat. & Sun.9801 E. 66st ST. Raytown, MO 64133. , 816-333-3586, http://www.rice-tremonti.org/
ST. JOSEPH
PATEE HOUSE MUSEUM The Civil War comes alive in this National Historic Landmark where the Pony Express Headquarters was located, and the Union Army Provost Marshal tried citizens for treason in the 1858 hotel’s Grand Ballroom. Visitors are greeted by a Central Overland stagecoach and brass cannon. They may climb aboard the 1860 Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad train and ride the museum’s 1941 “Wild Thing” carousel. Right next door is the house where Jesse James was killed April 3, 1882. Open Mon.-Sat. 9-4, Sun., 12-4. 1202 Penn St, St. Joseph, MO 64503; 816-232-8206; patee@ponyexpress.net; http://www.ponyexpressjessejames.com/