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.
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 Museum Book Club
Girl Scout Day: Civics & Citizenship
Civics on the Square presents the first Girl Scout Badge Activity Day. All Girl Scout levels join us on a journey through Springfield’s past as we explore civics and citizenship through the years.
Saturday, April 6, 2024, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm (come and go event)
Registered Girl Scouts and leaders can complete various steps in the Democracy and Citizenship badges through fun and interactive activity stations. Girl Scouts will have the chance to run for office, map local landmarks, register to vote, speak to a city council member, and even be elected President!
The event is 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.
There is a registration fee for Girl Scouts and leaders. Additional family members will pay general admission to the museum. Pre-registration is being done through the Girl Scouts of Missouri Heartland at the following link: https://www.
Registration and Admission can be paid on the day of the event at the History Museum on the Square; however, no financial aid or cookie credit will be used.
Please note – this is not a drop-off event. Parents and troop leaders must stay for the duration of the event to adhere to ratio requirements.
Citizenship Homeschool Activity Day
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. Spots are limited.
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.
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.
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
SAVE THE DATE! May 18, 2024 – 5 pm
Queen City Quest is back better than ever! Check back soon for registration opportunities
Come on down and turn your gameshow dreams into reality at Queen City Quest!
Downtown Walking Tour
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.
Commercial Street Walking Tour
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.
Route 66 Bus Tours – Get on the Mother Road!
Tour Dates:
Check back in 2024 for new dates.
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