Missouri History Museum

Many cities have wonderful history museums exploring thousands of years into the past, but few have terrific attractions focused on local history alone.  At the Missouri History Museum, visitors can explore the transformation of the Midwest state, and learn from the former residents and events that have shaped it.

The Missouri History Museum has been protecting and preserving the early history of the Midwest state since 1866.  Today the museum offers both permanent and rotating exhibits, tours, theatrical and musical presentations, classes, and outreach programs designed to strengthen communities through greater understanding of the past.

Permanent exhibits include “Lindbergh,” an in-depth exploration of the life of Charles A. Lindbergh.  Pilot of the historic first-ever solo transatlantic flight, Lindbergh became a world-wide celebrity and hero.  Visitors can explore artifacts, film footage and radio broadcasts of the 20th century legend, and learn how he single-handedly changed the course of history.

“Looking Back at Looking Forward: The 1904 World’s Fair” exhibit details the Louisiana Purchase Exposition that attracted 20 million visitors from around the world.  Nearly 1,500 buildings across 1,270 acres of St. Louis were constructed for the event, which lasted seven months.  The museum’s exhibit features stories from the fair’s creators and attendees, artifacts and items featured at the fair, and fascinating insights into what people of the early 20th century predicted for the future.

The “Seeking St. Louis” exhibits focus on the broad history of the great city over the past 200 years.  Displays, audio, video and interactive activities demonstrate how the landscape changed from once dangerous frontier to a bustling modern metropolis.  Feature artifacts include a Louisiana Transfer document and Jazz great and East St. Louis resident Miles Davis’ red trumpet.

Dozens of special programs are also offered, including Theatre in the Museum which presents one and two-person plays depicting historical figures once local to Missouri.  Second Sundays feature music, oral history and storytelling inspired by special exhibits.  Twilight Tuesdays are an outdoor concert series throughout the spring, summer and fall.  Details on these events and many others can be found on the museum’s calendar (http://www.mohistory.org/education-and-events/events).

With free admission and so many interesting exhibits and programs, the Missouri History Museum is a terrific destination for visitors and locals alike.  It’s a great place to learn about the people, past, present and future of this state.

- by D.J. Siegel, Saint Louis Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)