History Museum on the Square

Exhibits at History Museum on the Square

Seasonal Exhibits

The History Museum on the Square features seasonal exhibits that serve as the museum's core. Current exhibit themes include Native American History, Pioneer Life, the Civil War, the Victorian Era, World War I, World War II, Business, Commerce and the Ozark Jubilee.

Short-Term Exhibits

Additionally the History Museum on the Square develops short-term rotating exhibits throughout the year that complement the museum's seasonal exhibits and allow the museum to showcase their unique holdings from their historical artifact collection. Holdings within the collection include over 100,000 significant pieces such as antique china, household items, furniture and office equipment. The museum's holdings also feature a large costume and textile collection with men's, women's, children's clothing and accessories from 1830's to the 1970's as well as many quilts, coverlets and linens. The history museum's archival collection contains over 50,000 items including more than 20,000 books and documents. Books by area authors, historical reference books, local family papers, deeds and maps. Of particular significance are the History Museum on the Square's photographic holdings featuring over 30,000 historical photographs preserving Springfield's past.

Shopping in the Gift Shop

Be sure to stop by History Musem on the Square's Gift Shop. Books and souvenirs unique to Springfield, Missouri are available to purchase. The Gift Shop also offers visitors an opportunity to order and purchase archival prints from more than 30,000 historical images held in the museum's archives.

Travel Tips

- To find out more information about the History Museum on the Square's seasonal and short-term rotating exhibits, visit the Calendar of Events section on the offical History Museum on the Square's website.

- The History Musem on the Square is currently undergoing an exciting expansion. Upon completion the museum's exhibits will be housed across four historic buildings on the NE quadrant of Springfield's Park Central Square including the adjacent Barth's Clothing Company building and the Fox Theatre located two doors down from its current location.

- If time permits, explore Park Central Square's rich history indelibly linked to the expansion of America's West, Ozarks folklore and socio-political events that influenced and changed U.S. history.