Jackson County’s first government building, a two-room structure built with slave labor, was the only courthouse west of St. Louis at the time the Santa Fe Trail rade began. Land disputes and westward expansion issues were dealt with in this log courthouse. Once a Mormon mercantile store and saddle shop, this structure has great significance to the LDS church. Harry Truman held court here in the 1930s.

107 W. Kansas
Independence, MO 64050
816-325-7890
www.visitindependence.com
[email protected]
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mon. - Fri. April 1-October 31

The Harris-Kearney House is a museum and headquarters for the Westport Historical Society. Completely restored, it contains a visitor’s center, library, research room and exhibits depicting life during the time when Westport outfitted westward travelers to Santa Fe, Oregon and California. The Harris family built this two-story Greek Revival style house in 1855. It is Kansas City’s oldest brick house, with bricks that were made on the premises.

4000 Baltimore
Kansas City, MO 64050
816-561-1821
www.westporthistorical.com
[email protected]
Wednesday-Saturday 1:00 - 5:00 PM

The Marshal's home, built in 1859, is a prominent, two-story on Main Street. The Jackson County Jail, with its barred windows and double iron doors, is adjoined to the rear of the family's home. The museum, owned and operated by the Jackson County Historical Society, features exhibits on Civil War and border warfare, frontier justice, plus outlaws and gunfighters.

217 N Main St
Independence, MO 64050
816-461-1897
jchs.org/1859-old-jail/
[email protected]
Mon-Sat 10a-4p;Sun 1p-4p; Apr 1-Oct 31; Nov 25-Dec 30; Closed Dec 31-Mar 31.

3-Trails Crossing Memorial Highway is identified by the Blue & White MODOT signs on I-435/50 highways in South Kansas City, MO. The Historic Crossroads of the Oregon/California/Santa Fe National Historic trails was named and celebrated by a sign unveiling on Tuesday, 10/03/06. The unveiling and ceremony was held at the 3-Trails Marker three blocks South of Bannister Road on Marian Park Drive and adjacent to Hart Grove Creek and Park. The Donner Party camped 'one night out' from Independence, MO at this location

9901 Holmes Rd
Kansas City, MO 64131
816-942-3581
www.trailsidecenter.org
[email protected]
Mon-Sat 10a-4p; Sun 12p-4p

Amelia Earhart’s birthplace and early childhood home was a house built by her grandfather, Judge Alfred G. Otis, in the early 1860s. Now owned by the Ninety-Nines, the site has been returned to its turn-of-the-century condition and features personal family memorabilia of America’s most famous aviatrix and educational material.

223 N. Terrace
Atchison, KS 66002
913-367-4217
www.ameliaearhartmuseum.org
[email protected]
Call for Hours

The entire village of Arrow Rock has been designated a National Historic Landmark recognizing its association with Westward Expansion, the Santa Fe Trail and artist George Caleb Bingham. This 19th century Missouri River town connects the past with the present with a museum, church, courthouse, stone jail, antique shops, historic homes,tram tour, 1872 Lyceum Theatre, and the 1834 Huston Tavern from the Santa Fe Trail days

310 Main St
Arrow Rock, MO 65320
660-837-3231
www.arrowrock.org
[email protected]
N/A

Listed on the National Registry of Historical Places, this 22 acre farm includes the restored original farmhouse (serving as a museum), outbuildings, barns, and cemetery dating back to the 1830s. The home includes permanent exhibits of Missouri farming and everyday farm and frontier life, and traveling exhibits on 19th century history.

4109 NE Pleasant Valley Road
Gladstone, MO 64119
816-453-3276
www.atkinsjohnsonfarm.com
[email protected]
Wed-Sat 11a-4p

This 1882 Victorian style house is a replica of the Missouri State Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City, an example of Renaissance Revival architecture with French influence–very rare architecture for this area. The Platte County Archives and Genealogical Library are also available at this site.

220 Ferrel St
Platte City, MO 64079
816-431-5121
www.pchs1882.org/
[email protected]
Thurs-Fri 1p-4p; Apr-Oct; Nov-Mar by appointment only

This house, built in 1852, is home to Missouri artist George Caleb Bingham. The Waggoner family remodeled the home in the 1800s and lived there for 97 years while they owned and operated the Waggoner Gates Milling Company across the street. The family’s original furnishings are highlighted.

313 W. Pacific
Independence, MO 64050
816-461-3491
www.bwestate.org/
[email protected]
Monday-Saturday: 10am-4pm Sunday: 1-4pm

The Black Archives Museum honors the struggles and triumphs of St. Joseph and Buchanan County African Americans. Exhibits explore such topics as Slavery in Missouri, Before We Were Soldiers 1840s-1850s, Colored Soldiers in the Civil War, and the local impact of the national Civil Rights era. The Museum also includes the Black Archives Museum Hall of Fame, which showcases the achievements and contributions of St. Joseph's Black community members in a wide variety of areas.

3406 Frederick Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64506
816-232-8471
stjosephmuseum.org/museums/black-archives/
[email protected]
Mon-Sat 10a-5p; Sun 1p-5p

Site of the June 2, 1856 battle between John Brown’s Free-State Militia and Henry C. Pate’s Pro-Slavery Militia. Brown called this action “the first regular battle fought between Free-State and Pro-Slavery men in Kansas.” It is regarded by many as the first battle of the Civil War.

3 Miles east of Baldwin City, KS
Baldwin City, KS 66006
785-380-9156
www.blackjackbattlefield.org
[email protected]
Dawn till dusk

The original depot was constructed in 1879 and burned down in the early 1920's. The city asked the Chicago & Alton Railroad to rebuild the station. The reasons were several, specifically that the city back then was still an important transportation center for industry, travelers, and livestock. This is an important piece of history because it's the last one-story, wood and stucco Chicago and Alton train depot still standing in the state.

11045 W. Walnut Street
Blue Springs, MO 64015
816-224-8979
/www.bluespringshistory.org
[email protected]
Call for hours

The 1906 Dillingham-Lewis House Museum is the Blue Springs Historical Society’s headquarters and museum which showcases furnished period rooms.

101 S. 15th Street
Blue Springs, MO 64015
816-224-8979
www.bluespringshistory.org
[email protected]
Call for Hours

Built in 1879, the depot is believed to be the oldest restored two-story wood frame train depot remaining in Missouri. It was moved to the National Frontier Trails Museum Campus in 1996. The first floor was restored to an 1890s working depot and the second floor Station Master’s residence was refurbished with 1890s furnishings.

318 W. Pacific
Independence, MO 64050
816-325-7955
www.chicagoaltondepot1879.org
[email protected]
Call for Hours

Built in 1878 by J.K. Parr, the Chicago & Alton Hotel is the oldest business building in Blue Springs, Missouri. In 1978 the Hotel, which originally served the railroad, was moved from its original site south of Main Street to its present location. Restoration work is presently underway.

101 S. 15th Street
Blue Springs, MO 64015
816-224-8979
www.bluespringshistory.org
[email protected]
Call for hours

A driving tour of a series of eleven historical markers placed on historic sites in the Metropolitan Kansas City area, ranging from the City Market at 3rd St and Grand Ave in the north, to the Loose Park neighborhood near 51st and Wornall Rd. Markers commemorate and memorialize French heritage at a time when French immigrants first inhabited the area that became Kansas City. Tour starts with the Old French Kansas City, marker #1 at Central St and W 13th St, Kansas City, MO. Downloadable map on JCHS website.

P.O. Box 4241
Independence, MO 64051
816-252-7454
www.jchs.org/chouteau-soceity
[email protected]
call for hours

Kansas City is internationally famous for its numerous and beautiful fountains. The City of Fountains Foundation was established to assist citizens and organizations to develop new public fountain projects including the required endowments for their continued maintenance. The Foundation manages these funds and helps secure endowments to maintain Kansas City's older fountains and monuments. It also serves as an advocate to raise awareness and increase civic pride in the Kansas City area's fountains, monuments and sculptures.

PO Box 9193
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201
816-842-2299
www.kcfountains.org
[email protected]
Private guided tours available Apr-Oct

This discussion and history organization is dedicated to historical educational purposes including the promotion and understanding of all aspects and phases of the Civil War period.

PO Box 3019
Independence, MO 64055
816-225-7944
www.cwrtwm.org
[email protected]
Trail guides available online

Rare books, artifacts, and manuscripts are contained in the library of the University of Kansas Medical Center, focusing on history of medicine, nursing and health professions. The library also houses personal medical papers and archival records. The KUMC Archives, a separate entity, contains records relating to local, regional and Kansas medicine.

1020-1030 Robinson Building
Kansas City, KS 66160
913-588-5000
clendening.kumc.edu
[email protected]
Mon-Wed 9a-1p; Tues-Thurs 12p-4p

Frank Lloyd Wright designed this "church of the future." In 1940 he conceived the Steeple of Light, four spires projecting 60,000 watts of light into space. Technology for its construction didn't exist until 1993 when the church completed the construction according to his design. This beautiful, unique building features a sanctuary, chapel, activity center and art gallery.

4601 Main St
Kansas City, MO 64112
816-561-6531
www.community-christian.org/building/history.htm
[email protected]
call for tour hours

The museum’s exhibits depict the story of Excelsior Springs, once a mecca for health and recreation. The museum collection includes common household items of the late 1800s to the 1900s, pictures and stories of civic leaders, special places of interest, unique events, and festivities.

3406 Frederick Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64506
816-232-8471
stjosephmuseum.org/museums/doll-museum/
[email protected]
Mon-Sat 10a-5p; Sun 1p-5p

Step back in time to when Missouri was way out West in the wilderness and experience the lives of the men and women who secured the American frontier. Built in 1808 under the direction of William Clark, co-leader of the Lewis & Clark expedition, the Fort served a dual role as both a military garrison and trade center. Overlooking the Missouri River, this historic site has been reconstructed to portray Fort Osage as it was in 1812. Authentically attired interpreters provide living-history insights into the daily life of both the military and civilian populations.

107 Osage Street
Sibley, MO 64088
816-650-3452
www.jacksongov.org/fortosage

Voted one of the top 10 attractions in Missouri in the 2017 USA Today Readers’ Choice travel contest, the Glore Psychiatric Museum takes visitors across the wide span of historical treatment of mental illness and social attitudes towards mental health. Exhibits illustrate the changing face of psychiatric treatment and present the history of “State Lunatic Asylum No. 2” Hospital.

3406 Frederick Ave
St Joseph, MO 64506
816-232-8471
stjosephmuseum.org/museums/glore/
[email protected]
Mon-Sat 10a-5p; Sun 1p-5p

Built in 1857, Grinter Place tells the stories of Anna Grinter, a French-Lenape (Delaware) and her husband Moses. This antebellum brick house, listed on the National Register, overlooks the Kansas River where Moses managed a ferry at Delaware Crossing and a Delaware trading post

1420 South 78th Street
Kansas City, KS 66111
913-299-0373
www.kshs.org/p/grinter-place/19564
[email protected]
10a-5p Mar 14-Oct 13; Closed Oct 14-Mar 13

Oxford School is one of the oldest schools in the state of Kansas. The school was moved from its original location at 135th and Mission Road in March 2003 to its present location in Ironwoods Park. The Oxford School opened in 1877 and continued to operate as a school until 1955.  From the 1960s into the mid-90s it was used as a house of worship. Great care was taken to restore the building to its original beauty with historic accuracy.

Ironwoods Park
Leawood, KS 66224
913-663-9157
www.leawood.org/historic-oxford-schoolhouse/
[email protected]
Sat 11a-2p, Sun 1p-4p Mar-May & Sep-Nov; Tues-Sat 10a-4p, Sun 1p-4p Jun-Aug

This was the destination for Price's wagon train because it provided ready access to he military road that ran From Fort Leavenworth, Kansas to Fort Scott, Kansas. Price's wagon train reached Little Santa Fe mid-day on Sunday, October 23, 1864. Because of the danger, the wagon train immediately headed south on the military road. The victorious Federals camped here on Sunday night while waiting for the Union commanders to formulate their plan for pursuing the retreating Confederates.

940 West Santa Fe Trail Road
Kansas City, MO 64145
816-942-5033
www.newsantafe.org
[email protected]
Viewing year round

The historic Jackson County Truman Courthouse is located on Independence Square and contains a vast collection of books, maps, documents, photographs, and materials dating from 1826 telling the history of Jackson County, Missouri.

112 W. Lexington Avenue
Independece, MO 64050
816-252-7454
jchs.org/home/
[email protected]
Mon-Fri by appointment only

Jackson County’s Historic Truman Courthouse on Independence Square, is the home of the Truman Courtroom; Brady Courtroom; Jackson County Museum of Art; Jackson County Historical Society History Center; and City of Independence Visitor Experience Center. The surrounding grounds feature statues of United States Presidents Harry Truman and Andrew Jackson. Other markers commemorate pioneers, the Civil War, and migration west (Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails) that marked Independence Square as their starting point.

112 W. Lexington Avenue
Independece, MO 64050
816-461-1897
www.jchs.org/truman-courthouse
[email protected]
Tues-Fri 10:00am-4:00pm Complimentary Tours at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

The Jim Bridger (King of the Mountain Men) Bridge is located at Bannister road and Lydia Avenue. The Indian Creek Walking Trail runs east/west under the bridge next to Indian Creek. The bridge itself was dedicated on 7/22/04 after 16 years of neighborhood action and after 6 people drowned in the Indian Creek flood waters. Jackson County CURS designed and built the bridge that was named after Jim Bridger who pioneered and lived in the area. This "Bridge" honors Jim Bridger, a nineteenth-century hunter, trapper, mountain and wilderness guide, merchant, Army scout and officer, and explorer whose farm property was in this south Kansas City area. His exploits and skills combined with a colorful personality made him well-know in his own lifetime.

95th and Lydia
Kansas City, MO 64131
816-942-3581
www.trailsidecenter.org
Viewing Year Round

Kansas City, MO Parks and Recreation installed a Jim Bridger Marker on the Indian Creek and adjacent to the Jim Bridger Commons on 3/14/2015. The Jim Bridger Commons was a major part of the development of the Linden Hill homes area in 1965 by Charles Bleakley, developer of the north side of the State Line Road and 103rd Street shopping area. Trail entrance at Trailside Center 9901 Holmes Road, KCMO 64131. Enter Trails 1/2 block east on 99th Street. Short walk to cross Bridge to locate marker on Indian Creek Trail, next to Jim Bridger Commons.

9901 Holmes Road
Kansas City, MO 64131
816-942-3581
Viewing year round

JOCO History is an online partnership between several Johnson County Historical Sites

9875 W. 87th Street
Overland Park, KS 66212
913-826-4600
www.jocohistory.org
[email protected]
Online only

Central Resource Library houses a collection of print and electronic materials of interest to local historians and genealogists.

9875 W 87th Street
Overland Park, KS 66212
913-826-4600
www.jocolibrary.org/
[email protected]
Sun 1p-5p, Mon-Thur 9a-8p, Fri 9a-6p, Sat 9a-5p

Permanent and temporary exhibitions explore 200 years of history in the state's fastest growing county from its days as a Shawnee Indian Reservation to today's booming suburban communities. The museum offers an array of programs for children and families including Pop'n Play, monthly Family Fun Day, Musical Concerts, and a Summer Arts Program.

8788 Metcalf Avenue
Overland Park, KS 66212
913-826-2787
www.jcprd.com/museum
[email protected]
Mon-Sat 9a-4:30p, Closed Sun and Holidays

The Johnson County Genealogical Society was founded in 1972 to encourage the study of family history and to promote the preservation and publication of genealogical records in Johnson county, Kansas. Our library collection is housed in the Central Resource Brach of the Johnson County Library in the local history section

PO Box 12666
Overland Park, KS 66282
913-221-2190
www.jcgsks.org
[email protected]
Mon-Fri 9a-5p; Tues 6:30p-8p; Sat 9a-1p except 4th Sat of month; Located at Central Resource Library 9875 W 87Th St, Overland Park KS

The Kansas City Public Library’s Missouri Valley Special Collections is located on the 5th floor of the Central Library. The Missouri Valley Room is open to the public and makes resources related to the history of Kansas City, Missouri, and the region freely available to curious researchers.

14 W 10th St
Kansas City, MO 64105
816-701-3427
www.kchistory.org/
[email protected]
Mon-Fri 9a-5p; Sat 10a-5p

Bring your group together at the Lanesfield School for a unique experience they won't forget at this National Register property. Step back to 1904 with a strict school teacher for challenging lessons in penmanship, arithmetic problems on a slate, geography, or participate in a spelling bee in a turnof-the-20th-century school environment. Lanesfield School offers special events throughout the year.

18745 Dillie Rd
Edgerton, KS 66021
913-893-6645
www.jcprd.com/museum
[email protected]
Fri-Sat 1:00p-5:00p and by appointment

Visit historical Lecompton, Kansas, originally the Territorial Capitol, founded in 1854 and platted on a bluff on the south bank of the Kansas River. Several museums and restored buildings, including the Kansas Territorial Capitol Museum/Lane University, Constitution Hall State Historic Site (built in 1855), Historic Democratic Headquarters, and Fort Titus Cabin tell the many and interesting stories of a Kansas that could have been Lecompton was the birthplace of the Civil War where slavery began to die.

Territorial Capital Museum
Lecompton, KS 66050
785-887-6148
www.lecomptonkansas.com/
[email protected]
Wed-Sat 11a-4p; Sun 1p-5p

The Missouri-Kansas River bend Chapter supports the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation at the local level through events, activities, programs, promotion, and protection of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. In addition, the local chapter encourages local interest in the expedition and related historic sites.

408 E. 31st Avenue
North Kansas City, MO 64116
816-679-5925
www.lewisandclarkkc.org
[email protected]
N/A

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, returning from its trip across the continent, on September 15, 1806, came here. Captains Lewis and Clark climbed the hill at what we now know as 8th and Jefferson, Case Park, “Lewis and Clark Point”, and looked out at what has become one of 21st century Kansas City’s most breathtaking sites.

8th & Jefferson
Kansas City, MO 64105
816-679-5925
www.moksriverbend.org
[email protected]
Dawn to Dusk

The Lewis and Clark Expedition camped at this location on June 26, 27 and 28, 1804. A park opened in 2004, Lewis and Clark Park at Kaw Point, containing an Educational Pavilion, an Historical Marker, a river ramp, a walking trail alongside the confluence of the Rivers, a “redoubt” replica, and more.

1 River City Drive
Kansas City, KS 66101
816-679-5925
www.lewisandclarkwyco.org
[email protected]
Dawn to Dusk

The Battle of LIttle Blue River on Oct. 21, 1864, in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri was a minor battle that became the opening round of the Second Battle of Independence which occurred later that same day and led in turn to the Battle of Westport on October 23. The defeat of the Confederate Maj General Sterling Price ended Confederate military operations in Missouri. The battlefield marker is located in the Ripley Junction Park at the corner of Old Lexington Road south of 24 Hwy, Independence, MO.

PO Box 3019
Independence, MO 64055
816-225-7944
www.cwrtwm.org
[email protected]
Viewing year round

The publisher of the local history books, articles and papers authored by Bill Bundschu; such as, “Abuse and Murder on the Frontier” the account of the murder and poisoning of Jackson County miller Williamson Hawkins in 1838 and the legal hanging of his convicted murderer Henry Garster in 1839

514 NW Murray Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64081
816-252-3158
[email protected]

1200 Kansas City Road.
Olathe, KS 66061
913-971-5111
www.mahaffie.org
www.mahaffie.org

The Daughters of the American Revolution marker commemorates one of the few authentic wagon ruts, (called swales) left in this area made by traffic traveling the National Historic Santa Fe, Oregon and California Trails beginning in 1821 by trader and trapper, William A. Becknell. Distinguished is the Old Red Bridge, built in 1933 and dedicated by Harry S. Truman. Historical panels and silhouettes of pioneers are installed to illustrate the history of this historic crossing. The interpretive panels on the New Red Bridge Road Bridge show biographies of 10 historical figures from the Trails era.

Red Bridge Rd & Holmes Rd
Kansas City, MO 64131
816-942-3581
www.newsantafe.org/
[email protected]
Call for Hours

MH provides programming that encourages family reading, highlights Missouri’s heritage, supports creative writing by veterans, and assists local museums, libraries, and other organizations promoting education—facilitating public conversations on topics that include history, religion, archaeology, anthropology, philosophy, literature, law, ethics, and languages.

1800 Baltimore Ave
Kansas City, MO 64108
816-802-6566
www.mohumanities.org
[email protected]
Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM

Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a small Missouri town on the eve of the Civil War. Missouri Town 1855 is a living history museum with more than 25 buildings dating from 1820 – 1860 spread across nearly 30 sloping acres. Original structures from seven western Missouri counties are filled with historic tools and furnishings, setting the stage for life in the mid-1800s.

8010 E Park Rd
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
816-503-4800
www.makeyourdayhere.com/213/Missouri-Town-1855
[email protected]

This historical society is devoted to the appreciation, preservation, and celebration of the history and heritage of the Monticello area (township) of Johnson County, Kansas.

23860 W 83rd St
Shawnee, KS 66227
913-667-3706
www.monticelloks.org
[email protected]
Mar-Nov Sat 10:00 am-2:00 pm and by appointment

The museum, interpretive center and research library are dedicated to telling the rich history of America’s principle western trails. Exhibits depict the journey of Lewis & Clark, beginning in 1804, and later migrations across the continent to Santa Fe, Oregon, and California from the 1820s to 1870s. The Merrill J. Mattes Research Library and Archives is the nation’s largest public collections of rare books, documents, and diaries about the trails.

313 W. Pacific
Independence, MO 64050
816-325-7575
www.frontiertrailsmuseum.org
[email protected]
Monday – Saturday 12:30 – 4:30 pm; Sunday 12:30 – 4:30 pm

Ten decorative panels are installed on the new Red Bridge which open in November of 2011. Each panel represents an individual who has ties to the area as part of the Three Trails Crossing during the westward expansion of the 1800s. The area around Red Bridge is historically significant as the crossing at the Blue River was the only location where the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails intersected. From approximately 1821 to 1880 it is estimated that thousands of travelers crossed the Blue River near the current bridge. Evidence of this crossing can be found with the ruts from the wagons left in what is now Minor Park.

4600 E. 63rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64130
816-942-3581
www.newsantafe.org/
[email protected]
Viewing Year Round

New Santa Fe, Missouri, in 1851 by Dabney and Elizabeth Lipscomb, stood at the western edge of the United States (today the Missouri-Kansas Border) as the crossroads of pioneer commerce and history. It is the location of a small cemetery on the Santa Fe Trail and is a memorial to those who first came to the wilderness and cleared a path for the generations to come. The New Santa Fe marker on the northeast corner of Santa Fe Trails and State Line Road was the first historic marker dedicated by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1909. The swales in the New Santa Fe Cemetery were certified by the National Park Service as National Historic Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails in 1995, and the site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

122nd St & State Line Road
Kansas City, MO 64145
816-942-5033
www.newsantafe.org
[email protected]
Call for Hours

In 1859, the first Red Bridge was built by Colonel George N. Todd, a 50-year old Scottish stonemason. The 100-foot span covered a wooden bridge on stone piers and was located just downstream from today's' bridges at the actual trail crossing. It was painted red, hence the origin of "red Bridge." The original bridge was torn down in 1892 and a steel bridge, called a "tin" bridge, also painted red replaced it. The 1859 bridge was dismantled and the wood recycled into barns by local farmers. A third and current Old Red Bridge replaced the 1892 "tin" bridge and was dedicated by Harry S. Truman in January 1933 during the Great Depression. The bridge is made of concrete, steel and red granite. It was built by Jackson County, Richard Wakefield was the architect. After the New Red Bridge was dedicated in 2011 the Old Red Bridge became famous for the Love Locks that have become an attraction for the public.

Red Bridge Rd & Holmes Rd
Kansas City, MO 64131
816-942-3581
www.newsantafe.org/
[email protected]
Daily 5a-12p

This plain two-room, 1850s log cabin offers a sharp contrast to Independence’s opulent Victorian estates and gives an insight to everyday life of the era prior to the Civil war. Constructed in an Irish community known as “Brady Town,” the cabin was moved to its present location in 1971.

SE Corner of Noland & Truman Road
Independence, MO 64050
816-325-7890
www.visitindependence.com
[email protected]
Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm April - October

The 1844 Rice family home is one of Jackson County's most prominent early plantations. The home, along with the last one of many slave cabins, is preserved on property that originally comprised several hundred acres. The westward trail traffic rolled by this popular homestead, many camping on the property. Survivor of Civil War "Order - NO 11."

8801 E 66th St
Raytown, MO 64133
816-510-8179
www.rice-tremonti.com/
[email protected]
call for hours and events

Experience the small rural Kansas farm town that was Shawnee in the 1920s. It includes a working farm and town. Take in the Visitor’s Center, orientation exhibit, and gift shop.

11501 W 57th St
Shawnee, KS 66203
913-248-2360
www.shawneetown.org/
[email protected][email protected]
call for hours

The St. Joseph Museum features “Lines and Legacies – The Harry L. George Collection,” which is one of the largest collections of American Indian items in Missouri. The collection includes archaeological items, pottery, baskets, pipes, clothing and accessories from ten cultural regions. In 2019, the museum will exhibit blankets from the Buell Manufacturing Company of St. Joseph, which was incorporated in 1877. The Buell Woolen Mill was the primary source for blankets headed west and they were known for quality, the blankets were strikingly colorful and many designs were based on patterns used by different Native tribes in paintings and bead work. In the History Galleries the 2019 featured exhibit is “World War I St. Joseph – Reflections on Community and Conflict.”

3406 Frederick Ave
St Joseph, MO 64506
816-232-8471
www.stjosephmuseum.org
[email protected]
Mon-Sat 10a-5p; Sun 1p-5p

The library contains and preserves a wealth of information including a collection of historical materials pertaining to local history, genealogy, westward expansion and the Civil War. Until 1854, St. Jo, was the westernmost boundary of the United States where overland emigrants "jumped off".

927 Felix St
St Joseph, MO 64501
816-232-7729
sjpl.lib.mo.us/
[email protected]
Monday - Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm; Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; Friday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

This Victorian style house was built in 1887 by John G. Braecklien and was later used as an orphanage. It was converted into a museum in 1988 and is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Slavic heritage in the Kansas City, Kansas area. Featured are displays of traditional items of handmade clothing, musical instruments, glass works, and wood craftsmanship made by immigrants who settled in the Strawberry Hill area around 1900. View Pope John II items from his trip to the United States on TWA.

720 N. 4th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
913-371-3264
www.strawberryhillmuseum.org
[email protected]
Saturday - Sunday 12:00 - 5:00 pm

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures preserves and exhibits the world’s largest fine-scale miniature collection and one of the nation’s largest antique toy collections. Explore centuries of childhood, culture, and manufacturing through dolls, dollhouses, trains, soldiers, teddy bears, and more. View room settings, architectural structures, and decorative arts stunningly crafted in 1:12 or smaller scale from major miniature artists.

5235 Oak St
Kansas City, MO 64112
816-235-8000
www.toyandminiaturemuseum.org
[email protected]
Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Virtually untouched since the famous Missouri artist's death in 1975, this eclectic house constructed of native, quarried limestone with simple furnishings in neutral tones contrasts Benton's vibrant paintings. The converted carriage house stands as his studio.

3616 Belleview Ave
Kansas City, MO 64111
816-931-5722
www.mostateparks.com/benton.htm
[email protected]
Thursday - Saturday and Monday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 - 5:00 pm

The Society collects, preserves, displays and makes accessible to the public any and all objects that reflect the history of the Tonganoxie, Kansas community. The museum and buildings, on a 10-acre historic site, are comprised of the Honey Valley one-room schoolhouse, Reno Methodist Church, Fairfield/Knox Dairy barn and milk parlor, and a1936 Fire Pumper Truck.

201 W Washington
Tonganoxie, KS 66086
913-845-2960
www.tonganoxiehistoricalsociety.org/
[email protected]
Sunday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm; Tuesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm; Wednesday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

This 3-trails Corridor location contains The Watts Mill Room for community meetings and is a Kansas and Missouri tourist and public information facility. The center provides historical resources on the Civil War, New Santa Fe and Watts Mill history and the Vault Museum is dedicated to the Battle of Westport, the largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi.

9901 Holmes Road
Kansas City, MO 64131
816-942-3581
www.trailsidecenter.org
[email protected]
Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

UFDC's goal is to create, stimulate and maintain a national and international interest in all matters pertaining to doll collecting. The museum is open to the public for viewing and in-depth study. In addition to dolls, holdings include a reference library and permanent archival collections consisting of catalogs, research materials, patent papers, patterns and other ephemera.

10900 N. Ponoma Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64153
816-891-7040
www.ufdc.org
[email protected]
Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

The Kenneth J. LaBudde Special collections department of the UMKC University Libraries offers a wealth of historic resources in a variety of formats. The collection focuses on local and regional history, the early exploration of the American West and Southwest, and American sheet music, among other topics. The world famous Marr Sound Archives, a unit of the department, offers researchers access to over 300,000 sound recordings that document the American experience as reflected in sound. One of the archives’ primary strengths is Kansas City jazz.

800 E. 51st Street
Kansas City, MO 64110
816-235-1532
//library2.umkc.edu/labudde
[email protected]
Call for Hours

This opulent, 31-room Victorian mansion was built in 1881 in the Second Empire style by entrepreneur Colonel Harvey Vaile. The house features 9 marble ireplaces, spectacular painted ceilings, flushing toilets, a built-in 6,000 gallon water tank, and a 48,000 gallon wine cellar–boasting many conveniences uncommon at that time. After Vaile’s death the home was used for a variety of purposes. It is now restored and decorated with period furnishings.

1500 N. Liberty Street
Independence, MO 64050
816-325-7430
www.vailemansion.org
[email protected]
Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 pm

For a full complement of where to go and what to do in the Kansas City region, stop by Visit KC. Located in downtown Kansas City, MO.

1321 Baltimore Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64105
816-691-3800
www.visitkc.com
Call for hours

The Watkins Museum of History is housed in the Watkins Land Mortage and National Bank Building. The most significant exhibit is, perhaps, the building itself, a classic example of the Richardson Romanesque influence onKansas's architecture. It was Commissioned by Lawrence financier Jabez Bunting Watkins, constructed in 1888, and considered one of the most magnificent buildings west of the Mississippi River at the time. Activities, events, educational resources, programs, and changing exhibits explore the heritage of Douglas County, Kansas.

1047 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
785-841-4109
www.watkinsmuseum.org
[email protected]
April-November: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 10:00 am

The 1860 mill is the only 19th century textile mill in the country with intact, original machinery. A visitor center offers an introduction to the Watkins family, their life and times.

26600 Park RD N
Lawson, MO 64062
816-580-3387
www.watkinsmill.org
[email protected]
Call for Hours

This 3-Trails Corridor location contains The Watts Mill Room for community meetings and is a Kansas and Missouri tourist and public information facility. The center provides historical resources on the Civil War, New Santa Fe and Watts Mill history in the Vault Museum.

103rd St & State Line Road
Kansas City, MO 64114
816-942-3581
www.newsantafe.org/mill.php
[email protected]
Call for Hours

The Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau for the City of Weston, Missouri promotes the uniqueness of Weston and its rich heritage, as well as provides a tourism outlet for other small towns in northwest Missouri and eastern Kansas. Weston, Queen of the Platte Purchase, became a significant mid-nineteenth century Missouri River port community, the second largest port on the river, second only to St. Louis.

526 Main Street
Weston, MO 64098
816-640-2909
www.westonmo.com
[email protected]
Call for hours

631 N 126th St.
Bonner Springs, KS 66012
(913) 573-5002
www.wycokck.org/Departments/Wyandotte-County-Historical-Museum
[email protected]

This 1879 Gothic style, castle-like mansion illustrates the cultural, architectural, and economic history of 19th century St. Joseph. The interior features oil-on-canvas ceilings, ornate walnut woodwork and staircase, and stained glass windows. Explore Fame & Politics: The Life of Ruth Warrick, which focuses on the accomplishments of the famous St. Joseph born actress. The history of local architecture is shared through the Intersection of Time & Buildings exhibit and the Architecture of Edmond Eckel. On the third floor, Confluence: The Great Flood of 1993 depicts the impact of flooding on the area.

1100 Charles
St Joseph, MO 64501
816-232-8471
stjosephmuseum.org/museums/wyeth-tootle/
[email protected]
Fri-Sat 10a-4p; Apr-Oct; call for appointment