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: 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.
Wed – Sat, 10a – 4p; Sunday from 1 – 5p. An annual Christmas tree display, with 170 decorated trees, is held at Territorial Capital Museum from Oct 15 – Jan 1st.; lecomptonkansas.com
WELLINGTON
NDGA – THE NATIONAL GLASS MUSEUM
One of the few glass museums in the middle of the country. Featuring American-made glassware from the mid-1800s through mid-century modern with emphasis on the Depression era. Exhibits are changed frequently, so there’s always something new to see.
Hours: Thurs-Fri 11-; Sat 10a-2p; Free Admission; Shop our gift shop!
107 N Washington Ave.; 972-672-6213; www.ndga.net
MISSOURI
LIBERTY
CLAY COUNTY MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Three floors of artifacts, furnishings, toys, tools, photographs and much more. TReasures from pioneer families, including Dougherty, Withers, Thornton, Doniphan, Garrison and others, plus posters, uniforms and firearms from the Civil War and two World Wars. Free admission; donations welcome. 14 N Main St, Liberty, MO.; Open 1-4 p.m. Mon-Fri, Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
816-792-1849; claycountyhistoricalsocietymuseum.org
INDEPENDENCE
VAILE MANSION
1881 31 room Victorian 2nd Empire style Mansion. With 9 original marble fireplaces; original chandeliers: and ceilings with water-colored painted murals. Restored to 1800’s elegance, including rare bathrooms with running water, copper bathtubs, and flush toilets. 4 acre grounds are a certified Level 1 Arboretum.
Tour Hours-Thur thru Sat, 10am to 4 pm and Sun 1 to 4 pm, Open April 1 thru Oct 29
816-461-34941; vailemansion.org
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, 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; www.ponyexpressjessejames.com