Missouri is home to over 550 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Jefferson City, St. Louis, and Kansas City to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Missouri's rich past.
Featured Historical Societies
State Historical Society of Missouri
Location: Columbia, MO
Founded: 1898
Comprehensive research center documenting Missouri history through extensive manuscript collections, newspapers, photographs, and art. Operates museum and maintains statewide historical programs.
Website: shsmo.org
Missouri History Museum
Location: St. Louis, MO
Founded: 1866
Explores St. Louis and Missouri history from Lewis & Clark Expedition through 1904 World's Fair to modern times. Located in Forest Park with extensive exhibits on Gateway Arch, river commerce, and regional development.
Website: mohistory.org
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
Location: Independence, MO
Founded: 1957
Presidential library and museum dedicated to President Truman. Features exhibits on WWII decision-making, Cold War origins, and Truman's Missouri roots. Includes Truman's grave site.
Website: trumanlibrary.gov
Missouri History Museum
Location: St. Louis, MO
Founded: 1866
Comprehensive museum in Forest Park interpreting St. Louis and Missouri history. Collections include 1904 World's Fair materials, Charles Lindbergh artifacts, and Gateway to the West exhibits.
Website: mohistory.org
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Location: Independence, MO
Founded: 1957
Presidential library documenting Truman's life from Missouri farm to White House. Features Oval Office replica, decision to drop atomic bomb, and Cold War materials. Truman and wife buried in courtyard.
Website: trumanlibrary.gov
Gateway Arch Museum
Location: St. Louis, MO
Founded: 2018 (renovated)
Underground museum beneath iconic arch documenting westward expansion. Exhibits cover Lewis and Clark, pioneer journeys, Native displacement, and St. Louis as Gateway to the West.
Website: gatewayarch.com
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
Location: Republic, MO
Founded: 1960
Preserves site of first major Civil War battle west of Mississippi River. August 10, 1861 Confederate victory secured Missouri for Union but demonstrated border state's divided loyalties.
Website: nps.gov/wicr
Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
Location: Hannibal, MO
Founded: 1935
Preserves Samuel Clemens's childhood home and interprets how Mississippi River town inspired Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Complex includes multiple historic buildings.
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Know of other Missouri historical societies? Help us expand this directory by submitting organizations you're familiar with.
Submit a Society →Additional Missouri History Resources
- State Historical Society of Missouri - Statewide history organization
- Missouri State Historic Preservation Office - State historic preservation programs
- Missouri State Archives - State archives in Jefferson City