Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis (must see)

The Missouri History Museum explores the history of the St. Louis region from its early settlement to the present day through permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and extensive collections. Established in 1866 by the Missouri Historical Society, it is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the Midwest.

The museum has occupied its current home in Forest Park since 1913, when the structure originally opened as the Jefferson Memorial-the nation’s first monument to Thomas Jefferson, built using proceeds from the 1904 World's Fair. Today, it preserves millions of artifacts, photographs, documents, and archival materials that tell the story of the people, events, and cultures that shaped the region. The museum's galleries cover a wide range of subjects, including Indigenous history, westward expansion, the Louisiana Purchase, the Civil War, immigration, transportation, sports, music, and civic life. Permanent exhibitions are complemented by rotating displays featuring historical artifacts, multimedia presentations, photographs, interactive exhibits, and personal stories that place local history within a broader national context. The building itself seamlessly combines the original Beaux-Arts Jefferson Memorial with a modern expansion completed in 2000, creating spacious galleries, community event spaces, and research facilities while preserving its historic character.

Beyond its exhibitions, the Missouri History Museum serves as an important hub for research and public engagement. It hosts lectures, family activities, performances, guided tours, and community events throughout the year, while the Missouri Historical Society's Library & Research Center provides access to extensive archival collections for historians and genealogists. By combining rigorous historical scholarship with engaging public programming, the museum offers visitors a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage and its place in American history.