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
Gateway Arch Museum
Location: Missouri
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
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
Location: Missouri
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
Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
Location: Missouri
Preserves Samuel Clemens's childhood home and interprets how Mississippi River town inspired Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Complex includes multiple historic buildings. The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore local history through carefully curated exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs
State Historical Society of Missouri
Location: Missouri
Comprehensive research center documenting Missouri history through extensive manuscript collections, newspapers, photographs, and art
Website: shsmo.org
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Location: Missouri
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
Missouri History Museum
Location: Missouri
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
Nodaway County Historical Society Museum
Location: Unknown, MO
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
Location: Missouri
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
Submit a Society
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