Springfield is an area that has a lot of rich history behind it. The area was a very important place throughout the entire Civil War. Now these areas have been established as historical sites and the sites have been kept as close to their original conditions as is possible.
If you do not want to take the time to visit each of these numerous historical sites, then you should at least make sure to make a visit to the Springfield history museum. There you'll be able to get at least a small glimpse into the historical significance that Springfield has.
The museum is located at 830 Boonville Ave, in the Historic City Hall on the 3rd floor. You can reach the museum by calling 417-864-1976 or e-mailing info@springfieldhistorymuseum.org. The museum is open 10:30 am through 4:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and is closed Monday and Sunday.
At the Springfield history museum there are some permanent exhibits that will allow you to explore the rich, unique heritage of this area of the Ozarks. The displays in this museum start with the area's prehistoric origins. You'll see displays that will take you back as far as the earliest settlement that took place in this area. From there you will see what upheaval the Civil War caused. Then you will be able to see the great period of growth that followed the Civil War. This exhibit concludes in the late 1950s. It was at this time that Springfield was named an "All-American City."
This exhibit is enhanced by 2 nicely done, interpretive videos. The first video is a short introduction into the local history of Springfield. Then the second video highlights the popularity of the "Ozarks Jubilee," which was a television show that took place in this area.
You will also find 3 hands-on areas in this museum that the children are sure to enjoy. Included in these hands-on exhibits is a Native American grinding stone, a Civil War tent and a variety of household items that are similar to those that were used in pioneer households. While these items are reproductions, they are still historically accurate. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to handle these items in order to better understand the lives of the people who originally settled in this area.
