Historical Museums in Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Cape Girardeau is the largest city in southeast Missouri and its historical museums offer a glimpse into the days and events of the past. Touring the museums in Cape Girardeau is an educational and enjoyable experience for people of all ages who want to learn about the early history of southeast Missouri.

The Glenn House

The Glenn House was built in 1883 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This farmhouse was originally built by Edwin Deane for his daughter Lulu and her husband. Improvements were made to the house in the1890s when plumbing and electricity were added. In 1900, a renovation transformed the house into the Queen Anne style of architecture. Today, the house is a museum and visitors can step back in time while viewing the late Victorian interior, period furniture, original lights, moldings, wall coverings and plumbing fixtures. The museum is located at 325 South Spanish Street and is open in May through October on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Group tours can be scheduled by calling 573-335-3490.

The Red House Interpretive Center

This museum was created in 2003 for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial celebration in Cape Girardeau. In November 1803, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark visited the house and trading post that belonged to Louis Lorimier, who was the founder of the old Cape Girardeau district. The museum is constructed as a French Colonial with vertical logs and visitors can view three rooms that depict the life of settlers in the 1800s. The Red House Interpretive Center is open from April to November on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by reservation. Call 573-335-1631 for more information.

Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum

This museum is located at 518 S. Fountain Street at the Southwest Missouri State University’s River Campus. Visitors can view fine art, archaeology and history exhibits. The archaeology collection includes prehistoric Native American artifacts such as stone tools and ceramic bowls. The history display features old firearms, hand tools and clothing. The fine arts displays include the Tamara Kerr Art Bank New York Artists Equity Association, Inc. and the Schriever collections. To schedule a tour of the Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum, call 573-651-2260.

Cape River Heritage Museum

The old Cape Girardeau police and fire station, built in 1908, houses the Cape River Heritage Museum. The changing presentations and exhibits at the museum feature distinctive events and people in southeast Missouri throughout the years. Visitors can browse the gift shop for homemade items from Missouri handcrafters. Tours, educational programs and community events take place at the museum and interested parties can call 573-334-0405 for more information. The museum is located at 538 Independence Street.

Sources

The Glenn House
The Red House Interpretive Center
Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum
Cape River Heritage Museum


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