Exhibits
Several exhibits remain on permanent display including the following:
- Period clothing This collection contains a large assortment of men’s and women’s items such as a carrying case for the refined man of the late 1800’s. In it is found his beaver top hat, white bow tie with matching suspenders and a garment brush. Numerous dresses dating from the late 1800’s into the the early 20th century are found in all the second floor. Several wedding dresses, evening gowns and party dresses compliment the collection. A large and rare addition is on loan from the James M Thurmond family.
- The Deal Collection Donated by the last remaining heir, this collection is a wealth of information from one the the county’s leading families. Included are many personal letters, scrapbooks and documents from the Civil War era into the early 1900’s. Mr. E.P. Deal served as Treasurer for the state of Missouri when the capitol building burned in Jefferson City.
- The Danforth Collection consists of four scrapbooks that contain details of what life was like for a refined young lady of the 1880’s. Nettie Danforth, cousin of William Danforth, founder of Ralston Purina, kept newspaper clippings, dance cards, music programs, wedding invitations, and photos that offer insight to the decade of the 80’s.
- The Lewis and Clark Display highlights the 1803 landing of the explorers as they took their first steps into the Louisiana Purchase in Mississippi County. Reproductions of their journals and the medals they shared with the Indians are among the items found.
- The Military Room houses original uniforms of both the Union and Confederate armies. Accompanying the many local documents and newspapers of the war is a three link portion of chain strectched across the Mississippi between Missouri and Kentucky to stop the Union army from sending boats down river. Other items from each war since that are represented.