Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives
By 1967, Judd Palmer, former director of Parks and Recreation, had amassed quite a large collection of Native American artifacts from this area, which he wanted to share with others. He appeared before the City Council to urge that a museum be established to house these and any other articles of historical interest. On April 10, 1967, the Excelsior Springs City Council appointed a six-member committee to organize a city museum. The organizational meeting was held May 26, 1967. Plans were made to secure a state charter. The south end of the Water Bar at the Hall of Waters was selected as a display site.
The charter for the Excelsior Springs Historical Museum was issued December 6, 1967, with 101 charter members. The bylaws were adopted on January 28, 1968. The first president was Sam C. Sherwood, a local Realtor. There were seven board members. It was first incorporated in the State of Missouri in 1971 as the Excelsior Springs Historical Museum. The incorporation was amended in 2011 and the name “Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives” was adopted to reflect the broad offering of archival materials available for research. The Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives was chartered on Dec. 10, 1967. It was first incorporated in the State of Missouri in 1971 as the Excelsior Springs Historical Museum. The incorporation was amended in 2011 and the name “Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives” was adopted to reflect the broad offering of archival materials available for research. The Museum purchased both the bank building and the former hotel building from the Chamber of Commerce in 2004. Following a community effort and extensive renovation to make the adjacent space usable, the Museum expanded into the old Francis Hotel in 2006 and turned it into the Francis Exhibition Hall.
Our Mission:
Procure ~ Preserve ~ Provide
Sharing the past with each generation
The Museum depends primarily on memberships and donations for its support. Our Museum is NOT tax based. We have no paid employees; all staffers are volunteers. It has also received several small grants and memorials. These have allowed purchases of special items and equipment. We are grateful to the many adults, children, organizations, and businesses in our community for their many years of support.
Benefits of Membership:
- Free admission to the Museum
- 50% discount on research
- 10% discount in the gift shop
- Subscription to The Phunn, the museum’s newsletter
By supporting the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives with your annual membership, you make an investment in the preservation of local history. Membership provides for the general operations of your local Museum & Archives and makes our programs and exhibits possible.
The Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives provides assistance for persons requesting research. Research will begin upon payment of the research fee. The Museum is staffed by volunteers, and research will be completed as soon as possible.
Museum researchers may be available to assist patrons in person at the Museum. Advance notice will give researchers time to develop a personalized research plan and ensure a researcher is available to assist. Begin the research process by calling the Museum at 816-630-0101, or email emuseum101@gmail com.
Excelsior Springs Genealogy Society:
The Genealogy Society meets either at the Museum or takes “road trips” to conduct research offsite at local research repositories or to conduct cemetery surveys.
Please leave a message at the Museum if you would like more information on meeting plans.
For more info on becoming a member of the Genealogy Society call 816-630-0101.