State Historical Society of Missouri

The State Historical Society of Missouri is a museum and research center in Columbia that maintains extensive collections of manuscripts, photographs, maps, and objects documenting the state's development over time. The institution provides access to these materials for researchers and the public to explore and study.

Founded in 1866, the institution became the main repository for preserving Missouri's history, with records tracing back to early settlement periods. Its collections trace the state's path from its origins through to modern times.

The exhibitions display how different communities shaped Missouri through art, traditions, and daily life across centuries. Visitors walk through galleries that show the cultural expressions and creative practices of people who lived in the state.

The building is open to visitors during regular business hours with no admission fee to view the galleries and collections. Specialized or rare materials may require advance notice, so contacting staff ahead of your visit can help you access what you want to see.

The institution houses over 300,000 editorial cartoons, making it one of North America's largest collections of political illustration. This expansive collection captures how artists responded to major events and issues through more than a century of visual commentary.