History on the Square, Local history museum in downtown Springfield, United States
History on the Square is a museum in downtown Springfield that spans multiple gallery spaces presenting regional heritage through exhibits and artifacts. The rooms display topics including indigenous history, transportation development, and other moments from the local past.
The museum started in 1975 as the Bicentennial Historical Museum in a different location before moving several times and eventually settling at Park Central Square. The relocations allowed space to grow and add new exhibitions to the collections.
The eight galleries present stories about local traditions and significant events that shaped how residents have lived here over time. You can see how these stories connect to the streets and buildings surrounding the Square today.
The museum sits directly on the Square and is easy to reach on foot, with parking nearby for visitors. You should plan 1 to 2 hours to explore the galleries at your own pace.
The museum holds an extensive collection of Route 66 memorabilia, including interactive neon sign displays that document the story of this famous road. This part of the collection shows Springfield's role in the history of this American transportation icon.
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