Cole County Historical Society Jefferson City, Missouri

Street Address       View Yahoo map

109 Madison Street
Jefferson City, MO 65109

Web: www.ColeCoHistSoc.org

Museum Hours

Tuesday - Saturday		1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Arrangements for groups of 15 or more can be made by contacting the museum by phone or email.
Closed December 15 - January 31

Admissions

Adults $3.00
Youth (grades K-12) $1.00
Children under 5 - free

Description

Our mission is to collect, preserve and share the history of Cole County and its people. Our museum is located in two of three row houses that actually predate the Governor's Mansion which is across the street. We have exhibits on 4 floors, accessible by elevator, docents accompany tours to explain our displays and answer questions. Our courtyard patio, presently under construction between the main building and the Upschulte House, will enable us to accommodate groups for special events.

History

The Cole County Historical Society was formed as a not-for-profit organization July 24, 1941. The dedication of the original Society members and those who quickly joined made it possible to purchase the original Museum building in 1946, and to complete the necessary renovation prior to the official opening at a reception on May 17, 1948. In 1999, the building next door was purchased and remodeled, essentially doubling available floor space for the museum. Our research library was added at that time.

Artifacts Collections

·	The Society's collections include furniture, paintings, pictures, records, documents, and other artifacts directly related to the history of Cole County, including its role as the seat of Missouri State government. Special displays include inaugural gowns of governor's wives and our Civil War Room.

Research Collections

·

Since its inception, the Cole County Historical Society has developed a valuable and select library collection. It includes only those items that originated in, or otherwise pertain to Cole County. Emphasis has always been and remains on the historical development of Cole County, its towns, businesses and people. At the present our library is only staffed on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Other times can be arranged by special appointment. Our library is managed by a trained librarian who directs museum acquisitions as well as preservation of books, documents and other artifacts.

Conservation

We have a modest collection of old photographs that have been catalogued and stored in acid free boxes. We are studying the possibility of digitizing these for easier public access.
Available to other institutions: No

Library

Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: False

Services


Gift Shop


Books, collectible ornaments, shirts. Please see our web site for pictures and complete list of prices.

Publications

Our newsletter, News and Notes, is published quarterly and sent to members. A copy is posted on our web site for viewing.

·	Cole County Historical Society News & Notes

Programs

Docents are on duty at the museum to give guided tours and explain our exhibits. We also have a suitcase program has been under way since 1974 as a way to take our museum into the community. Volunteers dress in period costume, pack a suitcase with smaller museum objects and travel to sites in the surrounding communities. They present a program that is both educational and entertaining, using the items from their suitcase to illustrate their story.

Staff

Rose Mengwasser, President
Phone: 573-635-1850
Email:

Nancy Thompson, Library volunteer, web site coordinator
Email:

Anne Gue, Librarian

Karlene Dieckroeger, Tour Coordinator

Geri Rozier, Accessions Coordinator


Museum Type

Historical Society
Library

Governance

Not for profit organization with elected officers and a governing board. Staffed entirely by volunteers.


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Museum Info courtesy of Missouri Museums Association.

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