Museums & Local Heritage

     Southeast Missouri State University Museum was established December 1, 1976, and is located on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, Memorial Hall. The Museum presents monthly special exhibits from private collections as well as professional artists. Permanent exhibits include: The Beckwith Collection, one of the finest collections of Mississippian artifacts, the collection includes bowls, water bottles, and vessels with rudimentary male and female figures. Most of the pieces came from the Beckwith plantation near Charleston, Missouri. The Blum Collection – A Collection of Southwestern Indian Arts and Crafts, comprised of Navaho rugs, pottery, Kachina Dolls, and Indian paintings. The Houck Collection – is comprised of life size sanctuary and bas reliefs produced by August Gerber, Cologne, Germany for the World’s Fair, 1904 in St. Louis. Tours can be arranged by contacting the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 777-0068.

     The Red House Interpretive Center is a project of the Cape Girardeau Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission, the Red House Interpretive Center commemorates the visit of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in November 1803.   Louis Lorimier, Cape Girardeau's founder, welcomed the expedition members at his home, the Red House.  The Interpretive Center houses an early 1800's exhibit that reflects the lives of the early settlers of the "Old Cape Girardeau District."   In addition, a rendering of the Louis Lorimier Trading Post displays authentic items that would have been sold during the early 1800's.  The center is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.  Closed Mondays. For more information about the Red House Interpretive Center visit their website.

     Old St. Vincent’s Church, built in 1853, is an example of Renaissance Architecture of the 15th century in Italy. The church is predominately built in Gothic style with some Roman influence. An unusual feature is the medieval design plaster masks portraying characters from the “Miracle and Mystery Plays”. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Church is designated as a “Chapel of Ease”. Tour of the church can be arranged for groups of 10 or more.  The church is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

     The Historic Glenn House is a true jewel of the City of Cape Girardeau where visitors can follow a pathway back in time. Restored rooms depict life around 1900, reflecting an earlier Cape Girardeau society. In 1883, Edwin Branch Deane designed the Glenn House for his daughter, Lulu Deane, and her husband, David A. Glenn. Mr. Glenn, a Cape Girardeau merchant and banker, occupied the home with his family until 1915. Around 1900 the Glenn's extensively remodeled the residence by adding the curved veranda and updated the kitchen and baths to include hot water heat and electric lighting. On the National Register of Historic Places the home is open for tours on Saturday and Sunday or by appointment for groups of 10 or more.  The house is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

     The Cape River Heritage Museum is located in the old City Fire Station. This museum displays river-related artifacts and historical items. The “Southeast Missouri Story” is portrayed along with an interpretive story of the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

     Hearts of Blue and Gray... Cape Girardeau in the Civil War - In the heart of Cape Girardeau, Missouri stand memories of the Civil War. A time that tore our nation apart and brother fought against brother. Like many cities, Cape Girardeau was divided during the “War Between the States.” While Confederate in sympathy, the city was held for the duration by Union forces. Monuments honoring both the North and the South are located in Cape Girardeau. Allow us to step back in time with you as you visit these historical sites.

     Due to the fact that it was the first high ground north of the Ohio River, Cape Girardeau was an important military post at the onset of the Civil War. General John C. Fremont, the Union commander in the Mississippi Valley who was headquartered in St. Louis, ordered the fortification of Cape Girardeau in order to resist assault by land and water. Following General Fremont’s orders, four forts were constructed in a semi-circle across the front of the village. This led to the belief that Cape Girardeau was one of the most fortified cities in the United States.

     Common Pleas Courthouse was completed in 1854, the Courthouse sits high atop a hill overlooking the historic downtown area. It has played a big part in our history, from Indian council meetings to the Civil War. Completed in 1854, its “dungeon” was used to jail Southern Sympathizers and perhaps Confederate soldiers. There are 59 steps up to the front door.

     On the west side of the Courthouse stand two memorials. One is a cast monument of a Union soldier who sits atop a fountain. The Women's Relief Corps presented this monument in 1911. The other monument, made from Georgia silver gray marble, was presented to the city in 1931 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

The Crisp Museum located in the Cultual Arts Center River Campus, 518 S. Fountain. Open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Weekends noon - 4:00 p.m. First Friday of each month 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information call 573-651-2260 or visit semo.edu/museum/