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Exhibits & Events
Current & Featured Exhibits
America 250 Exhibit
A special exhibit celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Haertling East Gallery – A Step Into the Past
Step into early Cape Girardeau history, where you’ll discover exhibits featuring the original fire department and police station, learn about Marie Watkins Oliver—designer of the Missouri State Flag in 1913—and explore early vehicles and artifacts from the city’s past.
The River Room
Explore Cape Girardeau’s roots as a Mississippi River landing and learn about river life, including stories of Captain William “Buck” Lyne.
Oscar G. Hirsch Memorial Gallery
Our primary showcase space featuring rotating exhibits focused on regional history.
Pierre-Louis de Lorimier (1748–1812)
Step back into the frontier world of French-Canadian trader, Pierre-Louis de Lorimier. In 1793, Lorimier, a Spanish commandant, established a trading post and small settlement along the Mississippi River. In 1797 he built his home and headquarters, the Red House, where in 1803 he welcomed Meriwether Lewis as the famed Lewis and Clark expedition traveled west. Lorimier's economic and personal success helped transform an early frontier trading area into the community that would become Cape Girardeau.
Upcoming events
To Come! Stay tuned and check back later.