Our Museums

The St. Joseph Museums Inc., began in 1927. In that year, the Natural Science Club of the St. Joseph Junior College, under the sponsorship of Miss Orrel Andrews, established the Children's Museum of St. Joseph. A board of directors composed of community leaders was formed to oversee the operation of the museum. William L. Goetz, president of the Goetz Brewing Company, was elected president of the board in 1927 and served in that position until his death in 1953. Miss Andrews served as director of the museum while continuing to teach at the St. Joseph Junior College. In 1939, the institution's name was changed from Children's Museum of St. Joseph to St. Joseph Museum.

In 1947, Mr. Goetz purchased the Harry L. George Native American collection and donated it to the museum in memory of his parents. Mr. Goetz donated money to the museum for the purchase of the Wyeth/Tootle Mansion at 1100 Charles. Additional money was raised in the community to make the former home suitable for housing the museum's collections. The museum opened its doors at this location (its 3rd) in 1947.

In 1972, the St. Joseph Museum was accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and reaccredited in 1983 and 1999. The museum's longstanding accreditation by the AAM certifies that the museum meets the currently accepted standards of the profession, makes the best use of its resources, and deserves the public's trust and support.

With the addition of The Black Archives of St. Joseph and the Glore Psychiatric Museum, as well as responsibility for Missouri Valley Trust exhibits, Mount Mora Cemetery Research, and the Wyeth/Tootle Mansion, the corporation is now known as The St. Joseph Museums Inc.