Free Museum Day Saturday across St. Joseph

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) --  A dozen museums across St. Joseph, and one in Savannah, will open their doors for free on Saturday as part of the community’s annual Free Museum Day.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at these locations: the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, Andrew County Museum, Mount Mora Cemetery, Pony Express Museum, Robidoux Row, and the Walter Cronkite Memorial.

Some sites will stay open until 5 p.m including: the Black Archives Museum, Doll Museum, Remington Nature Center, Glore Psychiatric Museum, and the St. Joseph Museum.

The goal is to make local history, culture and art more accessible to families, students and visitors.

"We want to make sure that we have access for everyone," said Sara Wilson, Executive Director of St. Joseph Museums, "I don't think that people always realize that we have people coming from across the world to visit us every single day and so it's important for us to showcase our history and culture here in St. Joseph and share that with everyone."

Wyeth-Tootle Mansion, which is part of St. Joseph Museums, hosted its own free day last weekend as a preview to the larger citywide event.

One museum patron shared what a privilege it was to see a family member featured on the museum’s walls.

"My great great great grandfather's in this museum and grandma," said Nejeila, St. Joseph citizen, "It makes me feel excited and proud and like I'm apart of history."

Free Museum Day has become a tradition in St. Joseph, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The day encourages residents to rediscover history in their own backyard.

Young museum patrons expressed their excitement about the variety of museums in town. Whenever they visit the Glore Psychiatric Museum, they can’t help but think of the woman who ate all the strange objects.

"It's disgusting!" said Akarah, Liliana, Havalynne, and Dawson, "Come to the museums!"