Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Opens Renovated Museum And Visitor Center
from National Parks Traveler
By NPT Staff - May 31st, 2021
An expanded museum and redesigned visitors center has opened at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield in Missouri after 18 months of renovations.
The $3.5 million project added roughly 1,800 square feet to the park's museum, and also redesigned the bookstore, information desk and bathrooms, added curatorial storage and employee workspaces, and installed a new HVAC system to ensure the long-term preservation of museum artifacts and visitor comfort.
“It is my honor to bring this project to a successful conclusion and welcome visitors, near and far, to once again learn more about this significant historical event and experience the new exhibits,” Wilson’s Creek Superintendent Sarah Cunningham said during Friday's opening celebration. “We could not have accomplished this substantial improvement to the visitor experience and protection of the collection without the strong partnership of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation, the work of many dedicated employees and volunteers, and the support of the National Park Foundation.
The renovation added approximately 1,800 square feet of museum exhibit space, which enables visitors to view the park’s extensive collection of Civil War artifacts. It features the original “Lyon bed,” where the body of Union General Nathaniel Lyon was laid after his death during the battle of Wilson’s Creek.
Visitors will also see new displays of the park’s impressive collection of edged weapons and firearms, including a rare Model 1860 Henry repeating rifle, recently donated to the park by the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation. The museum provides for several interactive and accessible audio-visual displays and virtual displays, making it possible for people to view historic weapons demonstrations and digitally view fragile artifacts and other items in storage.
All the renovations, including expansion of the museum, were kept within the existing footprint of the Visitor Center complex. The John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library also has reopened to the public.
“Our Foundation is pleased to have played a significant role in the completion of the visitor center renovation project by providing a portion of the funding, purchasing important artifacts, and contributing to the funding of state-of-the-art video interpretations," said Garin Ferguson, president of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation. "The new museum exhibits will enhance the experience of more than 200,000 visitors who come to Wilson’s Creek each year. We are confident that this project exemplifies our mission of preserving and protecting Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.”
Funding for the project included $500,000 from the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation that was matched with $500,000 in federal funding authorized and appropriated for the National Park Foundation under the National Park Service Centennial Act.