Our Story
The Historical Society of Lee's Summit & Museum strives to satisfy the curiosities of all who are interested in Lee's Summit's fascinating past. We owe a great debt to those before us that had the foresight to collect our rich history.
There were many starts and stops on the path to create a group to collect information on Lee’s Summit’s history throughout the years. Todd George established a Historical Society and in 1919 enlisted the help of the Boys Scouts to gather many portraits of old settlers and prominent citizens. In 1958 a Lee's Summit Historical Club was started at St. Paul’s Church and elected Mrs. Patrick Gaffney as chairman. In 1971 the Community Betterment Committee, part of the Chamber of Commerce, recommended a committee be formed to explore the feasibility of establishing a Historical Society. Talk of a museum was also started. It was not until 1973 when the committee was chaired by Margaret Langsford, Dortha Lund, and Dorothy Maddux did things progress. August 23, 1973 elections were held and May Howard, our town founder’s granddaughter-in-law, was elected as our first president. In 1974 we officially became a 501(c)3 organization. A long time dream came true when on October 4, 1991 we were able to open a one-room museum in the south end of the old 1905 train depot. The dream expanded when on April 22, 2015 the museum re-opened in the 1939 WPA Post Office. A gift shop and research room were also added.
The museum is self-funded through memberships in the Historical Society of Lee’s Summit and various fundraisers. It is supported by volunteers who provide tours, run the gift shop and conduct ongoing research. Visits to the museum are $5.00 per adult (children 13 and under are free). The museum is open to the public, and donations are appreciated.
